Shabbir lifts JA Zaman Open Golf trophy for record 6th time

LAHORE: Shabbir Iqbal once again stamped his authority to annex the JA Zaman Memorial Open Golf Championship trophy for the record 6th time here at the Lahore Gymkhana Golf Course on Monday.

In the men’s professional category Shabbir with three-day aggregate score of 274 remained on the top. It was a truly iconic moment to see the golfing legend lift the trophy once again amidst loud applause. Following him closely was Muhammad Ashfaq who won the 2nd place at 277 and joint 3rd place was held by Muhammad Minhaj and Matloob Ahmad, both at 278.

The Amateurs added to the excitement, with Wazir Ali Khan claiming 1st net with a score of 141. Abdullah Farooqi finished closely behind in 2nd net, also with a score of 141, while Ghulam Qadir finished 3rd net with the same score of 141.

In the gross category, Qasim Ali Khan took 1st gross with an impressive score of 143, followed by Irtaza Hussain at 145 and Hussain Hamid also at 145.

The ladies competition showcased exceptional talent as well. Affifa Yawar took home the 3rd net (238), while Saqiba Batool was just ahead in 2nd net at 230. The top honors in ladies net went to Bushra Fatima, who matched the score of 230 but earned the 1st position due to a better tiebreaker. In the gross scores, Parkha Ijaz captured 1st gross at 234, followed by Dr. Aania Farooq Syed and Ana James Gill in 2nd and 3rd gross with scores of 247 and 262, respectively.

The Junior categories, run under the Ace Junior Golf League (AJGL), witnessed incredible performances from the future stars of Pakistan golf. In the girls categories, Haman Irfan won the elite category, Aliha Amjad topped the albatross category, Noor Bano Ch claimed the eagle category and Noor Farid Rao won the birdie category. Among the boys, Yahya Ahsan clinched the elite title, Rayyan Faraz won albatross category, Barik Ayub earned eagle title and Shahzain Iftikhar was the winner of the birdie category.

The senior professionals category saw Muhammad Tariq securing 1st place, scoring an impressive 142. Joint 3rd positions were held by M Naseer, Tahir Naseem, and M Akram, all tied at 146. In the seniors amateur category, Gen Azhar Naveed Hayat achieved 3rd net at 148, followed by Mr. Ahsan Ghias in 2nd net at 146, and Tariq Usman claiming 1st net with a score of 142. In terms of gross scores, Mr. Ahmad Zafar Hayat won 1st gross with a score of 150, while Brig. Masood Qureshi and Sardar Murad Khan placed 2nd and 3rd gross with scores of 156 and 158, respectively.

The prize distribution ceremony was graced by the entire Zaman family, led by Hamid Zaman and his sons, celebrating the legacy of the late JA Zaman, a true golf lover and single handicapper whose passion for the game lives on through this championship.