Daily Times

LAHORE: Endorsed by Turkish Airlines, the World Cup Amateur Golf Series is ready to make history in 2016 as it becomes the largest corporate golf tournament in the world. In this connection a total of 100 qualifying events will be held in 60 countries. And as for the Pakistan segment, the contest will take place at the world recognised par 72, Royal Palm Golf and Country Club Golf Course here on Sunday (today). The format of the play is individual stroke play and the winner of the Pakistan segment will qualify to participate in the grand final to be held in Belek, Turkey in October 2016. A total of 120 aspiring amateurs will line up at all the 18 tees of Royal Palm Golf Course today, for a go at the possibility of becoming the sole one selected from this competition over 18 holes at a demanding golf course which tests the skills of champions to the full.

The contestants will compete in groups of four and they will charge off, once they hear the sound of a shot gun at exactly 10:30am. In such a golf championship, where stakes carry a global touch of recognition, the seasoned ones go all out to seek honours and try and figure out the correct ball landing areas as they go for their long shots. Then they also have to show more golfing skills when they are on the greens. The subtle slopes, if not decoded appropriately, can dampen their chances of success. Over the past few months those who have managed to be a part of the roll of honours are Mohsen Zafar, Azfar Hassan, Sardar Murad, Omer Ehsan Dar, Faisal Sayid, Umair Butt, Faisal Ali Malik, Hussain Hamid, Amir Mehmood and Sharjeel Awan. Their appearance in this global event makes the competition formidable and will somewhat dampen the optimism being felt by other hopefuls. However, this is an opportunity for the less successful ones to redeem themselves and not get puzzled by the intensity of the competition. And the hopefuls in this category are Irfan Raja, Iftikhar Taj Mian, Dr Tashbeeb, Dr Mohsin and Ramzan Sheikh.