KARACHI, Feb 7: Top professionals of the country will launch their campaign in the 4th edition of All Pakistan DHA Karachi Open Golf Championship which tees off here on Friday.

Pakistan’s top golfing trio of Shabbir Iqbal, Mohammad Munir and Matloob Ahmed are the front runners for the title and the three had extensive training sessions at the Defence Authority Country and Golf Club on Wednesday and Thursday.

“We enjoyed the workout in pleasant but windy conditions,” defending champion Shabbir Iqbal said on tournament’s eve on Thursday.

“I won the Chief of Air Staff Golf last Sunday and am looking to carry on with the same momentum here,” he remarked.

Besides Shabbir, ace golfers like Munir, Matloob, Shahid Javed, Amjad Yousuf and Mohammad Tariq are strong contenders for the DHA Golf title.

The fairways and greens facing the Arabian Sea side of the club are in great shape to hold the event which carries a handsome prize-money of Rs1.5 million including Rs200,000 for the senior professionals. The winner of the event will pocket Rs225,000.

Around 76 professionals will be seen in action on the opening day with some 40 qualifying for the second round.

Besides the professional event, the amateur event will also start on Friday with Muhammad Ali Hai, Sajid Khan, Zuhaib Asif among the favourites for the title.—APP