KARACHI - ANISUDDIN KHAN-  In one of the best golf seen after a long time at Karachi Golf Club (KGC) M Munir of Islamabad fired six-under par-66 in the third and final round to play a gross 204 to clinch inaugural Bank Al Habib Rashid D Habib Open Golf title here on Thursday.
On the final day, Munir who was lying second a stroke behind leader Shabbir Iqbal, played a bogey free round sinking five birdies to pip the favourite opponent to win winning purse of 1, 43,300. Shabbir played well in the final round to return four-under 68 but that was not enough to retain his top perch and finished fifth with gross of 205 for the runners up position. He pocketed Rs 98, 420 as prize money. Nadeem Inayat logged five-under 67 to finish third with 210 and won Rs 56, 002. M Safdar took fourth place with 210 and a prize purse of Rs 56,002.
In the senior professional category Ghulam Nabi with gross 147 total won Rs 23, 228 purse. A stroke behind the winner in the second place was Abdul Hameed who earned Rs 18, 810. The weather was windy and warm during the day. Excellent course with good fairways and good greens increased the golfers’ enjoyment.
Lieutenant Commander Irfan Rasheed, Honorary secretary KGC Karsaz said: “I would like to appreciate the cooperation of Bank Al Habib in promotion of Golf in Pakistan. Golf is an expensive game and accessible to limited segments in our country. I am also thankful to Sindh Golf Association and Pakistan Golf Federation for introducing programmes for encouraging new talent.”
President Sindh Golf Association Aslam Raza Khan, KGC vice president Munsif Raza and CEO and managing director of Bank Al Habib Abbas D Habib distributed trophies and cash prizes among the winners.
To encourage their participation, Bank Al Habib has also paid the top 5 rated professionals in the country Rs 50,000 each including Shabbir Iqbal, Matloob Ahmad, M Munir, Shahid Javed Khan and M Tariq.
Abbas, in his very brief speech, appreciated the role of Karachi Golf Club and Sindh Golf Association in promoting golf in Pakistan. He also congratulated the winners and encouraged them.