Golfing festival begins as UMA-CNS Open tees off

KARACHI: The much-awaited golfing festival began on Wednesday when the UMA Chief of Naval Staff Open Golf Championship was declared open here at the Karachi Golf Club.

The local leg of the UMA-CNS Open which will culminate with the Asian Tour Championship at KGC next month tees off on Thursday with the country’s best players locking horns for a prize basket of Rs5 million. The four-day local tournament of the UMA-CNS Open would be played over 72 holes.

The second event is UMA-CNS Open Asian Tour Open Golf Championship which will be played from October 11-14. The event will be preceded by a star-studded Pro-Am match to be held on October 10 at KGC. Leading Asian Tour stars will take part in the event.

This was announced by Patron PN Golf Commodore Mushtaq Ahmed before the opening ceremony of the championship held on Wednesday at KGC. Commandant PNS Jauhar Rear Admiral Adnan Khaliq , Mr. Sohail Shams, Chief Executive UMA and other sponsors were also present on the occasion.

Leading professionals from all over Pakistan would battle it out for the lion’s share of the Rs5 million prize purse in the October 27-30 championship. The other events to be contested during the championship include KGC caddies/semi Professionals, Senior Professionals, Junior Professional, Amateurs, Seniors, Veterans, Ladies and Juniors categories.

In addition prize for Hole-in-One includes Suzuki Ciaz Car as 1st Hole-in-One and Golf set as 2nd Hole-in-One.Commodore Mushtaq underlined Pakistan Navy’s contributions towards the promotion of sports in Pakistan.

In addition to the primary responsibility of safeguarding maritime frontiers of the country, Pakistan Navy has always played an effective role in social welfare, health and education. Other than these vital roles Pakistan Navy also has the credit of being supportive to augment different sports in Pakistan. Pakistan Navy has played a significant role in promoting sports at organizational, Inter services, national and international levels especially in the field of Sailing, Rowing, Shooting, Squash, Hockey, Cricket and Golf.

Sohail Shams, CEO UMA, stressed that the UMA-CNS Open has grown into Pakistan’s most prestigious golfing event.“I can confidently say that UMA is actively raising the quality of golf and offering opportunities to all players. Our task is to make it possible regardless of race, creed or circumstances to achieve their full potential and to provide platform to refine their skills.

“I must say that UMA CNS Open is undeniably the most awaited event on the calendar of Pakistan Golf Federation and is indeed the biggest ground for the golfers to exhibit their game.“This year, I am proud to state that it has been ten years in a row for UMA to participate as lead sponsor of this magnificent and exciting golf tournament.

“I cannot forget to praise all the efforts of Pakistan Navy, who has always been alongside in this long haul and hard way. Pakistan Navy is patronizing the tournament since its inception and I can never be thankful enough to you as it wouldn’t be possible without your constant support. UMA and Pakistan Navy has worked all these years in collaboration to provide such tournaments to the golfers in Pakistan. And the efforts need no introduction, the results speak for themselves.”