Intense battles expected in SGA Cup

KARACHI: It’s getting bigger and better. This year’s Sindh Golf Association (SGA) Cup tournament which teed off on Friday here at the Defence Authority Country and Golf Club (DACGC) is featuring over 180 players in various categories.

And it’s not just about quantity. The level of competition is expected to be high when the top amateurs, seniors and juniors of the province will battle it out for top honours starting Saturday (today).

While the veterans played their nine-hole contest on Friday, the business end of the three-day tournament hosted by the SGA will get underway from today.

The SGA Cup, which was formerly known as the Governor’s Cup, is the third major event organised by the SGA. The tournament was renamed seven years ago as the SGA didn’t receive any patronage from the Sindh Governor or the provincial government.

“This is the seventh year running that we are having this tournament at the DACGC which is the permanent venue of this event. Each year, the tournament is generating more interest. We learn from our experience and try to make it better,” said Asad I.A Khan, President SGA.

A good number of entries have been received for the tournament. The field includes 72 amateurs, 48 seniors, 24 Under-16 boys, 12 Under-18 boys and 16 ladies.

“Getting 24 entries for under-16 boys is a very encouraging sign,” said Asad, who has been making efforts to improve the standard of golf at the junior level.

The juniors (under-16s and under-18s) will play 18 holes on Saturday while the ladies will also feature in an 18-hole contest on the same day. The amateurs and seniors will play 36 holes apiece on Saturday and Sunday.

The 18-hole course at the picture-perfect DACGC is playing well though the participants are expected to find the conditions challenging because of the wind factor.

“Col Zahid Iqbal, the DACGC Captain, has worked hard towards the holding of the tournament,” said Asad.

The title clash in the amateurs’ category is expected to be a four-way battle featuring defending champion Zohaib Asif, Waseem Rana, Sajid Khan and M Sharif. Other notable aspirants include the young Owais Intisar. Missing in action will be Ali Hai, the former national champion, who has opted to play a bridge event instead of the SGA Cup to the utter disappointment of the SGA President. A number of young caddie boys, who have been given amateur status, will also take part in the event.

Last year, Zohaib won in nail-biting finish against Waseem Rana on the last hole.

The seniors’ category is expected to witness an even more intense competition with a battle-hardened field spearheaded by Sohail Rana, Omar Bangash, Asad I.A Khan, Brig Ayaz Peer, Col Zahid Iqbal and Pervez Ansari etc.