Peshawar
Zubair Hussain of PAF Islamabad bewildered his fellow golfers by carding a six under 66 over 18 holes on the opening day of the 54-hole 52nd Khyber Pakhtunkhwa National Ranking Open Amateur Golf Championship, which got underway here at 6666-yard PAF Golf Course on Friday.
International gold medalist golfer Col. Muhammad Saud along with national golfer Col. Shahadat Hussain and Secretary KP Golf Association Col. Ibtinan Ul Hassan Kazmi formally inaugurated the prestigious and country’s oldest golfing Championship, started way back 1929. The Championship has the honor of having three Cups dated back to 1929-34, and had presented to winners of various performances and categories including – Bolton Cup, presented by Mr. Bolton in 1929, Challenge Cup presented by Major Vernan in 1929 and Gai Cup was presented by Mrs. Gai in 1934.
Consistent pro Zubair Hussain carded four under 32 at front nine with birdies at 2, 3, 4, 6 and two under 34 at back nine with birdies at hole no. 12, 13, 14 and 15 besides missing a stroke at hole no. 9. “I just missed an easy put at hole no 9 par four despite landing at the green on the second short,” Zubair told media men during his post round talks.
“My long drives were par excellent as I hit all regulations and my putting was also up to the mark wherein I got a better score,” Zubair Hussain added. About the golf course, he said: “The course is in excellent condition and the fairways and greens are excellent maintained which a tough resistance to the golfers specially going for a birdie putt,” he said, adding, “There is extra phase in the ball because of perfect greens so one should be more attentive while going for putting.” Muhammad Arif of Peshawar Golf Club carded five under 67 with four under 32 at front nine and one under 35 at back nine including birdies at hole no.—APP
