The three-day trials to select a three-member boys team, for participation in the Nick Faldo Golf Championship in China , began yesterday at the Defence Raya Golf Course yesterday.
Simultaneously trials also began for selection of a lady player to represent the country in the Nick Faldo Championship to be held in April. For boys there are three age categories with one best player to be selected in age category under 21 years, one in age category under 18 years, and one in age category under 16 years. For girls the age category of under 21 years applies although the eligible ones are much younger.
At the end of the first day, the player who stood out all by himself was Mahad Zafar of Lahore Gymkhana and the pattern of his game remained steady in spite of rain and chill. The drives were accurate and there were no hiccups in fairway hitting. His gross score of 77 represents the best round of the day and is placed as the best one in his own age category of under 18 years and also in the overall standing.
In the age category under 16 years, the top one is Faisal Mir of Gujranwala with a score of gross 78, followed by M. Maqsood of Rawalpindi 84 .and Rao Muhammad Hassan of the same club at 85.
In the under 18 years age category the leader is Mahad Zafar followed by Mubraiz Ahmed at gross 84 and Ahmed Sultan Kayani also at 84.
As for under 21 years age category the front runner is Wamiq Shakeel of Rawalpindi,his first days score being gross 78.Four strokes behind him is Omer Khokhar at 82,and adnan Khan at 83.
The boys look talented enough and amongst the 44 participants one sees seven single handicappers in the age category under 21 years, three single handicappers in age category under 18 years and eight players in age category under 16 years. That bodes well for the national golf scene.
As for competition amongst girls Nushmiya Sukhera showed courage and temperament and did not get bothered by the rain interruptions and the severe cold. The focus was visible and through steady play manages to appear as the top one in girls section.
Her nearest competitors are Maryama Khan and Kara Alam. The second round will tee off at 9.30am on Saturday.
