At the end of the second day in the four rounds 61st National Amateur Golf Championship 2021 in progress at the PAF managed Peshawar Golf Course, the youngster in the forefront is Nouman Ilyas of Lahore Garrison with a noteworthy score of gross 142. The two under par for two rounds and this performance endows him the top position on the leader board leaving the overnight leader M. Shoaib, five strokes behind.
In the second round on Friday, Nouman was steadfast, unwavering and intense in his pursuit of a commendable score that would fetch him a respectable and virtuous position in the championship. And he succeeded in this quest by applying his golf playing skills in an admirable manner, hitting accurately, placing his approach shots to perfection and never faltering on the 18 greens. His second round score was again a gross 71, one under par and that added to his first round 71 gave him an aggregate score of 142, two under par. As a player of merit this barely known golf playing amateur suddenly finds himself in the spotlight bringing considerable joy to his family and his supporters at Lahore Garrison Greens Golf Course.
As for the overnight leader M. Shoaib the magical touch of the first round was missing yesterday and nerves hit him on the second hole of the second round and the suppressing element of timidity blemished his progression as he encountered a triple bogie on this hole. Thereafter he did exert to recover but the redemption was not too advantageous. His score of gross 78 plus first round wonderful score of 69 gives him a two rounds aggregate of 147 and though he occupies the second position on the leaderboard, trailing the leader Nouman Ilyas by five strokes. The resolve to do well is still there and this has to backed by purpose filled effort in the remaining two rounds.
Salman Jehangir and Saim Shazli are placed at the aggregate score of 149 after disappointing rounds on Friday. Omar Khalid the defending champion is placed fifth with two rounds scores of 74 and 76 and a total of 150. Also at 150 is Qasim Ali Khan and still seeking a turn around for the better. Hamza Khattak lies seventh at 151 followed by Hamza Khan and Laraib ur Rehman at 152.
The cut was applied at the end of second round and only 31 aspirants compete over the remaining two rounds.
Ladies completed their first round yesterday and the leader in ladies category is Humna Amjad with an impressive score of gross 74. Parkha Ijaz is at 76, Rimsha Ijaz at 77 Aania Farooq at 82.
The Inter Association Team Match concluded yesterday and the Sind Team comprising of Saim Shazli, Hamza Khan, Omer Khalid and Yashal Shah emerged victorious with a team score of 449. Punjab Team was runners up with a team score of 453.
In race for honors amongst senior amateurs, Col Waqar Ahmed is leading with a gross score of 75. In second position is Tariq Mehmood at a score of 77 and third is M.Amer Ali at 80..
As for the Inter association seniors match, the Punjab Team consisting of Tariq Mehmood, Asif Mehdi, Col. M. Shafi and Shafiq Bhatti is leading with a team score of 242.
