In the 1st Sayid Paper Open Golf Tournament, to be contested over three gruelling rounds on September 7, 8 and 9 at the brand new 18 holes, par 72, Defence Raya Golf Course here, master aspirants like Shabbir Iqbal, the number one ranked professional golf player of the country and Matloob Ahmed, ranked number 2, will be chasing honours and glory with undivided attention as many seasoned ones blessed with much ability and finesse will be there to halt their winning march. Amongst the 70 professional competitors, the names that belong to this category of challengers are Muhammed Akram, Muhammed Siddique, Imdad Hussain, Tahir Nasim and Talib Hussain.
All of them have attained many victories over the years but in the presence of Shabbir Iqbal and Matloob they mostly end up intimidated by golfing prowess and have to be content with positions other than the top one.
Also in the contest are some golfers who have recently turned professional after completion of studies and although as amateurs they looked remarkable, they have to find their victory oriented direction in the professional circuit.
Danyaal Jehangir and Aleem ur Rehman are the two youngsters seeking acceptability as professionals and this contest might prove the turning point. Of course they are encouraged by the notable achievements of Aadil Jehangir, one of their former amateur mate, who is emerging as a dashing player of significance gradually maturing to a level where many established professional contender, consider him a threat. And during the current golfing season he will be the professional to watch. A few other contenders who must be mentioned are Shahid Javed Khan and Muhammed Safdar with genuine all round game but have to stay clear of nerves and recklessness.
A special feature of this event is that it has been managed by the professional golfers themselves, with Talat Ijaz and his team demonstrating ample management skills in bringing Sayid Paper Mills as the sponsor and choosing Defence Raya Golf Course as the venue which can safely be rated as a golf course of excellence and likely to become the theatre of golfing dreams.The golf course is certainly majestic, perfectly made to stand the test of time.
The championship will tee off at 9am on Wednesday, with inaugral shot by Faisal Sayid of Sayid Paper Mills.
