From a laid back affair, the golf scene in Pakistan is changing slowly and gradually. Not at a great pace though, but the change is reflected in players’ passion which is delightfully extravagant. Whereas some of the professionals and amateur players of substance are giving it their life and blood, the allied stakeholders are dawdling the pace and as a result it would be appropriate to say that the phase is still transitional, which ultimately might lead to the game becoming a well organised professional sport, setting up lucrative careers for a large number of the talented ones with ability, expertise and avidity.
Weather wise, our country is fortunate. Conducive climate bolsters golf and for about eight months the perfect weather conditions exist and help the game to flourish. Lahore, Rawalpindi, Islamabad and Peshawar have similar temperatures, not too harsh in winter, unlike Quetta, and this factor alone entices the intent ones to the golfing areas. As for Karachi, it is comfortable the year round and over the weekends the eager ones virtually invade the golf courses. Golf playing enthusiasts are increasing by hundreds and in the past five years alone, the graph of new entrants shows a cheerful rise. In the last three years, juniors talent hunt programme launched by the Pakistan Golf Federation, Punjab Golf Association and Sind Golf Association brought forth considerable talent. Golf clubs like Lahore Gymkhana, Royal Palm Golf and Country Club, Lahore Garrison Golf Club and Karachi Golf Club encouraged the young ones to take up this game.
Summer vacations were an ideal time and the younger ones literally swarmed the golf courses with visible zeal. Through this programme, 50 talented juniors have managed to get noticed and through a continuous formal coaching programme, in the year ahead we just might have a few champions in the forefront if the academic compulsions do not steer them away from this fine sport.
Lately we have lost quite a few very talented ones to careers and academic constraints other than golf.
Youngsters like Ali Hai (Karachi), Hamza Amin (Islamabad), Muhammed Rehman (Royal Palm) and Wasim Rana have already made it to the national fold – playing overseas in Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Singapore and Bangladesh. These young one by consuming self-owned resources-as a lot of money is required to stay focused on national level golf, have caused sufficient waves through performances that can be graded as forceful. The ultimate victory was not theirs, but if they continue to gain international experience through regular outings, the big breakthrough seems likely. Some more impressive looking teenagers seeking recognition are Mubraiz Ahmed, Mahad Zafar and Salman Jahangir.
Golf Courses
The golf courses across the country are nestled in a splendour-oriented environment and in particular the ones in Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, Islamabad and Peshawar have significantly improved playing conditions so as to create a unique golfing experience. Defence Authority Golf Course in Karachi has been professionally designed and poses a challenge to both amateurs and professional golfers. Then there is the Arabian Sea Golf and Country Club Golf course which can rightfully boast of carpeted fairways and a bite of its own. Karachi Golf Club Golf Course is landscaped by water features and exotic greens and served as an acceptable arena for international open golf events luring players from 45 countries.
As for Lahore, the Royal Palm Country Club Golf Course has certainly attained a glamorous touch and the setting is exquisite. Also available is a clubhouse with full recreational facilities and a 20 bay driving range and practice rounds on this golf course have already helped many golfers to hone their game to high competitive levels. Shahid Javed Khan is one example and Muhammed Rehman another.
Developments carried out at the Lahore Gymkhana golf course over the years have made it a challenging layout and players from overseas have always given it a high score.
A welcome new addition to Lahore’s golf scene is the Defence Raya Golf Course and although club house facilities are in the work in progress category, the golf course is majestic, every fairway awesome and facilitates crisp hitting. In the years to come we are going to see world class players converging to this place for a share and feel of its splendour.
Major development work was also carried out on the golf courses in Rawalpindi, Islamabad and Peshawar and not far behind are the 18 holes layouts in Gujranwala and Jehlum. Two new golf courses, professionally designed, are in the construction phase in Lahore.
Professional circuit
In this decade, Muhammad Shabbir Iqbal emerged as the conqueror of Pakistan’s professional golf circuit. During the open competitions at leading golf courses of the country, Shabbir virtually assailed through amazing shots and spotless putting.
Other notable names are: Matloob Ahmed, M. Munir, M. Tariq, Waheed Baloch, Shahid Javed Khan, M. Siddique and Amjad Yousaf. A heartening feature is the emergence of young professionals with a will to play quality golf. Aadil Jehangir and Shafiq Masih are names capable of swarming the international arenas.
Already Aadil, Shafiq and Shahid have cast their spell in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Golf in Dubai. During the four competitions of this golf circuit tournaments, their performances were extraordinary. They now have to use the platform of the Asian Tour to enrich themselves through victories on the Asian tour competitions and in the process become celebrities internationally.
Path to glory
Need of the hour is to spread the base and help the game prosper. The Pakistan Golf Federation in association with provincial golf bodies (Punjab, Sindh, KPK) have a major role to play, as it is their duty to enable the golfers to raise their level of excellence to the extent that they can perform well on the international circuit. Bold initiatives relating to coaching and competitive golfing activities are already yielding results, and in spite of restricted economic activity, the golf loving affluent ones will readily sponsor players and golf competitions.
