Pakistan’s leading golfer, Ahmed Baig, concluded a productive week at the 2026 am green IGPL Morocco Rising Stars with a strong final-round performance at the Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort. A two-under-par 68 on Sunday secured him a tied-seventh finish and provided valuable momentum heading into this week’s $500,000 am green IGPL Bharath Classic, which will be played on the same coastal course.
Baig’s final round featured six birdies and two bogeys, underlining the aggressive style of play that has made him one of Pakistan’s most exciting sporting talents. More importantly, his overall performance demonstrated resilience and adaptability. After opening with a disappointing one-over-par 73, hemounted an impressive recovery with a six-under-par 66 in the second round, followed by rounds of 70 and 68tofinish among the tournament’s top performers.
The Lahore-based professional showed composure throughout the week against a competitive international field. His ability to rebound after a slow start highlighted the maturity that has becomeincreasingly evident in his game. While a handful of avoidable bogeys proved costly, his overallperformance reinforced the belief that a breakthrough victory at a major international event may not be far away.
Baig’s journey also stands as a reminder that sporting excellence is not solely dependent on access to elite infrastructure or institutional backing. His rise reflects how self-belief, discipline, and relentless hard work can, in themselves, become powerful foundations for success at the highest level. It was also an encouraging week for Pakistan golf as a whole. Fellow Pakistani professional Aadam Syed delivered a consistent performance, carding rounds of 71, 69, 70 and 70 to finish in a respectable 20th position. The performances of both players reflected the growing presence of Pakistani golfers on the international stage.
Thailand’s Tanapat Pichaikool claimed the title at 17-under par, but for Baig and Syed, the event served as ideal preparation for the upcoming Bharath Classic. Scheduled from June 4 to 7 and carrying a prize purse of $500,000, the Asian Tour event returns to the same coastal venue, allowing players to build on the knowledge and experience gained during the Rising Stars tournament.
The event is part of the Indian Golf Premier League (IGPL), which continues to expand its international footprint through tournaments staged in destinations such as Mauritius, South Africa and Morocco.
Backed by prominent sporting personalities, the league has introduced a franchise-based model aimed at creating new opportunities for professional golfers while increasing the sport’s visibility across emerging markets.
For Baig, the familiarity of the course could prove a significant advantage. Having already adapted to the coastal winds and demanding greens of Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort, he will enter the Bharath Classic with confidence and a valuable competitive edge. If he can eliminate a few costly mistakes and maintain the scoring form he displayed in Morocco, he has every chance of challenging for one of the biggest titles of his career.
Baig’s journey to the international stage remains one of the most inspiring stories in Pakistan sport.
Despite limited institutional support and financial constraints during his formative years, he developed into one of the country’s finest golfers through determination, discipline and countless hours of practice.
His progress has been aided significantly by the guidance of Brigadier (Retd) Riaz Bajwa, who recognized Baig’s potential early and provided the structure, mentorship and support necessary to transform a gifted self-taught player into an international professional. Bajwa’s contribution has extended beyond encouragement, helping create the professional environment required for sustained success at the highest level.
Credit is also due to Lahore Garrison Greens Golf Club, which played a crucial role in Baig’s development by providing consistent access to quality practice facilities. Unlike many sports that can be trained for anywhere, golf demands structured environments, and this access proved vital in shaping Baig’s game.
Together, the support of dedicated mentors and institutions, combined with Baig’s own relentless work ethic and self-driven development, has produced one of Pakistan’s finest golfing ambassadors. His rise continues to stand as a powerful example that while support systems help shape a career, true sporting excellence is ultimately forged through resilience, self-belief, and sustained hard work.