Shabbir Iqbal bags All Pakistan Defence Housing Authority Golf title
Pakistan’s number one ranked professional golfer, Shabbir Iqbal, started of the season with his first victory in 2011. He won the All Pakistan Defence Housing Authority (DHA) Open golf championship by a margin of two strokes. He played exceedingly well throughout the tournament and his shot making was commendable. The tournament was held at the picturesque par-72 Defence Authority Golf Club over three days.
Shabbir, who plays for Pakistan Navy, carded four under par 68 in the final round to secure the win with a three day total aggregate of 211. He held his nerves on the final day to curb the challenge put by Shahid Javed and Shafeeq Maseeh. His nearest competitors were Shahid Javed Khan of Royal Palm and Shafeeq Maseeh of Lahore Gymkhana. Both these players were tied for the second slot. Shabeer made some mistakes on the final day and had a few birdies but in the end managed to put up a great show.
Shahid Javed put in a spirited effort on the final day to catch up with the leader. Shahid had some ups and downs throughout his round but in the end was content with the second spot. Shafeeq Maseeh, who has made a fantastic come back after taking a long break from golf, has shown his abilities on the field. He had a total three day aggregate of three under par 213. Shafeeq in his interview said that he is working on his short game and is hoping to put up a brilliant show in the domestic circuit.
Javed Inayat of Karachi Golf Club, has recently qualified for the Asian Development Tour. He played his first tournament in Bangladesh where his performance was above par. Inayat is one of the most experienced golfers in Pakistan and has also represented Pakistan on the Asian circuit. He was tied for the fourth spot with Imran Ali Khan of DHA Karachi.
Shabbir Iqbal went home with the lucrative prize money of Rs. Rs.156,465 and Lahore Gymkhana’s Shafeeq Maseeh and Shahid Javed Khan of Royal Palm bagged prize money of Rs. 83,557. Javed Inayat and Imran Ali Khan tied for the fourth place and collected Rs. 44,556.
In the amateur category, the competition was fierce. It was expected that local lad, Waseem Rana, would put up a great show but it was Muhammad Rehman, a former national team member who belongs to the Royal Palm Golf Club played some great golf throughout the tournament. Muhammad Rehman came ahead in total aggregate score with 225. Waseem Rana lost by a small margin of one score and his total aggregate score was 226. Sajid Khan of Arabian Sea Country Club captured the third spot. In the Net section, Sameer Merchant of DHA was the winner followed by Omair Javed who was second. Zohaib Asif was third in this section.
In the end the Governor of Sindh, Dr. Isharat-ul-Ibad, gave away prizes to winners and promised in his speech that the prize money for the upcoming events would be increased. He also commended the support laid down by the sponsors. The Secretary of Defence Golf Club, Brig. Retd. Hasan, was also present at the prize distribution ceremony and was satisfied with the performance of the ground’s staff.
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