The 2nd Ace Junior Golf League Amateur Championship concluded at Lahore Garrison Greens, celebrating Pakistan’s junior golf depth and paying tribute to veteran pro Shabbir Iqbal. Recognised by the World Amateur Golf Ranking, the three-day AJGL Championship brought the country’s top junior players together in a professionally run event that emphasised competition and development.
Sharaan Ali of Rumanza Golf Club won the boys overall title with rounds of 68, 71 and 75, while Aleesa Rashid of Gymkhana Golf Club captured the girls crown with scores of 86, 89 and 85, demonstrating composure across all three rounds.
Strong showings across age divisions included Abdul Moez topping the Boys Elite category with Shahvaiz Niazi finishing close behind. In the Albatross Boys category Sharaan Ali added a second title ahead of Zayd Omer, and the Eagle Boys title went to Mustafa Khan with Haseeb Naeem runner-up. The Birdie Boys category for ages 6–10, played over nine holes, saw Muhammad Huzaifa and Muhammad Aoun take the top two places, reflecting AJGL’s focus on nurturing younger talent.
Girls divisions produced competitive finishes as well, with Rimsha Irfan winning the Elite Girls Category. Aleesa Rashid also claimed the Albatross Girls title ahead of Zarish Irfan, while the Eagle Girls crown was won by Zoay Qureshi with Dua Farid Rao in second place.
The championship honoured the legacy of Shabbir Iqbal, whose record of more than 210 professional victories, multiple Pakistan Open and Punjab Open titles, and international appearances including the 2009 World Cup, continues to inspire rising golfers across Pakistan.
Leadership of the league was visible throughout the event, with Gen Hilal Hussain serving as Patron-in-Chief and Dr Asma Shami as Chairperson of AJGL. Ms Munazza Shaheen, Pakistan’s first female Rules Official with credentials from R&A St Andrews, led a rules session after the second round to reinforce ethics and the laws of the game.
AJGL reiterated its commitment to inclusion by fully sponsoring 14 underprivileged juniors from Peshawar for the Lahore event, covering travel, accommodation and participation. This initiative was driven by Col. Shahadat Hussain with support from Ms Shehzil Fareed and Peshawar Golf Club, ensuring talented youngsters receive opportunities regardless of background.
Mr Shahid Javaid addressed the players, highlighting Shabbir Iqbal’s disciplined practice regimen and praising the organisers for elevating junior golf. The prize distribution was attended by the Patron of Lahore Garrison Greens as Chief Guest along with the President of LGG and senior members of the golfing community.
For the first time the AJGL Championship used live scoring developed by Astute Solutions, providing real-time access for parents and officials and enhancing transparency. Organisers also thanked Julke, supported by Bela Azam, and Lahore Garrison Greens for their financial backing and logistical support.
The AJGL Championship underlined that junior golf in Pakistan is now structured, competitive and inclusive, laying the groundwork for the nation’s next generation of champions.
