Omar Khalid becomes first Pakistani to win golf title on US soil

Pakistan’s rising golf star Omar Khalid Hussain has etched his name in history by becoming the first player from the country to win a golf title on American soil, clinching the Fendrich Open trophy in Indiana.

Omar, the only Pakistani competing in NCAA Division 1 — the top tier of collegiate sports in the United States — outplayed a strong field of professionals at the $18,700 event in Evansville. He carded rounds of 61 and 65 for a 36-hole total of 126, finishing 14 under par to edge Illinois professional Zach Williams by a single stroke at the par-70 Fendrich Golf Course on Sunday.

The 20-year-old fired eight birdies and an eagle in a stunning first-round 61 to grab the lead. In the final round, he stumbled with a bogey on the opening hole but recovered with six birdies on his way to a 65 that sealed the title.

Omar, who at 16 became the youngest winner of the Pakistan Amateur Championship, has built a reputation for breaking new ground. Representing the University of Evansville, he previously won the Faldo Series Pakistan title by a record 40 strokes, and at 17 became the first Pakistani to make the cut at a US Golf Association event — the US Junior Championship at Bandon Dunes in Oregon. He also placed fourth at the 2024 Qatar Open.

The Karachi-born golfer went on to become Pakistan’s youngest national No. 1 at 17, winning the low amateur title at the Pakistan Open, and has represented the country at the Asian Games, Asia-Pacific Championship, World Championship, as well as in prestigious events like the British Amateur, Scottish Open and St Andrews Open.

Looking ahead, Omar has set his sights on the sport’s biggest stage.

“I’m happy with the way my game is progressing and will continue working hard to achieve my dream, which is to play and win on the PGA Tour someday,” he said.