38th CAS Open Golf C’ship ’19: Shabbir Wins & Writes History
KARACHI: Pakistan’s leading golfer Shabbir Iqbal proved unchallenged victor in the 38th CAS Open Golf Championship when he wrote history by carding 16 under 272 to clinch the title.
The Championship featured over 350 golfers, including 108 professionals from all over the country. Chief of the Air Staff Open Golf Championship was introduced in 1977 and ever since has been a regular feature in PGF and PAF annual sports calendars.
The ace golfer started his fourth round’s play with 14 under at the tranquil Airmen Golf Course, PAF Base Korangi Creek, Karachi. The bogey on the second hole could not dent his composure on a pleasant sunny day as he scored three birdies on 4th, 7th & 18th hole, making his total 16 under 272. This awe inspiring play gave him an unassailable lead of 12 strokes over his nearest contender, Muhammad Munir who finished second with 4 under par 284. Muhammad Ashfaq and Hamza Amin Shared the third spot with 1 under 287.
Shabbir Iqbal was awarded the coveted trophy for winning the professionals category. Meanwhile, in Senior Professionals Category, Muhammad Akram won the title with gross score of 143 (01 under par), leaving behind Imdad Hussain, who secured second position with gross score of 145 (01 over par). The Junior Professionals title was clinched by Syed Bilal, who scored 150 (06 over par), while Bilal Khan got the second position with gross score of 151 (07 over par).
In the Amateur event Taimoor Khan remained on top in gross category with gross score of 2 under 214. Muhammad Saqib finished second with gross score of 225, while Aashiq Hussain, with gross score of 227 remained third. In the net category Muhammad Sharif was first with net score of 212, while Sajid Khan got the second slot with net score of 217. The third place in the net category was won by Arsalan Hussain who carded 219 on the score board.
In the ladies gross category, Aania Farooq won the first prize with 165 gross, while Daniyah Syed with 181 and Amna Amjad with 197 gross got the 2nd and 3rd prize. Meanwhile in the ladies net category, Abiha Syed (146 Net) was awarded the first prize, followed by Tabassum Sharif (159 Net) and Sana Tahir Javed (177 Net), who remained 2nd and 3rd respectively.
In the gross category of AGC Members, Omer Intesar (79 gross) got the first prize, while Abdullah Arif (85 gross) and Sqn Ldr Mansoor (87 gross) got 2nd and 3rd position respectively. Whereas, in the net category of the Club members, Ghulam Murtaza (72 Net) got the first prize, followed by Muhammad Arsalan (75 Net) and Muhammad Javed (76 Net) on 2nd and 3rd.
The Chief Guest also handed over the key of brand new Suzuki Swift Car to Air Marshal (Retd) Farhat Hussain for scoring ‘Hole in One’ on the 2nd hole (Par 3).
The Prize distribution ceremony of the biggest prize money event in the country was held later in the day. Air Marshal Aasim Zaheer, Vice Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force graced the occasion as Chief Guest. He distributed prizes and trophies among the winners of various categories.
Speaking at the occasion, the Chief Guest appreciated the management committee and officials of Airmen Golf Course for making this event a huge success. He further said that Pakistan Air Force would continue promoting golf in the country along with squash and winter sports. He added that PAF would also establish a training academy for the young golfers at Airmen Golf Club, Korangi Creek to give them proper training facilities.
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