The fifth Ghazala Ansari Ladies Open Golf Championship in Lahore celebrated a five-year milestone this week, reinforcing the event’s role in promoting women’s golf and nurturing junior talent across Pakistan. The championship has grown from a tribute into a competitive platform that brings together professionals and amateurs to raise standards in the women’s game.
A press conference at Gymkhana Golf Club announced the tournament details and was attended by Mian Misbah Ur Rehman, Chairman of Lahore Gymkhana Club; Wajid Aziz, Convener Gymkhana Golf Club; Sarmad Nadeem, Committee Member and ex-Convener Golf; Dr. Asma Afzal Shami, Chairperson Organizing Committee; Mamoona Azam, Tournament Coordinator; and Munazza Shaheen, Tournament Director and Chief Referee.
Dr. Asma Afzal Shami paid tribute to Ghazala Ansari’s contribution to the sport, noting that history guides future talent and that Ghazala Ansari remains an inspirational figure for junior golfers. She emphasised that the championship continues Ansari’s mission to build confidence among women on the course.
Ghazala Ansari’s record as a six-time national champion and a dominant presence in ladies golf was highlighted as central to the tournament’s identity. Her prolonged success on Pakistan’s fairways set a standard that the championship seeks to honour while encouraging new generations of women golfers.
Mamoona Azam praised Gymkhana Golf Club and its staff for their sustained support and pointed out that the event is entirely organised by women, from conception through sponsorship and operations. She also celebrated the fact that, with Munazza Shaheen as Tournament Director and Chief Referee, a woman now leads officiating at the championship.
Munazza Shaheen outlined the competition structure, which features seven categories to ensure inclusivity across skill levels and ages, including professional and WAGR open divisions, handicap-based categories, senior ladies, and two junior age groups. This is the second consecutive year the event is held as an Open championship, welcoming professionals alongside amateurs to elevate competition.
The field this year includes 45 registered players, among them seven professionals and nine WAGR participants, reflecting the tournament’s rising prestige. Sarmad Nadeem recalled the inaugural event and the large turnout that established the championship as a significant occasion for women golfers in Pakistan.
Mian Misbah Ur Rehman commended the organising team and confirmed Lahore Gymkhana’s continued support, expressing a desire to expand the Ghazala Ansari Championship to an international event next year with both material and financial backing to bring greater honour to the club and to Pakistan.
As the 5th edition tees off, the Ghazala Ansari Ladies Open Golf Championship stands as both a tribute and a development pathway, carrying forward the legacy of Ghazala Ansari while creating opportunities for emerging women golfers across Pakistan.
