Golf: Pakistan bank on juniors for Faldo Series

Golf federation hopeful of good show in event starting today.

KARACHI:

Banking on a good show from the young players in the Faldo Series that starts today at the Mission Hills in Schenzhen, Pakistan golf officials are hoping for a prosperous future in the sport.

As many as four youngsters, including a female contestant, are representing Pakistan at the sixth Faldo Series Asia Grand Final in China.

Mubariz Ahmed (U-16), Ghufran Ahmed Ghani (U-21), Sameer Merchant (U-18) and Kashifa Zafar (U-21) were picked for the three-day event after winning their categories in the first Faldo Series Asia-Pakistan leg last August at the Karachi Golf Club.

While the Pakistan Golf Federation (PGF) was not sure on Pakistan players’ chances at the event, it foresees a positive impact on the country’s golf future after naming the juniors for the tournament.

“It’s for the first time that our junior golfers are participating in such a high-profile event,” the PGF Honorary Secretary Taimur Hassan told The Express Tribune. “It’s a golden opportunity and will go a long way in developing their careers.

“They will gain confidence besides learning from the experience of competing at this level. We’re optimistic that their participation will yield good results.”

The official said the players had the talent to spring a surprise. “All the young golfers are promising. They put a lot of hard work while training for the event with an Australian coach.”

Golfers from over 12 countries a competing in the event that will be played over 54 holes.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 14^th, 2012.