The Soni Wali Championship is not merely a tournament; it is a homecoming. It is a cause-a cause that brings golfing ladies and girls together, nurtures camaraderie, and instils a sharp yet healthy sense of competition. More than that, it is a reflection from the past and a clear direction toward a brighter future in women’s golf.
Soni Wali was a true pioneer of women’s golf in Pakistan and among the earliest female golfers from Peshawar to rise to national prominence. She took up the sport at a time when opportunities for women in sports were extremely limited, and stepping onto a golf course demanded exceptional courage and resolve. Despite these challenges, her talent and determination set her apart. She went on to win the National Ladies Golf Championship in 1976 and again in 1980, firmly cementing her place in Pakistan’s golfing history. Soni Wali’s trailblazing journey inspired generations of young girls to dream beyond social barriers, and her legacy lives on through the championship proudly held in her name.
In 2015, Mrs Mamoona Azam and myself visited the KPGA Amateur Golf Championship carrying with us a poster of Soni Wali, proposing the introduction of a ladies’ category under her banner.
The idea was immediately embraced by her brother, the late Iqbal Wali, who generously stepped forward to sponsor the championship with the aim of bringing more women and girls into golf. Since then, the championship has continued to grow. Following Iqbal Wali’s sad demise, his sister, Rani Wali, took it upon herself to continue the sponsorship, ensuring the championship is held each year in the enduring memory of Soni Wali One of the most remarkable performances of the 5th Soni Wali Ladies Amateur Championship came from 10-year-old Noor Farid Rao, who delivered an extraordinary showing in her first-ever 54-hole, three-day tournament. Competing against far more experienced players with significantly lower handicaps, Noor entered the championship with a handicap of 36 and faced a demanding physical and mental challenge. She responded with exceptional composure and maturity beyond her years. Opening with a score of 92 on Day One, she played 16 strokes under her handicap, triggering an immediate eight-stroke reduction. Her momentum continued on Day Two with an impressive 86, finishing 14 under her revised handicap, before closing with a solid 88 on Day Three. By the end of the event, her handicap had dropped to a remarkable 18.5-one of the sharpest single-championship declines recorded in Pakistan’s golfing history.
This performance was the result of six months of focused preparation and relentless enthusiasm.
Due to limited access to structured golf education in her region, Noor’s mother actively sought development opportunities and discovered the Ace Junior Golf League (AJGL), where Noor received her first formal tee-class instruction under Chief Referee Munazza Shaheen.
Demonstrating rare focus and aptitude, Noor passed Level One at just nine years of age, laying the foundation for her rapid rise. Her journey from the AJGL Birdie category to elite competition underscores the importance of encouraging young golfers to compete at the gross level.
As Noor herself reflected, “I want to keep playing against the best so I can become the best version of myself.”
Beyond elite competition, the Soni Wali Cup continues to serve a deeper purpose, introducing golf to new participants and inspiring young girls to embrace the sport. During the 5th edition of the championship, 20 girls joined purely for golf introduction from Khyber College of Dentistry, many experiencing the game for the very first time. Under the able supervision of Prof Dr Syed Muaz, the organizers provided a welcoming platform to understand what golf is, how it is played, and why it matters, emphasizing its benefits for physical health, mental discipline, and personal confidence. Guided through the basics, the girls also took part in a friendly putting competition, as a result three won prizes. Later, the students were taken on the course, for an exposure to the greens and fairways. The event became one of the most joyful moments of the event. The excitement, laughter, and curiosity on display reflected the success of the initiative.
The Soni Wali Championship stands as more than an annual sporting event; it is a national statement of intent. Intent being “Recognise the past and invest in the future!” At its core, the championship instills a fundamental value: true pride lies in earning a low handicap and demonstrating consistent performance, not merely in winning prizes. Its purpose is clear-to strengthen women’s golf in Pakistan through a level playing field, competitive tournaments conducted to international standards, played at championship distances, and judged on gross performance rather than net advantage. Such a framework can only succeed if international representation remains transparent and strictly merit-based; without this, even the most sincere developmental efforts risk losing credibility and discouraging emerging talent. Rooted in legacy yet driven by purpose, the Soni Wali Championship is shaping not only lady golfers but the future direction of the game itself.