The event will also commemorate the Golden Jubilee of Golf in Dharan as Nirvana was built in 1962. [break]
The tournament, organized by Nepal Professional Golfers Association (NPGA) and sponsored by Surya Nepal, will be played on 72 holes on stroke play format.
Altogether 32 professionals, including six locals, are set to participate in the tournament. Top professional and amateur golfers of the country have already reached Dharan to acclimatize to the playing conditions.
The event carries a total purse of Rs 467,500. The winner will take home Rs 88,000, while runner-up will bag Rs 55,000. Others in the top 21 will also receive their share of cash prizes.
The tournament will conclude with the amateur golfers teaming up with the pros in the Pro-Am event on December 29. Altogether 60 golfers, including 15 pros and 45 amateurs, have registered to take part in the one-day Pro-Am event.
Top ranked and defending champion Shiva Ram Shrestha will face challenge from local pros Sabin Sapkota, Mani Rai and Suman Rai, along with the title winners of this season Ram Thapa and Rabi Khadka.
Six amateurs from Surya Nepal NGA Youth Golf development program, Bikash Bogati, Dinesh Prajapati, Bishnu Sharma, Sunil KC, Ashish Pariyar and Dharan local Michael Rai, Tashi Ghale and Tashi Tshiring, among others, will vie for amateur trophy. There are total of 25 amateurs taking part in the tournament.
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