LAHORE: Pakistan’s premier golfing sensation, Ahmed Baig, concluded a highly productive week at the 2026 am green IGPL Morocco Rising Stars with an authoritative final-round performance.

Carding a two-under-par 68 at the picturesque Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort, Baig locked in a commendable tied-7th finish, generating significant momentum for the massive half-million-dollar Asian Tour event coming up on the exact same coastal layout.

Baig’s final round was a showcase of his aggressive scoring potential, as he mixed six brilliant birdies with just two bogeys. Delighted with his clinical iron-play and steady temperament, the Lahore native proved he could handle the pressure of elite international fields. His tournament progression highlighted a textbook masterclass in resilience.

After stumbling into a difficult one-over-par 73 on the opening day, Baig staged a breathtaking recovery. He responded with a blistering six-under 66 on Day 2, followed by a disciplined 70, and closed out his campaign with 68. Showing phenomenal composure across all four rounds, his only minor blemish was letting a few preventable bogeys slip away, a tactical adjustment that will surely place him directly in the winner’s circle in the near future.

It was a proud week overall for Pakistan golf in North Africa. Baig’s countryman, Aadam Syed, also put together an exceptionally strong performance. Showing great consistency, Syed carded rounds of 71, 69, 70, and 70 to finish in a highly respectable 20th position, proving that Pakistani golfers are becoming a force to be reckoned with internationally.

Thailand’s Tanapat Pichaikool ultimately captured the tournament title at 17-under par, but the week served as the ultimate practice match for the Pakistani contingent. Up next is the prestigious am green IGPL Bharath Classic, running from June 4 to 7. Boasting a massive $500,000 prize purse, the Asian Tour main event will be held at the Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort.

As Baig looks ahead to Thursday’s tee-off, the blueprint for a historic victory is clear: if he can tighten his short game and save just a few more bogeys over the weekend, his explosive scoring power will undoubtedly place him among the leading contenders for the half-million-dollar crown.

Ahmed Baig’s journey stands as an inspiration for aspiring young golfers across Pakistan. Despite limited institutional support and financial constraints, he has emerged as one of the country’s most remarkable self-made sporting talents.

His rise has been shaped in no small measure by the guidance of Brigadier (Retd) Riaz Bajwa. Recognising Baig’s potential early, Bajwa provided the guidance, structure and support needed to transform a gifted, self-taught talent into an international professional.

To practice golf, one needs a golf course; it cannot be played in the streets like cricket. Credit is also due to Lahore Garrison Greens Golf Club, which facilitated Baig by making the course available to him without restrictions on practice time. Together, these influences have helped produce one of Pakistan’s finest golfing ambassadors, with hopes high that his greatest achievements are still to come.

LAHORE: The Bajwa Ahmad Baig Foundation has officially been established with the objective of promoting and developing golf in Pakistan, with a particular focus on nurturing professional as well as amateur golfers.

A formal meeting in this regard was held at the prestigious Lahore Garrison Greens Golf Club, attended by prominent figures from the golfing community.

The session was led by dedicated golf enthusiast Brigadier (Retd) Bajwa and renowned professional golfer Ahmad Baig, who is currently competing on the Asian Golf Tour.

Among those present at the meeting were Col Amin Malik, Shahid Shah, and Gen (Retd) Arshad, along with several professional and amateur golfers committed to the advancement of the sport in the country.

During the meeting, participants emphasised the importance of discipline, professional conduct, technical playing ability, and maintaining top-level physical fitness as essential qualities for aspiring golfers.

Discussions also focused on modern golf management techniques, including the need for continuous self-correction and improvement in shot-making accuracy.

The foundation aims to create opportunities for emerging players, strengthen the golfing structure in Pakistan, and encourage young talent to pursue the sport professionally. Special attention was also given to the recognition of outstanding national golfers and the need to honor their achievements through national awards and acknowledgments.

Professional golfers shared their experiences of competing at the international level, highlighting the challenges and standards required to succeed globally.

Speakers noted that on the international stage, consistent performance, skill, and dedication are the key factors that bring recognition, honor, and rewards to players and their country.

By Nawaz Gohar ; Pakistan’s national junior golf team has departed from Islamabad to compete in the prestigious Faldo Series Asia Grand Final, set to take place in Da Nang, Vietnam.

The four-member squad left via Islamabad International Airport on Sunday, travelling through Doha, and is scheduled to arrive in Vietnam later the same day, just hours before the official practice round. Representing Pakistan in this elite continental event are Saad Habib Malik and Jasia Tassawer Hussain in the U-21 category, alongside Zayd Omer and Sara Amin Khan in the U-16 division.

The young quartet is regarded as one of the country’s most promising junior lineups, carrying hopes of a strong showing on the international stage.

The championship will be held at the renowned Laguna Golf Lăng Cô, where top junior golfers from across Asia will compete over three days of stroke-play competition from April 22 to 24, following the official practice round on April 21.

Despite the excitement, the team faces a demanding challenge, arriving with minimal time to acclimatize to local conditions. The tight schedule will test their resilience, adaptability, and mental strength as they prepare to compete against some of the region’s best young talent.

The tournament also offers valuable opportunities for players to earn World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) points, making it a crucial stepping stone in their development. Backed by the Pakistan Golf Federation (PGF), the team aims to make a mark and elevate Pakistan’s presence in junior golf on the Asian circuit.

By Nawaz Gohar ;  Saad Habib Malik dominated the amateur title at the 4th Rumanza Open Golf Championship at the Rumanza Golf & Country Club, Multan.

Competing against 30 of the country’s leading amateur golfers, Saad Habib showcased exceptional consistency and composure over three days of high-quality golf, ultimately securing the title with a remarkable eight-stroke margin. He finished with an outstanding total score of 208 (-8), underlining his dominance throughout the tournament.

Saad’s victory was built on three impressive rounds of 69, 68, and 71, reflecting both precision and control on a demanding course. His performance left little room for challengers, as he maintained his lead with authority from start to finish. Abdul Moez Khan claimed the runner-up position with a commendable total of 216 (even par), emerging as the closest competitor in an otherwise one-sided contest.

The battle for top positions remained competitive, with Numan Ilyas and Muhammad Abdullah Khan finishing tied at +2 (218), while Shahmeer Maajid followed closely at +3 (219). Abdullah Anser Raja also stayed in contention throughout the 54-hole championship, adding depth to a competitive field.

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In the ladies amateur category, Sara Amin delivered an impressive performance to secure the title with a total score of 214. Her sister, Ramin Amin, finished second with a score of 228, completing a memorable outing for the Amin family and highlighting the growing strength of women’s amateur golf in Pakistan.

The championship concluded on a high note, showcasing emerging talent and reaffirming the Rumanza Open’s status as a premier platform for amateur golf in the country.

LAHORE: Matloob Ahmed of Garrison Golf Club delivered a commanding performance to clinch the 12th J.A. Zaman Memorial Championship, pulling away from the field in emphatic fashion on the final day.

Starting the day tied with his long-time rival M. Shabbir, Matloob wasted no time in asserting control, carding an early birdie on the second hole. He maintained the momentum through the front nine,

adding another birdie on the 6th, while Shabbir struggled to find rhythm, with uncharacteristic errors and bogeys creeping into his round due to errant shots.

The defining moment of the championship came on the 7th hole. After Shabbir’s tee shot drifted left, forcing him to play safe into the fairway, Matloob seized the opportunity with a brilliant approach, landing his ball just feet from the pin in two shots.

Under pressure, Shabbir faltered, pulling his approach into the greenside bunker and eventually carding a bogey. Matloob calmly converted his eagle putt, resulting in a decisive three-shot swing that shifted the momentum firmly in his favor.

From that point onward, Matloob played with confidence and composure, steadily extending his lead as Shabbir was unable to recover. Finishing with an impressive tournament score of -18, Matloob secured a resounding victory and his third J.A. Zaman Memorial title.

Minhaj claimed third place with a solid final round of 3-under par, finishing at -4 overall. While not at his peak throughout the tournament, his late surge earned him a podium finish. Other notable performances included Talat Ijaz at -3 and Alam at -2 for the championship.

In the senior professionals category, Tariq continued his dominance, capturing his fourth consecutive title. The junior professionals title was awarded to Ashass from Karachi, who finished with a total score of +3. Marking a significant milestone for the tournament, the ladies professionals category was introduced this year and won by Zehbunissa.

The 2026 edition of the championship witnessed record participation, with over 600 golfers from across Pakistan, making it the largest golf tournament in the country in terms of player turnout.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Chief Patron Mr. Hamid Zaman expressed gratitude to the Zaman family for their unwavering support in promoting the game of golf in memory of their father. He paid tribute to the late Mr. J.A. Zaman, describing him as an avid golf enthusiast and a man of remarkable character.

The continued success of the championship in his honor stands as a testament to his legacy and contribution to the sport in Pakistan.

Lahore: The 12th J.A. Zaman Memorial Open Golf Championship 2026 witnessed a gripping turn of events on day three at Lahore Gymkhana, as seasoned campaigner Shabbir Iqbal produced a sensational performance to draw level with overnight leader Muhammad Matloob, setting the stage for a dramatic final-round showdown.

What began as a seemingly comfortable day for Matloob, who entered the round with a commanding five-shot lead, quickly evolved into a fiercely contested battle. Taking full advantage of favorable conditions, Shabbir mounted an inspired charge, displaying exceptional composure and precision.

The defending champion ignited his round with four consecutive birdies on the front nine, instantly closing the gap. Although a three-putt bogey on the ninth momentarily halted his momentum, Shabbir remained undeterred, continuing to apply relentless pressure.

The decisive moment came on the 16th hole when Matloob faltered with an errant tee shot. Shabbir capitalized brilliantly, securing a birdie while Matloob settled for par, bringing both players level at 12-under-par for the tournament.

Matloob, however, responded with resilience befitting a champion. A crucial birdie on the 17th hole saw him reclaim the outright lead, only for the drama to intensify on the final hole. His tee shot found the water hazard, opening the door once again for Shabbir. While Shabbir managed a composed par, Matloob demonstrated remarkable nerve and skill to execute a superb recovery and salvage his score, ensuring the pair remained tied at the top.

Shabbir’s outstanding round of 66, the lowest of the day, propelled him into a share of the lead at an aggregate score of 204 (-12), alongside Matloob. With confidence and momentum on his side, Shabbir now stands on the brink of a record-extending seventh title in this prestigious championship.

Trailing the leaders is Muhammad Zubair of Karachi, who sits in third place at 211 (-3), seven shots adrift. While his chances appear slim, the unpredictable nature of golf leaves room for a late surge.

Further down the leaderboard, Muhammad Azam (213) is followed by a competitive pack including Shahzeb Jahan, Muhammad Alam, Muhammad Saqib, and Minhaj Maqsood. Despite their steady performances, they face an uphill task against the tournament’s two dominant contenders.

With both Shabbir and Matloob showcasing elite shot-making and remarkable consistency on the greens, all indications point to a riveting head-to-head contest.

LAHORE: Matloob Ahmad continued his commanding run at the 12th J.A. Zaman Memorial Open Golf Championship, maintaining his position at the top of the leaderboard after an impressive second-round performance under challenging, windy conditions.

The experienced campaigner carded a composed 69 (-3) on Day 2, taking his overall score to an outstanding 133 (-11). His round was highlighted by a spectacular eagle on the 7th hole, underlining both his precision and confidence as he continues to set the pace in the tournament. Despite difficult playing conditions, Matloob displayed remarkable consistency, reinforcing his status as the man to beat heading into the later stages of the championship.

Hot on his heels is the tournament’s top-seeded player, Muhammad Shabbir, a six-time former champion, who remains firmly in contention. Shabbir matched the leader’s second-round score with a solid 69 (-3), demonstrating his experience and resilience in adverse conditions. With only a narrow gap separating the two, the battle for the title promises to intensify in the coming rounds.

The standout performance of the day, however, came from Muhammad Azam, who produced the lowest round with a superb 67 (-5). His brilliant effort, crafted with control and precision, was particularly noteworthy given the strong winds that tested even the most seasoned professionals.

Among other notable performers, Muhammad Saqib continued his consistent run with a steady 69, keeping himself within striking distance of the leaders. Muhammad Zubair also maintained his form with another composed outing, ensuring his presence among the top contenders.

In contrast, Zahir Shah, who had dazzled on the opening day with an exceptional 66 (-6), struggled to replicate that form and slipped down the leaderboard after a difficult second round. Meanwhile, Minhaj Maqsood remained competitive, delivering a balanced performance to stay in the mix.

In the junior professionals category, Ashas of Karachi successfully clinched the title with a disciplined and controlled display, maintaining his lead throughout the round. His composed approach under pressure proved decisive, while his closest rival, Rehan Babar, faltered at crucial stages due to errant shots, ultimately falling short in his pursuit.

With fluctuating winds and demanding course conditions continuing to challenge the field, the championship is finely poised for an exciting finish. As the competition progresses, all eyes will remain on Matloob Ahmad, whose consistency and control have so far defined the tournament, but with seasoned contenders like Muhammad Shabbir closing in, the race for the title is far from over.

LAHORE: Seasoned professional Matloob Ahmed of Lahore Garrison Golf Club delivered a masterclass performance to seize the lead on the opening day of the prestigious J.A. Zaman Open Golf Championship at the Lahore Gymkhana Golf Club.

Matloob, widely regarded as one of the country’s top golfing talents, dazzled with an exceptional round of 64, eight-under par, combining precision shot-making with remarkable composure.

His performance on the greens was particularly noteworthy, as he sank crucial putts with confidence and consistency, leaving spectators and fellow competitors in awe.

Trailing him in second place is Zahir Khan of Peshawar Golf Club, who returned an impressive 66, six-under par, just two strokes behind the leader. Khan’s steady and disciplined play ensured he remains firmly in contention heading into the next round.

The opening day witnessed high-quality golf, with players demonstrating exceptional control, strategic awareness, and technical excellence. Birdies flowed regularly across the course, reflecting the competitive intensity and skill level of the field.

Among the notable performers, Waqar Hassan of Margalla Golf Club, defending champion Muhammad Shabbir, and M. Saqib of Lahore Garrison Golf Club all carded solid rounds of 69 (three-under par), keeping themselves within striking distance. Other commendable performances included Jafal Hussain, who also posted a 69, while Adam Syed recorded a respectable 70 (two-under par) to stay in the mix.

While Matloob’s dominance set him apart on day one, the overall standard of play remained impressively high, promising an intense battle in the rounds ahead. The championship resumes on Friday (April 3, 2026), with players gearing up to challenge the early leader in what is shaping up to be a fiercely contested tournament.

LAHORE: The prestigious fairways of the Lahore Gymkhana Golf Club are once again alive with anticipation as the J.A. Zaman Memorial Open Golf Championship gathers momentum, drawing the finest professional and amateur golfers from across Pakistan.

Widely regarded as one of the most prominent fixtures on the national golfing calendar, the championship promises a compelling blend of elite competition, rising talent, and significant prize money, ensuring a thrilling spectacle for players and spectators alike.

All eyes are on Pakistan’s golfing icon, Shabbir Iqbal, who returns to defend his title. With an extraordinary career featuring over 200 tournament victories, Shabbir remains the benchmark of excellence in Pakistan golf.

Despite his remarkable achievements, his competitive hunger remains undiminished. Entering the tournament in strong form, he is once again a leading contender, but the road to victory is expected to be anything but easy.

The championship features a highly competitive field of seasoned professionals and emerging contenders, all vying for top honors and lucrative rewards. With depth in talent and form, several players are well-positioned to challenge the defending champion, setting the stage for an intense and unpredictable contest.

Beyond the professional ranks, the tournament also showcases a vibrant amateur field. These players compete not only for honors and trophies but also for recognition and valuable exposure on a national platform. Their participation enhances the competitive spirit and inclusivity of the championship.

A notable highlight of this year’s edition is the enthusiastic participation of women golfers. Competing with passion and determination, they aim to deliver high-quality performances and further elevate the standard of the game. Their presence highlights the tournament’s commitment to promoting diversity and growth in Pakistan golf.

Representing the organising family, Hamid Zaman extended his best wishes to all participants and reaffirmed the family’s dedication to fostering excellence in golf. The championship, held in memory of the late J.A. Zaman, continues to serve as a platform for nurturing talent and celebrating the spirit of the sport.

Set against the historic backdrop of Lahore Gymkhana’s championship course, the event combines tradition with competitive excellence. With top-tier professionals, promising amateurs, and increasing female participation, the J.A. Zaman Memorial Open Golf Championship stands as a true celebration of golf in Pakistan.

LAHORE: The 12th J.A. Zaman Memorial Golf Championship, currently in full swing at Lahore Gymkhana, concluded its amateur segment after an exciting and closely contested competition.

The prestigious tournament drew over 300 amateur golfers from across Pakistan, featuring categories such as men’s amateurs, ladies, seniors, veterans, and juniors.

The men’s amateur competition produced a dramatic and high-quality contest befitting the stature of the championship. Muhammad Shoaib, who had dominated the leaderboard for the first two days, looked set for victory with a comfortable five-shot lead and just four holes remaining.

However, a costly lapse on the 16th hole, where he twice found the penalty area, saw his advantage slip away for the first time in the tournament.

Amid testing windy conditions, Shahmeer Majid held his nerve to emerge as the champion, carding a composed final round of 71. His victory came down to a tense finish, as his approach on the 18th hole narrowly cleared the penalty area by inches. A closing bogey proved enough to seal the title. The 1st net position was secured by rising talent Zayd Omer, who also remained a strong contender in the gross category.

In the ladies amateur category, Sara Amin Khan of Peshawar delivered a steady and assured performance to claim a well-deserved victory, despite a few intermittent errors. Aleesa Rashid of Lahore Gymkhana finished as runner-up.

The senior amateur category saw a dominant display from local golfer Mohsen Zafar, who established an early lead and maintained control throughout the competition. Ahmed Zafar Hyat secured second place, while Sardar Murad Khan finished third.

“The overwhelming response to this year’s championship is both heartening and encouraging for the sponsors and tournament management,” said Tournament Organiser Aahyan Mumtaz.

“We are especially grateful to the Zaman family for their continued support in promoting this event and contributing to the growth of golf in Pakistan,” he added. The championship will resume next week with the professional segment, where the country’s leading golfers will compete for top honors.