chief of the Naval Staff Amateur Golf Cup tees off today

Ladies & gentlemen, Assalam-o-Alaikum

I, Cdre Sh. Imran Nasir SI(M), Commander North, Patron Pakistan Navy Golf for the North region warmly, welcome you at the press briefing of chief of the Naval Staff Amateur Golf Cup 2018.

The tournament is scheduled to be played Insha Allah from the 27th to 29th of April 2018 here, at this remarkably scenic Margalla Greens Golf Course.

Let me give you a thumb nail sketch of history of this championship. The event was introduced back in 2007. Pakistan Navy has always actively pursued the cause of nurturing various sports at a national level. Similarly, Pakistan Navy also encourages players, both, from within the service as well as outside, to take part in sports events and raise the overall spirit of the game. This annual championship, which is affiliated with PGF, was introduced with the idea of promoting this sport as a game and providing platform for talented individuals to come forward and make a mark in golf. Players from all over Pakistan have registered with us to participate in the event. This would be the 12th championship in sequence to be played this year and 7th on this course.

The effort required to convert this scenic but desolate base of Margalla Hills into this picturesque golf club was a daunting and exhaustive task. However, with ardous efforts of club staff, the place has been converted into one of the best golfing facilities in the Capital City. Furthermore, the club is equipped with self sustainable rain harvesting arrangements.

I wish each player to have a splendid experience and insist them on benefitting from such a privilege that they have at hand, by taking part in this championship to the full.

Last year we had more than 300 participants and hence, this time I expect even greater participation from all around the country. For a healthy competition, it has been decided to give the participation rights to all those having the handicap up to 12 strokes. Some of the salient features of the championship are:

. Main match would be played amongst amateurs over 54 holes during the three days i.e. 18 holes each day from 27h to29th April. Amateurs with handicap 12 and below will participate in the match.

. Seniors match would be played over 36 holes on 27th & 28th April, seniors over 55 years and with handicap 18 and below are eligible to take part in the match.

. Junior’s match would be played over 18 holes on 28th April. Junior’s under the age of 16 with handicap 24 and below are eligible.

. Ladies match would be played over 18 holes on 29th April, lady golfers with handicap 30 and below are eligible to participate in the match.

. Attractive prizes would be awarded to the participants of all the categories. However, the main trophy will be given to best amateur in net category.

I would like to extended my deepest gratitude to all of the sponsors, for sharing the honour of holding one of the finest golf event at national level.

Last but not the least, I thank all of you worthy media men for being here today. Media has been covering this event with special focus in past years and we expect the same enthusiasm and zeal this time as well. I would also like to thank media for their forthcoming efforts in covering such sporting events in Pakistan, hence portraying a soft image of our motherland on international level.

With this brief overview, I thank you all for your patient listening and would be glad to answer any question that you may have.