Lahore - M Shabbir Iqbal annexed the professional title in the UMA Chief of the Naval Staff Asian Tour Open Golf Championship 2018 (National Chapter) held at the Karachi Golf Club on Sunday.
According to information made available here on Sunday, the prize distribution ceremony was graced by Vice Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Kaleem Shaukat as chief guest. Later, he awarded prize money of Rs 5 million among the winners of different categories. Shabbir Iqbal displayed quality golfing skills throughout the championship, thus succeeded in earning hefty prize money and a glittering trophy. Ashiq Hussain won the amateur gross category while Aania Farooq emerged winner in the ladies gross category. Ansar Mehmood won Suzuki Ciaz Car for hitting hole-in-one. Rs 0.5 million were awarded for the match of KGC professionals/caddies preceding the main event.
The golf event attracted more than 600 golfers from across the nation and featured the cream of national golf, in all categories. The four-day long championship was held from September 27 to 30 and the event was open to various categories including senior and junior professionals and KGC professionals/ caddies.
The 18-hole matches were played for senior amateurs and ladies each while 9 holes for veterans and 72 holes each for professionals and amateurs. The upcoming UMA CNS Asian Tour Open Golf Championship 2018 will be held from October 10 to 14 at the same venue and will herald the return of international golf to Pakistan after a gap of 11 years.
The participants thanked the organisers and sponsors of the championship particularly Pakistan Navy for providing excellent golfing opportunity to the golf enthusiasts and also paid special gratitude for their support to promote golf in the country.
Pakistan Navy has always been cognizant of promoting sports at inter-services, national and international levels. In this connection, the conduct of such championships marked yet another opportunity for the spirited golfers to demonstrate their skills and craft for promotion of golf in the country.