Pakistan’s top golf stars to feature in Chevron-DHA Open

KARACHI: Pakistan’s top professional Shabbir Iqbal will look to defend his title as national golfing action will return to Karachi with the Chevron-DHA DHA Karachi Cup All Pakistan Open Golf to be held here at the picturesque Defence Authority Country and Golf Club later this week.

Shabbir, the reigning Pakistan No. 1, and most of the other top-ranked national professionals will be taking part in the Rs1.8 million Chevron-DHA Open. The championship is counted among the most prestigious events on the national golf calendar.

Over 200 golfers will be participating in the tournament in which the main contests will feature professionals, amateurs, senior professionals and junior professionals. Other events to be contested during the tournament include seniors, veterans, ladies, juniors and masters.

Giving details of the event, Brig Tariq Rafique, Secretary DACGC, said that most of the leading professionals and amateurs of the country have already confirmed their participation in the tournament. He added that DACGC will leave no stone unturned in its efforts to the host it in a befitting manner and make it a resounding success.

At a press conference held at the DACGC on Monday, Brig Tariq said that the championship will begin on Pakistan day with a host of subsidiary events followed by a three-day open championship featuring top professionals and amateurs from all over the country.

Brig Tariq said that most lucrative prize in the event will be a brand new Toyota Corolla which will go to the golfer who makes the first hole-in-one during the championship.

Muhammad Najam Shamsuddin, Country Chairman & Area Business Manager, Chevron Pakistan Lubricants (Private) Limited, reiterated his company’s commitment towards the promotion of sports in Pakistan. “Chevron Pakistan Lubricants firmly believes in a secure, long-term future in Pakistan and aims to continue investment and provide world-class products and services to its esteemed customers in Pakistan. We have a legacy of more than 75 years of service in this region, and are committed to sustain and grow in the Pakistani markets. We will also continue supporting sports events and activities like the Chevron–DHA Karachi Cup All Pakistan Open Golf Championship,” he said.

Najam added that his company has a close association with golf in Pakistan, which it would like to continue in the coming years.

Col Zahid Iqbal, the Club Captain, said that the DACGC course was in pristine condition and was ready to host the prestigious championship.