LAHORE: The first day of the five-day 37th Punjab Open Golf Championship, endorsed by MCB, Allied Bank Limited and DHA, was marked for the women’s event only at the Defence Raya Golf and Country Club Golf Course here Wednesday. For women, the competition will be over two rounds and 36 holes and they will conclude their participation in this championship on Thursday (today). And on the second day (Thursday), the competitive activity will also include events for the senior professionals, junior professionals and senior amateurs and thereafter from Friday (March 23) to Sunday (March 25) it will be a battle for supremacy amongst professionals and amateurs. As for the competition in the women’s event on the first day, Parkha Ijaz of Defence Raya was in her elements and performed superbly and virtually lit up the golf course with accurate hitting and exquisite putting on the greens. Through impressive application of golfing skills and a nerve free temperament she compiled a score of par 72 and took full command and control of the competition. “I felt really good right through the first day’s 18 holes and I am so glad that I am the leader at the end of the first round,” said Parkha. In the fight for a top position in the gross category, her nearest challenger was her own sister Rimsha Ijaz, also of Defence Raya. But she was placed six strokes behind the leader. Rimsha’s effort during the first round was notable and although she came across a few hicups, she managed a score of gross 78 and was determined to improve her position today. Others in line in gross section were Ghazala Yasmin (Garrison Club) at a score of 81 followed by Suneyah Osama (Garrison Club) 83, Humna Amjad (Kamra) 85, Ana James Gill (Royal Palm Club ) 86 and Zebunisa (Royal Palm Club) 87. The net section leader also was Parkha and after taking advantage of her handicap her net score was 65. At a score of net 71 was Rimsha and Shazadi Gulfam. Suneyah Osama was at net 72 and Dr Shaheen Irfan at net 74. Published in Daily Times, March 22nd 2018.