KARACHI, Jan 3: The revival of Asian Tour Pakistan Open after almost a decade was the silver-lining of golf calendar in the year that has just gone by.
Pakistan Golf Federation (PGF), the game’s controlling body in the country, deserve praise for once again bringing the nation on Asian circuit as the event serves as a spring board for the hosts to raise their level.
Though England’s Chris Rodgers landed his maiden crown at the same time, a couple of Pakistani golfers caught the eye with their brilliance. Country’s top golfer Muhammad Munir finished joint 4th on the leader board – his career best - with Frankie Minoza (Philippines) and Iain Steel (Malaysia).
Three more Pakistanis – Shabbir Iqbal, Imdad Hussain and Matloob Ahmed – finished joint 11th. In all, there were 13 Pakistani golfers who were among top 65 after the cut.
The PGF got another breakthrough when Royal and Ancient (R & A), the world governing body of golf, pledged annual grant of 10,000 pounds sterling for three years as a step to create a base of golf teachers in the country.
The R & A representatives – Dr. Donado and Piero Sabellico conducted lessons of ‘How to Teach Golf’ at Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi. The PGF plans to set up a golf academy at Islamabad. To be designed by APGA official Douglas White, a US architect, it will be the first public course in the country when complete.
“Golf took a big leap in the recent years and one such example is that the domestic tournaments have become more lucrative then before,” says PGF secretary, Taimur Hassan.
He says: “approximately Rs25 million are doled out to players in 36 tournaments including Asian Tour during the year.”
However, he is perturbed that the pipeline was getting dry as there’s no pool of players.
Pakistan featured in World Amateur team championship at Cape Town, South Africa, Doha Asian Games and world military golf, CISM. Later in the year Pakistan beat Sri Lanka to win Jayewardene Trophy held at Islamabad.
Meanwhile, Munir of Islamabad Golf Club maintained his ascendancy in the national ranking (pros).
Following are the top 10 professionals.
Mohammad Munir, Mohammad Shabbir, Mohammad Siddique, Imdad Hussain, Ansar Mahmood, Matloob Ahmed, Abbas Ali, Sajjad Khan and Shahid Javed Khan.