Saad Habib wins 64th Pakistan Amateur Golf Championship in Karachi

Pakistan's Saad Habib Malik poses with trophies after winning the 64th Pakistan Amateur Golf Championship in Karachi. — Reporter

Saad Habib Malik Seals Thrilling Comeback Victory at Pakistan Amateur Golf Championship

Pakistan's Saad Habib Malik poses with trophies after winning the 64th Pakistan Amateur Golf Championship in Karachi. — ReporterKARACHI: Saad Habib Malik produced a remarkable comeback to capture the title at the 64th Pakistan Amateur Golf Championship, played from September 4 to 7 at the...

KARACHI: Saad Habib Malik staged a stunning comeback to win the 64th Pakistan Amateur Golf Championship, held from September 4 to 7 at the Defence Authority Country and Golf Club in Karachi. The prestigious four-day event, featuring top golfers from Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, offered crucial World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) points and concluded with a dramatic finish.

After slipping to 15th place in the second round due to costly errors, including a setback on the 8th hole, Habib steadied himself with a composed 73 in round three. Starting the final day in sixth position, he produced his best golf of the week, firing six birdies against two bogeys for a brilliant 4-under-par 68. His four-round total of 294 (+6) was just enough to edge Sri Lanka’s Danushan Kanas Kumar by a single stroke.

The decisive moment came with three consecutive birdies on the 15th, 16th, and 17th holes, sealing his triumph. “His resilience and composure under pressure were outstanding,” officials from the Pakistan Golf Federation said in praise of the young champion.

Kumar, who struggled with five bogeys and two birdies in his closing round of 75, finished runner-up, while Shahmeer Maajid claimed third with a score of 297 (+9). Third-round leader Numan Ilyas faltered on the final day with eight bogeys to settle for fourth, and Qasim Ali Khan rounded out the top five at 299 (+11).

In the women’s division, Anya Faruq took home the title ahead of Anna James Gill. The Army secured the men’s team championship, while the FGA captured the senior men’s crown. Pakistan A, represented by Habib and Ilyas, also lifted the international team event and the Jeyewardene Trophy.

At the closing ceremony, Pakistan Golf Federation President Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Qazi Muhammad Ikram presented the trophy to Habib, calling his victory “a proud moment for Pakistan’s golfing community.” Having already finished runner-up earlier this year at the Dallas Amateur Championship, Habib has now cemented his status as one of Pakistan’s brightest young golfing talents.

Final Leaderboard (Top 5)

Saad Habib Malik (Pakistan) — 294 (+6)

Danushan Kanas Kumar (Sri Lanka) — 295 (+7)

Shahmeer Maajid (Pakistan) — 297 (+9)

Numan Ilyas (Pakistan) — 292 (+8)

Qasim Ali Khan (Pakistan) — 299 (+11)