The second edition of prestigious Nur Khan Memorial Open Golf Championship over 54-holes got under way under the aegis of PAF Sports Board Control Committee here on Saturday at PAF Golf Course. Air Vice Marshal Sarfaraz Khan, Air Officer Commanding Northern Air Command, graced the occasion as chief guest. Top Professional and Amateur Golfers comprising international Muhammad Shabbir, international Muhammad Munir, international Taimur Khan, Matloob Ahmad, international Naeem Khan, Ghazanfar Mehmood, Inayat Ullah Yousafzai, Khushal Khan, Muhammad Rehman, Hamza Khattak will also vie for the top honor.
The cut for the professional will be after 36-holes with top 40 and ties will be considered for the cash prizes. The rules of golf as approved by the Royal and Ancient, Golf Club of St. Andrews along with local rules framed by the organizing committee.
In case of tie on first position they players would go for sudden death playoff. The professional are competing for the three days over 54 holes, 18-hole each day, Amateur HCP 12 and below. There are Senior Professionals over 18 holes on May 6, followed by Senior Amateur and subsidiary including HCP 13-18, Veterans, Ladies, Boys Under-14 and Under-17 and putting competitions for the invitees will also be organized.
The Championship is carrying a handsome cash prize of Rs 2 million for the Professionals and Rs 0.5 million for the Senior Professionals while a 1300 CC car for the hole-in-one are some of the attractive prizes besides prizes for gross and net winners in various categories.
The golfers have been directed to confirm their flights by contacting the tournament committee comprising Wing Commander Syed Masood Shah, Squadron Leader Atta-ur-Rehman, Chief Warrant Officer Chinar Gul and Assistant Warrant Officer Zulfiqar Ali.
The Championship is aimed at to pay rich tribute to former Air Chief Nur Khan, who played a key role in the Pakistan sports as far as achievements in hockey, and squash are concerned. Former Commander in Chief of Pakistan Air Force, Nur Khan well regarded in the Pakistani sports when he took charge of country's sportsmanship by serving as President, Chairman of Cricket, Hockey, and Squash where he introduced sport tactics and ideas that helped sporting performances and gained attention at the international venues.
In addition, he also lobbied and pushed for the establishment of the Asian Cricket Council. Nur Khan, however, is regarded for his sharp intelligence and outstanding management skills that largely benefited the Pakistan's military and the organizations that he presided over.