Sports Reporter
Karachi: Karachi Golf Club (KGC) is set to host one of Pakistan’s premier golfing events this week as the 15th Bank AL Habib Rashid D. Habib Memorial National Professional Golf Tournament gets underway on Thursday, January 29.
More than 100 of the country’s leading professional golfers are expected to compete, with defending champion Ahmed Baig of the Pakistan Air Force returning to defend his title. The four-day championship will conclude on Sunday, February 1.
Baig claimed last year’s title with a commanding performance, finishing at 273 (-15). He was followed closely by Muhammad Zubair of KGC, who secured second place at 275 (-13), setting the stage for another closely contested tournament.
The build-up to the national championship began earlier this week with the 25th Rashid D. Habib Memorial Tournament for local KGC professionals, senior professionals and caddies, held on January 26 and 27. Organisers said the event continues to play a key role in promoting competitive golf and recognising grassroots contributors to the sport.
Adding to this year’s programme, the Bank AL Habib Pro-Am Golf Tournament is being held for the second time, pairing professional players with amateur golfers to encourage talent development and broaden participation in the game.
Incentives have also been announced for exceptional performances. Golfers recording a hole-in-one will be awarded major prizes, including a Toyota Altis in the national category and a Suzuki Alto in the local KGC category.
The closing ceremony and prize distribution will be held on February 1, marking the conclusion of what organisers describe as one of the most competitive professional golf events of the season.
