KATHMANDU: The fifth event under the Surya Nepal Golf Tour 2009-10, the NPGA President’s Cup, is teeing off here at the Royal Nepal Golf Club on February 15.

The three-day tournament is sponsored by the President of Nepal Professional Golfers Association (NPGA) Rabindra Man Shrestha. A total of 22 professionals and 11 top amateurs will take part in the 54-hole event.

“The playing conditions of the oldest golf course of the country has been tweaked up for the tournament. Most participants played a practice round on the course to acclimatise with the conditions of the course. RNGC is known for punishing even the top players,” said NPGA in a release today.

Out of the total cash purse of Rs 200,000, the winner will receive Rs. 44,000. Others in the top 18 will also get their share of cash prizes. Home club

pros Rabi Khadka and Deepak Thapa Magar are expected to face stiff challenges from other top golfers across the country.

Top pro Shiva Ram Shrestha, who met an accident recently, has pulled out of the tournament. Rupak Acharya and Tashi Tsering will be a top draw in the amateur section.