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PGF Hopes to Win Back Asian Tour Slot Back To Main

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KARACHI: Pakistan’s golf authorities remain upbeat about the country’s chances of the country becoming a part of the lucrative Asian Tour once again in the near future.

Taimur Hassan, the Pakistan Golf Federation (PGF) secretary, told ‘The News’ here on Wednesday on the eve of the 41st Pakistan Open that the PGF is making efforts to win back a place for the prestigious event on the Asian Tour.
“We remain optimistic about Pakistan becoming a part of the Asian Tour once again,” said Taimur, regarded among the legends of Pakistan golf. “What we need is some kind of stability in the security situation and once that happens I’m sure that the Pakistan Open will get a slot on the Asian tour,” he stressed.

The Pakistan Open which was launched back in 1967 was a part of the Asian Tour in 2006 and 2007. The event was held here at the Karachi Golf Club and attracted several leading pros from the region as a part of a three-year deal. However, security concerns forced the cancellation of the 2008 edition.

England’s Chris Rodgers of England won the inaugural event. He finished 15 under par, four shots ahead of India’s Jeev Milkha Singh and Amandeep Johl. In 2007 Malaysia’s Airil Rizman claimed his maiden Asian Tour title with a two stroke triumph over Scott Hend of Australia.

“It was great to host two Asian tour events and now we want to revive it as soon as possible,” said Taimur. The PGF secretary stressed that Pakistan golf is on the rise in spite of all odds. “From the aspect of prize money, golf is currently the second most lucrative sport in Pakistan after cricket,” he said. “The 2011 domestic golf circuit carried at stake a total prize purse of over ten million rupees, which is a big progress.”