At the end of the first round of this three rounds, the Royal Palm team comprising Hussain Hamid, Ahmed Zafar Hayat, and Shahid Abbas demonstrated their technical capabilities and assertive intent by managing to get a hold on the frontrunners position with an impressive team score of 236. This was made possible with some authoritative play by Ahmed Zafar Hayat (gross 74), some ardent play by Hussain Hamid (gross 81) and a steady contribution of gross 81 by Shahid Abbas.
Another team that looks equally well poised is Karachi Golf Club Team team who also aggregated a team score similar to that achieved by Royal Palm, made possible by an impressive 76 by 18 years old Omar Khalid, gross 79 by Yashal Shah and gross 81 by Hamza Shikoh Khan.
The Defence Raya Golf Team comprising Hafiz Awais (gross 76), Umair Butt (gross 81) and Daniyal Lashari (gross 80) are placed at a team score of 237 followed by Lahore Gymkhana A Team at 240 and Gymkhana B Team at 242. Other teams are way behind.
Together with the team event is the competition for individual gross and in this section Ahmed Zafar Hayat a leading amateur golf player of Pakistan showed his class and played inspired golf for a round of two over par 74, to become listed as the leader in gross section and, in particular his regulation pars on 15 holes reflected streaks of brilliance. “I know”, he said, “I have to play well to remain ahead, there are other capable ones in the field and I have to show the edge that I have” said Ahmed Zafar. Just one stroke behind is Nauman Ilyas of Lahore Garrison who reflected champion like form and attributed his remarkable performance to continuous moral support by his coach Brig (r) R. Bajwa.
Over the next two rounds these two seasoned ones are likely to be challenged by four very talented youngsters, Hafiz Uwais of Defence Raya, Nauman Asgher and M. Arsalan of Lahore Gymkhana and the masterly one from Karachi, Omer Khalid. All these four aspirants are placed at a comparable score of gross 76. Another contender who managed to surprise all is Dr Aleem ur Rehman a proficient Dentist who has been away from the golf scene because of his medical practice but yesterday he proved that he is back with passionate intent and seeks to win honors in this prestigious championship. He is placed at a score of gross 77. In the challenge shield net event which is due to conclude after two rounds today, the best ones after the first 18 holes are Ahmed Zafar Hayat and Nauman Asghar at a net score of 71, one under par.
