Over 20 local HK stars at World City Championship

Hong Kong's amateur golfer Isaac Lee.

World City Championship presented by Hong Kong Golf Club set to showcase over 20 local stars on a global stage.

A record number of local golfers will tee it up at an international professional golf tournament when the US$1 million World City Championship presented by Hong Kong Golf Club (WCC) makes its debut from 23-26 March 2023 in Fanling.

Hong Kong’s newest tournament has already attracted a stellar field of the world’s best golfers - included among them former Hong Kong Open winner Ian Poulter (2010) and Henrik Stenson, winner of The Open in 2016.

Alongside the greats of the game, over 20 places have been offered to the city’s rising professional and amateur talents, including freshly minted Asian Tour players Taichi Kho and Matthew Cheung.

Kho - who, like Cheung, played his way to a Tour card through qualifying back in January - said he was thrilled with the opportunity to play in front of his hometown fans across the famed composite course. There is sure to be plenty of fans flocking to Fanling over the championship’s four days, given the fact that entry is free across the tournament week.

“To be a professional golfer from Hong Kong and to be playing in Hong Kong, it's truly something that I've always dreamed about,” said Kho.

“It's been quite a while since I've played in Hong Kong competitively so it'll be really nice to feel the hometown support and I really hope to see as many people out here as possible. A lot of Hong Kong players will be playing so it'll be great to feel the hometown pride and try to fly the flag high.”

Kho has already started work as he will be coming back to his hometown off two Asian Tour events - the US$2 million International Series Thailand where he was impressive all the way in finishing in a tie for 34th on 12 under par, and The DGC Open, set to be played at the Delhi Golf Club from March 16-19.

As well as Kho and Cheung, the rising stars of Hong Kong golf are expected for the World City Championship (WCC), at a time when the game in the city has never been healthier.

The likes of Leon D’Souza, Alexander Yang, Isaac Lam, Tommy Lin, Timothy Chan, Hoho Yue, Markus Lam, Kevin Wu, Isaac Lee, Jason Hak and Terrence Ng have been extended invitations to the tournament after making their mark on events both internationally and locally.

Seventeen-year-old amateur Isaac Lee, who was a recent winner of the Hong Kong Golf Club’s Fanling Trophy said he was thrilled by the opportunity to be part of a full field of 132 golfers that includes the very best from the Asian Tour, as well as international stars.

“I'm very excited,” said Lee.

“It's going to be a good opportunity for me to be able to play with a lot of top golfers from all over the world, and it’s also a good stage for me to showcase myself.

“I have watched a lot of these players over the years at the Hong Kong Golf Club, so now to be going out to play against them is just a great opportunity for me, and for all the Hong Kong golfers who will play.”

As well as the honour of competing for the prestigious WCC trophy, the tournament offers players a chance to play in this year’s 151st Open Championship in July as it has been selected as one of the three Asian tournaments that make up The R&A’s Open Qualifying Series (OQS).

“It’s an incredible opportunity,” said Kho.

“I think the only thing a professional golfer could ever ask for is more opportunity and for us to be given this opportunity to qualify for the most historic event in golf is truly special.”

To find out how to get tickets click here.