The 15th Rashid D. Habib Memorial National Professional Golf Tournament, sponsored by Bank AL Habib, officially got underway on Wednesday at the Karachi Golf Club, bringing together the country’s top professional golfers for one of Pakistan’s most prominent sporting events. The opening round set an energetic tone for the tournament, with strong performances, favorable weather, and a competitive field highlighting the growing depth of professional golf in the country.
A total of 120 professional golfers teed off in the first round, representing clubs from across Pakistan. Leading the field after day one was Muhammad Minhaj Maqsood Waraich of the Rawalpindi Golf Club, who delivered an impressive round of 68, finishing four under par. His composed and consistent play placed him firmly at the top of the leaderboard, establishing an early advantage in what is expected to be a closely contested tournament.
Trailing closely behind were Muhammad Shabbir of the Multan Golf & Country Club and Hamza Taimur Amin of the Royal Golf Club Karachi, both of whom carded solid rounds of 70, finishing two under par. Their performances kept them well within striking distance of the leader and ensured that competition at the top of the leaderboard remained tight heading into the next rounds.
A group of experienced contenders followed at one under par with rounds of 71. This cluster included Matloob Ahmad of Lahore Gymkhana Golf, Waheed Baloch of the Karachi Golf Club, and Ansar Mehmood of the Multan Golf & Country Club. Their steady starts reflected consistency rather than aggression, positioning them as potential challengers as the tournament progresses.
Defending champion Ahmed Baig of the Royal Palm Golf Club faced a more challenging opening day, carding a round of 73 to finish one over par. While still within reach of the leading pack, the result leaves him with ground to make up in the remaining rounds if he is to retain his title. Given his experience and past performance, observers expect a strong response in the coming days.
Beyond the scores, the opening round was marked by pleasant weather conditions and strong spectator attendance, contributing to a lively atmosphere at the Karachi Golf Club. The event also drew attention for highlighting the evolving profile of professional golf in Pakistan, with increased participation from educated and professionally trained golfers entering the national circuit.
The Rashid D. Habib Memorial Tournament has long been regarded as a cornerstone of Pakistan’s professional golf calendar, offering both competitive exposure and a platform for emerging talent. The strong start to the 15th edition underscores the tournament’s continued relevance and its role in promoting the sport at a national level.
As the tournament moves into the next rounds, competition is expected to intensify, with leading players seeking to consolidate their positions while others aim to climb the leaderboard. With a deep field and narrow margins separating the contenders, the championship remains wide open, promising an engaging contest for players and fans alike.
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