Kathmandu, February 2

The Lumbini Insurance Invitational Golf Tournament is beginning here at the Royal Nepal Golf Club on Friday.

Around 100 golfers are expected to take part in the two-day tournament, informed the organisers at a press meet today. Lumbini General Insurance Company Ltd is organising the tournament to mark its 13th anniversary.

“This is the first sports event sponsored by Lumbini General Insurance Company Ltd and we are beginning with a golf tournament as we believe this event serves the interest of the company,” said Manohar Das Mool, Chairman of Lumbini General Insurance Company Ltd. “We chose golf as it is one of the upcoming sports. And it is not easy to go into the game with mass audience. We think it is easy for us to maintain public relation through golf,” he added. “This is our first tournament and we are planning to make it an annual event.”

The event has been divided into four categories — men, women, gross and senior. Apart from trophies for the winners and runners-up in these categories, the organisers have also set aside awards for most birdies, closest-to-the-pin, longest drive and best sportsmanship. The tournament will be played under stableford 3/4 handicap format with a maximum on 24 and 36 handicaps for men and women golfers respectively.

Honorary Secretary of RNGC Rajendra Man Sherchan said the club was grateful to Lumbini General Insurance for organising the tournament. “Golf is an individual sport and we can promote players through such events as we have a lot of talented golfers in the country,” said Sherchan. “We hope Lumbini General Insurance Company Ltd will organise such events on regular basis.”

RNGC Honorary Treasurer and Board of Directors at Lumbini General Insurance Company Madhur Sinya said the company chose golf as the sport could give exposure to the players. “We are happy with the tournament and the sponsors are taking care of everything,” said Sinya. Deputy CEO of Lumbini General Insurance Company BK Shrestha was also present on the occasion.