Fanling shortlisted to hold LIV Golf League next year
Source: SCMP (Josh Ball & Olga Wong)
The Hong Kong Golf Club has announced that it is being considered as a venue for a LIV Golf League tournament in 2024.
The club sees this as an opportunity to strengthen the Chinese market's connection with the Middle East, acting as a bridge between the two regions. The LIV Golf League, which is backed by the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, is known for its shorter, more entertainment-focused tournaments that include loud music and on-course activities.
The club officials claim that the event would be "bigger than the Hong Kong Sevens" and would not only target professional players but also provide entertainment for the general public. If the LIV Golf League decides to hold a tournament in Hong Kong, it will be the second Saudi-linked tournament to take place at the club, with the Aramco Team Series scheduled for October.
The Hong Kong Golf Club, which was established in 1889, is one of the oldest golf clubs in Asia, and its Fanling course is considered a historic landmark. However, the Hong Kong government has plans to develop part of the course into housing, which has been met with resistance from the club and golf enthusiasts. The proposed development site covers nine hectares (22 acres) and is expected to be used to build 12,000 flats.
The club officials have been actively trying to prevent the development of the course, citing the negative impact it would have on the environment and the loss of one of the city's major sporting venues. HKGC received support from the Asian Tour and European Tour officials, who have written to the board expressing their concerns that any development at Fanling would likely lead to the end of elite golf being held in the city.
In response to the development plans, the club has been exploring alternative options to preserve the course, including hosting more high-profile tournaments and events. The LIV Golf League event would be a significant opportunity for the club to showcase its facilities and attract international attention to the issue.
The LIV Golf League was established in 2020 and has quickly gained a reputation for its unique approach to golf tournaments. The league's events are known for their shorter format, which includes fewer holes and a focus on entertainment. The league has also received criticism for its association with Saudi Arabia and its human rights record. However, the league has stated that it is committed to promoting gender equality and inclusivity in golf, and its events have featured both male and female players.
Overall, the potential arrival of the LIV Golf League in Hong Kong could be a significant development for the city's golfing community. It would provide a platform for the club to showcase its facilities and attract international attention to the issue of the proposed housing development. At the same time, the tournament's unique format and entertainment-focused approach could help to attract a new audience to the sport.
