ISLAMABAD: More than 300 golfers are expected to participate in the 19th Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) Amateur Golf Championship, commencing October 22 at Margalla Golf Club, as Pakistan Navy seeks to promote competitive golf and develop emerging talent through national tournaments and grassroots training programmes.
Addressing a media briefing on Wednesday, Rear Admiral Ahmed Hussain said the four-day championship was one of Pakistan Navy’s flagship sporting events and had gained considerable recognition among the country’s amateur golfers.
He said the championship, organised in accordance with Pakistan Golf Federation regulations, also formed part of the World Amateur Golf Ranking system, providing an opportunity for leading amateur players to compete at a recognised level.
Rear Admiral Ahmed Hussain said golf was gaining popularity in Pakistan, emphasising the need to introduce talent-hunt programmes at colleges and universities to identify promising players and expand the sport beyond established golfing circles.
He said Pakistan Navy remained committed to promoting sporting activities at national and international levels, with particular emphasis on nurturing young talent and providing competitive opportunities.
Providing details of the championship, officials said more than 160 entries had already been received for the amateur, senior, junior and women’s categories, while additional entries for an invitational competition were expected to take overall participation beyond 300.
The main amateur event will be contested over 54 holes from October 23 to 25, while the senior category will comprise 36 holes for golfers aged 55 and above. Junior golfers aged 14 to 18 will compete over 18 holes on October 22, while the women’s amateur competition will take place over 36 holes on October 22 and 23.
Commander Majid Satti said Pakistan Navy was actively supporting the development of junior golfers through regular coaching sessions, summer camps and training programmes.
He said exclusive summer camps for girls had also been organised during the past two years to encourage greater female participation in golf.
Representatives of Serena Hotels, the championship’s title sponsor, said the girls’ training programme catered to participants aged 10 to 18 and provided introductory coaching to help them develop an interest in the sport.
Responding to questions about educational opportunities for young golfers, officials said Pakistani students had secured golf scholarships at American colleges. They added that awareness sessions had been organised to guide aspiring golfers and their parents about scholarship procedures and eligibility requirements.
On questions regarding handicap restrictions, Commander Majid Satti explained that the tournament followed Pakistan Golf Federation regulations to maintain competitive standards and ensure matches were completed within the available playing hours.
Officials further said Pakistan Navy organised three major golf tournaments annually, including a professional championship in Karachi and amateur championships in Islamabad and Lahore.
Rear Admiral Ahmed Hussain appreciated the contribution of corporate sponsors, particularly Serena Hotels, saying their continued support was essential for organising major sporting events and promoting golf in Pakistan.
The officials reiterated Pakistan Navy’s commitment to expanding opportunities for emerging players and strengthening the country’s golfing culture through competitive events and structured training programmes.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026