LAHORE: The Professional Golf stars of Pakistan charged off in this four days, 72 holes golf classic after Hamid Zaman Head of J.A. Zaman Family hit the opening shot to initiate action in the Professionals Category.
The grand event, that is in progress at the Lahore Gymkhana Golf Course, started in excellent weather and impressive playing conditions. All through the first eighteen holes, Salman played like a premier and illustrious golfer and hit his tee shots on all the par four and par fives to perfection. While he attained a distance of 300 yards plus through every hit, the fairways approach shots were equally on target and enabled him to compile a sparkling and lustrous score of gross 68, four under par. His round of the day was bogie free and the flamboyant birdies came on holes 4, 8, 10 and 17 while fourteen holes were regulation pars. And what needs to be added here that on the par three, fourth hole which represents the hole for hole in one, his shot was absolutely on target but he missed the ultimate prize by an inch and half.
“It has been an unforgettable round for me ” said, Salman Akhtar and “I hope to continue playing well in the days to come. Gymkhana is my home course and I seek a splendid performance here and hope to bring cheers to the family of J.A. Zaman who continue to carry the legacy of the great icon’.
As for the other 99 competing professional aspirants, the established one who stood out was Matloob Ahmed of Lahore Garrison. He came up with a commendable round of gross 70, two under par and is placed two strokes behind the leader, Salman Akhter. Other accomplished champions in line for honors and lucrative cash prizes are Jafal Hussain (Gymkhana) at a score of gross 71, followed closely by Muhammed Shabbir, the number one ranked player at a score of gross 72. Also at 72 is Asher Masih (Gymkhana).
The amateur golfers of recognition enter the contest from Friday.
