Golf is more than just a sport - it’s a transformative journey that instills patience, discipline, and strategic thinking. Nowhere is this more evident than in junior golf, where young players develop skills and a mindset that often define their future in the game. Investing in junior golf is not just about producing elite athletes; it nurtures sportsmanship, resilience, and a lifelong love for the sport.

Globally, junior golf programmes have played a vital role in developing top-tier talent. The American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) and Drive, Chip & Putt Championship in the U.S., along with the Golf Foundation’s Junior Golf Passport and England Golf’s Talent Pathway in the U.K., provide structured coaching from grassroots levels to elite performance. Thailand, too, has emerged as a powerhouse in junior golf, with the Thailand Junior Golf Federation (TJGF) and the Singha Junior Golf Ranking creating a highly competitive culture that has propelled young Thai golfers onto the international stage.

AJGL: A Game-Changer for Junior Golf in Pakistan

In response to this global shift, the Ace Junior Golf League (AJGL) was launched under the visionary leadership of Dr. Asma Afzal Shami, providing a structured pathway for young Pakistani golfers. Designed by Munazza Shaheen, AJGL follows internationally recognized formats, offering gross competitions where juniors compete in age-appropriate yardages aligned with global standards.

Beyond competition, AJGL prioritizes structured coaching, high-level tournaments, and comprehensive player development. The league’s rapid expansion is a testament to its success-within just a few months of its launch, over 200 juniors had registered. Today, more than 350 young golfers across Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and Peshawar have access to competitive play, ensuring a promising future for Pakistan’s golf scene.

AJGL’s significance was prominently showcased in the 4th Ghazala Ansari Ladies Open Golf Championship, where junior players took center stage. The event witnessed a record turnout, with 82 golfers registering and 78 competing across various categories, including professionals, amateurs, seniors, and juniors from AJGL. A remarkable highlight was the participation of 14 senior female golfers, who, with good humor, opted to be called “young seniors.” Their involvement underscores the increasing enthusiasm and inclusivity in women’s golf.

Honoring Ghazala Ansari: A Legacy of
Inspiration

The championship pays tribute to Ghazala Ansari, Pakistan’s most celebrated female golfer. Reflecting on her legacy, Dr. Asma Shami stated: “Ghazala Ansari’s remarkable feat as Pakistan’s first female golfer to achieve a handicap of 1, and her six national championship titles remain unmatched. It is our collective responsibility to ensure the accomplishments of trailblazing icons do not fade into obscurity.”

A significant milestone in this year’s championship was the introduction of the “Lady Pros” category, a progressive initiative by the Pakistan Golf Federation (PGF), allowing five female golfers to compete professionally-an encouraging step toward greater recognition for women in the sport.

The WAGR Open Amateur category, where players compete for World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) points, showcased AJGL’s impact, with every competitor in this division having honed their skills through the league. Among the standout names were Parkha Ijaz, Rimsha Ijaz, Zarish Irfan, Rimsha Irfan, Humna Irfan, and Zoey Qureshi, all of whom have risen through AJGL’s ranks.

AJGL’s Rising Stars: Shaping the Next Generation

AJGL’s influence was further reflected in the junior categories, where all nine prize winners were AJGL members. Standout performers included:

Category A: Noor Bano Chaudhary, Maria Waqar, Mahnoor Syed, Fariah Amin, and Zaina Zeeshan

Category B: Ayra Athar Khan, Noor Farid Rao, and Ababia Waqar

Several young golfers stood out with exceptional performances: Sara Amin, who started her golf journey at just six years old, has developed into a formidable competitor. Her dedication paid off in the Nick Faldo Junior Series at Rumanza, where she delivered a stunning 12-under performance, missing the title by just one stroke.

Zerish Irfan made a sensational debut at the 4th Ghazala Ansari Championship, clinching the 1st Net Trophy with an extraordinary 30-under-par performance. Her younger sisters also excelled, securing 2nd and 3rd Net titles, making it a remarkable family triumph.

Aliha Amjad displayed composure and skill, winning the 1st Net title after shooting 1-under on day one and 2-under on day two. Zayd Omer, a rising talent, has secured five prizes in various club events and impressed in the Nick Faldo Series, demonstrating significant progress since joining AJGL.

Parents of these young golfers have been vocal about AJGL’s transformative impact. Zayd Omer’s father shared: “Before AJGL, golf was just a pastime for Zayd, but now, it has become his passion. He practices daily with a clear goal-to become a great golfer. AJGL has given him the platform to chase that dream.”

Women Leading the
Way in Organising and Expanding Golf

A defining feature of the championship is that it is entirely organized and run by women. Key figures include Tournament Director Bela Azam, Chief Referee Munazza Shaheen, and dedicated organizers Mamoona Azam, Rahina Ehtisham, Aisha Hamid, Aisha Moazzam, Shabana Waheed, Shahnaz Moeen, Iffat Zahra, and journalist Babra Amin.

Similarly, the AJGL organizational committee, led by Dr. Asma Shami, consists of Munazza Shaheen, Iffat Zahra, Munazza Azhar, Dr. Ghazala Shams, Nida Haq, and Madiha Nafees, who coordinate and organize monthly junior tournaments across Pakistan.

Taking Pakistani Women’s Golf to the Global Stage

Building on this momentum, Dr. Shami announced a groundbreaking step-the 5th Ghazala Ansari Ladies Golf Open Championship will go international. This milestone will enable AJGL players to compete in international junior championships, further elevating Pakistan’s presence on the global golf stage.

During the event’s closing ceremony, Mr. Salman Siddique, Chairman of Gymkhana Golf Club, praised the initiative: “Dr. Shami, what you and your team are doing for women’s golf is not just about the sport-it is about empowerment, equal rights, and fostering a culture of opportunity. The spirit of this championship transcends beyond golf.”

Highlighting this dedication, he commended Shehzil Farid, a mother who drove from Peshawar to Lahore to ensure her daughters could compete-an inspiring testament to the passion and inclusivity growing in Pakistan’s golf scene.

A Bright Future for
Pakistani Junior Golf

With its structured approach, international aspirations, and unwavering commitment, AJGL is set to redefine junior golf in Pakistan. The league has provided a clear pathway for young golfers to hone their skills, compete at higher levels, and pursue professional careers. As Pakistan’s junior golfers step onto the global stage, the journey has just begun-and the future looks incredibly bright.