Hamza Amin becomes first Pakistani to play Australian Open golf tournament

Hamza Amin has become the first Pakistani to feature in the Australian Open Golf Tournament.

Amin, who is world no 1,711, was also the first Pakistani to win the One Asia Tour card earlier this year, and is also responsible for the increase in fan following of the game in the cricket-crazy nation.

"There's a big following and it would be nice to perform," said Amin.



"People are more interested now in going to Q-School. Hockey is not that popular, but cricket has all the money, all the emphasis, all the media and then all the news. Everyone loves cricket," he said, according to Sydney Morning Herald.

Amin recovered from a deflating 13-over in treacherous conditions on Thursday to post a respectable two-over 73, the same score recorded by former World No 1 Adam Scott on Friday.

"It's the first time I've played in Australia and it was a bit difficult in those winds with an afternoon tee time [on Thursday]," said Amin.

"We don't get those conditions back home. I made three birdies in a row (on Friday) so there was a good little run," he added. ​

The article originally appeared on Sydney Morning Herald.