Alam reigns supreme at Defence Raya Golf

 

Alam reigns supreme at Defence Raya Golf Championship 2025

 

Asher Butt

The lush fairways of the Defence Raya Golf & Country Club came alive over the weekend as Muhammad Alam of Lahore Garrison Golf Club delivered a performance of pure class to capture the 3rd Defence Raya Golf Championship 2025 title. The three-day competition, featuring some of Pakistan’s finest professionals and senior professionals, offered intense battles, moments of brilliance, and a showcase of golf at its finest — but in the end, it was Alam who stood tall above them all.

Alam’s campaign was a masterclass in control and composure. With rounds of 72, 69, and 70, he completed the championship with a winning aggregate of 211, finishing five under par. His unwavering focus and steady hands under pressure earned him the champion’s trophy along with a cash prize of Rs 791,000.

“It was one of those weeks where my rhythm and confidence just clicked,” Alam shared after his win. “The course wasn’t forgiving at all — you had to be precise with every shot, and I’m proud of how I managed my game across all three days.”

 

From contender to champion

The opening day saw seasoned names like Matloob Ahmed, Muhammad Munir, and Mudassir Iqbal start strong. Matloob, Alam’s clubmate at Lahore Garrison, set the early pace, while Rawalpindi’s Munir kept the pressure alive with a blistering round of 66 on Day 1 before faltering slightly with a 76 later on.

However, Alam found his groove midway through the event, shooting a brilliant 69 in the second round that established him as the man to beat. By the final day, he had built enough of a cushion to play tactical, controlled golf — balancing aggression with caution to close out the tournament in style.

Behind him, Matloob Ahmed held on for second place with an overall gross of 141, while Munir, Mudassir, and Arif Ali of Lahore Gymkhana fought closely for top-five finishes.

 

Senior professionals deliver classic golf

The Senior Professionals category produced its own share of excitement. Muhammad Naseer of Defence Raya Golf Club claimed the top spot with a composed performance on his home course. Khalid Mehmood followed closely with a gross 76, while Muhammad Akram of Lahore Gymkhana settled for third after a steady display.

Day 1 also featured the Junior Professionals event, where Muhammad Waqas stood out with a gritty 3-over-par 75, showcasing the depth of emerging golf talent in Pakistan.

 

A test of skill and patience

Defence Raya’s course once again lived up to its reputation — challenging golfers with narrow fairways, fast greens, and deceptive winds. “It’s a thinking golfer’s course,” one participant commented. “Every hole demands strategy. Alam’s victory wasn’t about luck — it was about discipline.”

Spectators enjoyed a treat of world-class shot-making as seasoned professionals navigated tricky pin placements and shifting conditions. The event not only highlighted Pakistan’s growing golf culture but also reaffirmed Lahore’s position as a hub for top-tier golfing competitions.

 

Organizers laud sportsmanship and excellence

The Athletics Federation of Pakistan and Defence Raya management praised all players for maintaining high standards of sportsmanship and professionalism. They emphasized the importance of events like this in nurturing Pakistan’s next generation of golfers.

“Defence Raya continues to raise the bar for professional golf in the country,” an official said. “The facilities, the course quality, and the competitiveness we witnessed this weekend show how far our game has come.”

 

Final standings

Professionals:
🏆 Muhammad Alam (Lahore Garrison GC) – 72, 69, 70 (Total 211)
🥈 Matloob Ahmed (Lahore Garrison GC) – 141 gross
🥉 Muhammad Munir (Rawalpindi GC) – 66, 76

Other notable finishers: Arif Ali (Lahore Gymkhana) – 69, 75; Mudassir Iqbal (Karachi) – consistent showing.

Senior professionals:
🏆 Muhammad Naseer (Defence Raya GC) – Champion
🥈 Khalid Mehmood – 76 gross
🥉 Muhammad Akram (Lahore Gymkhana) – Third

 

A champion’s week to remember

As the sun set on the final day, the applause around the 18th green echoed Alam’s dominance and the spirit of the championship. His precision drives, composed putts, and calm under pressure summed up what championship golf is all about.

For Muhammad Alam, this victory is more than just another trophy — it’s a testament to perseverance, preparation, and passion for the sport. And for Pakistan golf, it’s yet another sign that the country’s talent is ready to shine brighter on the regional and international stage.