Shahzad shines with perfect round at Corps Commander Open Golf

Shahzad shines with perfect round at Corps Commander Open Golf 

Asher Butt 

The Corps Commander Open Golf Tournament 2025 teed off in style at the Garrison Golf and Country Club, where some of Pakistan’s finest golfers — both professional and amateur — are battling it out in one of the most prestigious fixtures of the golfing calendar.

The tournament, hosted under ideal playing conditions, has already lived up to expectations with top-tier competition, tight scores, and impressive displays of precision and control. The beautifully maintained Garrison layout, known for its strategic bunkering and tricky greens, has tested every facet of the players’ game.

Leading the professional leaderboard at the end of the first round is M. Shahzad of Garrison, who produced a flawless round of eight under par (67). His performance combined composure, distance control, and clinical putting — attributes that made his round stand out on a day when even minor errors proved costly. Shahzad’s dominance was marked by consistent fairway drives and confident birdie conversions, earning him a comfortable lead going into the next stage.

Breathing down his neck is Matloob Ahmed of Lahore Garrison, who carded a superb 68, maintaining steady rhythm throughout the round. Not far behind are Minhaj Maqsood (Rawalpindi Golf Club), Asad Khan (RGC), and Shahbaz Iqbal (MGCC), all finishing at the same score to keep the title race wide open.

Zubair Hassan of PAF is positioned just a stroke adrift with 69, while seasoned professionals Salman Ali and Salman Akhter finished close behind at 70 and 71, respectively. A number of other golfers also wrapped up their rounds at 71, underscoring the competitive intensity and narrow margins defining this year’s event.

In the Senior Professionals category, veterans Raja Iftikhar, Muhammad Tariq, and Muhammad Akram produced stellar displays of controlled aggression and experience. Their consistent performance highlighted the enduring depth of Pakistan’s senior golfing fraternity, who continue to contribute to the sport’s growth at every level.

The Amateur Division also saw exciting performances, with Shamir Majid emerging as the early leader after a composed and technically sound round. Close on his heels is Nouman Ilyas, whose calm demeanor and accuracy under pressure reflected maturity beyond his years.

The atmosphere at Garrison Golf Course remains charged with excitement as players prepare for the decisive rounds ahead. With only a few strokes separating the top contenders, the Corps Commander Open promises an intense and thrilling finish — a true celebration of Pakistan’s golfing talent and the sport’s growing stature in the country. 

The Corps Commander Open Golf Tournament continues tomorrow at Garrison Golf Course, Lahore, where both professionals and amateurs will aim to make their mark in what is shaping up to be one of the most fiercely contested events of the season.