The 10th JA Zaman Memorial Open Golf Championship delivered an ending that was nothing short of a roller-coaster ride – a gripping and fluctuating finale that culminated in a resounding climax here at par-72 Lahore Gymkhana Golf Course on Sunday.
Touted as Pakistan’s next golf sensation, Ahmed Baig of Royal Palm Golf Club seized victory in a spectacular fashion, overturning the match dynamics in the final three holes of an intense 72-hole contest. The spectators were treated to perhaps the most thrilling display of golf ever seen at Gymkhana, with Baig clinching the win through a stunning Eagle and consecutive Birdies, surpassing the reigning national champion Muhammad Shabbir by two shots.
The championship, boasting a prize pool of Rs 7.5 million and a Haval Jolion Car for a hole-in-one, saw an impressive turnout of over 530 participants, including the country’s top 100 professional golfers. The event’s inclusivity was evident, featuring top amateurs, ladies, seniors, veterans, and juniors, highlighting the diversity and vibrancy of golf in Pakistan. The Zaman family’s commitment to nurturing talent across all age groups in sport deserves commendation.
The final round was a whirlwind of emotions, with Shabbir initially leading, only to falter due to a costly mistake. Minhaj Warraich and Muhammad Nazir briefly shared the lead until a dramatic turn of events on the 16th hole, where Baig’s remarkable 45-foot putt for an eagle drew him level with the leaders. The closing stages saw Baig outshining his competitors with unmatched skill, finishing as the tournament’s back-to-back champion.
Muhammed Shabbir Iqbal secured the runner-up position with an aggregate score of 282, falling just two strokes short of Ahmed Baig. Minhaj Maqsood claimed the third spot with an aggregate score of 283, seven under par. Muhammed Nazir finished with a score of 284, Muhammed Alam 285, Muhammed Zubair 288 while Shahid Javed Khan and Muhammed Munir 290. In the amateur category, Shahzaib Khan took the top spot, with Tipu Raja and Hussain Hamid finishing second and third, respectively.