KATHMANDU, SEPTEMBER 6

The second edition of the Top of the World Golf Classic is scheduled next week at the Mustang Golf Club in Lo-Manthang, Mustang.

A total of 40 golfers will participate in the tournament which will be played on the course situated at an altitude of 4,650 metres making it the world's highest golf course, informed the organisers at a press meet in Pokhara today.

'Due to the high altitude, the event will be played over nine holes under the stableford format,' said Managing Director of Mustang Golf Course Indra Dhara Bista. 'Any golfer acing the Hole No 6 will be awarded with a horse, which must be a unique and interesting prize in golf tournaments across the world.' Prizes will also be awarded to the overall winner, runner-up, best gross, women's winner, closest-to-thepin, and longest drive. 'Defending champion Shyam Tamang and other participants are excited to take part in the tournament.'

'In the coming days, Mustang Golf Course will be marketed as the highest golf course in the world and all stakeholders will work hand in hand to bring in high end tourism in the country. We have planned to invite international golfers for the third edition of the tournament next year,' said Bista, who initiated the golf course.

'The registration process and legal work for the golf course has been completed and we will work towards improving the course conditions as well as applying for Guinness Book of World Records,' he said. 'It has been my dream to create this golf course, and I am hoping that golfers from all around the world will put this golf course on their bucket list,' Bista said. 'My aim is to promote tourism in the country through golf and this course.'

The tournament is supported by Lo-Manthang Rural Municipality, Nepal Investment Mega Bank, Prabhu Bank, German Bakery Pokhara and Chimney Orchids Pvt Ltd.

A version of this article appears in the print on September 07, 2023, of The Himalayan Times.