KARACHI: The Pakistan Golf Federation (PGF) has started investing in the youth which is evident from the revival of junior pros qualifying school trials and holding junior amateur trials including ladies to determine their annual ranking.

A large number of budding golfers from across the country have arrived here and vying for honours in the various age categories in the 54-hole competition.

The junior pros qualifying school trials topped the list of participants as 37 golfers teed-off in the first round on Tuesday morning.

Eman Masih of Airmen Golf Club leads the pack of golfers as he carded three over 75 in the first round.

On his heels a shot away at four over 76 is Aakash Bashir of Lahore Garrison Golf Club. There is a two-way tie for the third place at 77, five over, between Kashif Masih (LGGC) and M. Insaf (Multan).

Talented Ali Mehmood of DHA shot a par round to seize a three shots lead over KGC’s Junaid Irfan in the opening rund of 14 to 18 years catgory in which 19 golfers are competing.

M. Arsalan hogged limelight in the 19 to 21 category with a gross score of par 72. He is followed by Vivek Anand of the DHA at one over 73. It may be mentioned that Anand scored a Hole-in-One in the 22nd CNS Open Golf Championship at Karachi Golf Club last year and was awarded Toyotta Fortuner for his feat.

Promising Aania Farooq lived up to her reputation while leading the participants in ladies category. She shot a par round on the opening day. She is followed by Rimsha Ijaz at 75.

The PGF secretary retired Brig Ijaz Ahad Khan, PGF manager Salman Abbasi are here to oversee the event.

The Sindh Golf Association (SGA) headed by Asad I A Khan with retired Col Zahid Iqbal as secretary, have extended their support to PGF in the noble cause.

The event concludes on Thursday.

Results:

First round (14 to 18 years):

72 — Ali Mehmood (DHA)

75 — Junaid Irfan (KGC)

First round (19 to 21 years):

72 — M. Arsalan

73 – Vivek Anand (DHA)

First round under-14 years:

72 — Syed Yashal Shah (KGC)

75 – Abdullah Arif (DHA)

Ladies:

72 — Aania Farooq (AGC)

75 — Rimsha Ijaz (Raya)

First round junior pros Q School

75 — Eman Masih (AGC)

76 — Aakash Bashir (LGGC)

77 — Kashif Masih (KGGC), M. Insaf (Multan).

Published in Dawn, July 4th, 2018