LAHORE: The 12th J.A. Zaman Memorial Open Golf Championship is underway at the Lahore Gymkhana Golf Club, with the amateur leg commencing this week.
Firmly established among Pakistan’s premier golf tournaments, the event is being contested over two weeks, beginning with amateurs before the professionals take center stage.
This year’s championship has drawn impressive participation, reflecting its growing stature and nationwide appeal. The Amateur leg features 96 players in Men’s Amateur, 82 in Seniors, 64 in Veterans, and 24 in Ladies Amateur. The turnout underscores the event’s reputation as a competitive and inclusive platform for golfers of all ages.
Hosted annually by the Zaman family in memory of J.A. Zaman, an avid golfer and proud member of Lahore Gymkhana, the tournament continues to uphold high standards of professionalism and fair play. Chief Organiser Hamid Zaman expressed pride in the event’s evolution, noting the increase in prize money to 10 million rupees and the inclusion of WAGR ranking points for both men and women amateurs. He highlighted the rising participation of younger players, reaffirming the family’s commitment to nurturing talent.
Tournament Director Aahyan Mumtaz praised the arrangements and hinted at future innovations, including the introduction of a Pro-Am format, while Rules Official Munazza Shaheen emphasized the growing professionalism and adherence to rules, noting the encouraging presence of junior golfers alongside nearly 100 professionals.
Over the years, the J.A. Zaman family has played a pivotal role in elevating the championship into a key fixture on Pakistan’s golfing calendar. Past winners such as Shabbir Iqbal and Ahmed Baig reflect the high level of competition, while the event continues to provide a vital platform for emerging players.
The Lahore Gymkhana course, with its narrow fairways and testing greens, places a premium on precision and consistency. As amateurs battle for early honours this week, professionals will soon join the fray in pursuit of one of Pakistan’s most coveted golf titles.
