Foreign golfers confirm Lahore presence

Local federation expecting 5 nations to take part in next week’s event.

KARACHI: While other sports federations in the country face multiple rejections from foreign teams, the Pakistan Golf Federation (PGF) was the bearer of good news when it confirmed the participation of golfers from five countries in next week’s National Amateur Golf Championship to be played in Lahore.

According to the PGF Secretary Taimur Hassan, while India have yet to respond to the invitation, golfers from Iran, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal and Afghanistan have confirmed their participation in the April 12-15 event.

“We have more confirmations this year compared to the last event,” Hassan told The Express Tribune. “It’s one of our main events on the calendar and we’re looking forward to a successful championship. Indian golfers have shown an interest but we’re still waiting for a confirmation.”

PGF to send player to British Junior Open

Meanwhile, the secretary added that the federation was focusing on youngsters as part of its long-term planning.

“The Faldo Series proved useful in providing our youngsters good exposure. We’re in the process of preparing them and hiring an Australian coach for the Faldo Series was part of these plans. The PGF will also send one golfer to this year’s British Junior Open in July.”

Published in The Express Tribune, April 5^th, 2012.