Fans, non-fans alike hail 'family friendly' LIV Golf
Visitors to the LIV Golf tournament on Sunday declared the event a resounding success, with parents and children alike agreeing that the "golf but louder" experience is likely to attract fresh blood to the sport. With a lion dance, blaring electronic music, face painting and a "party hole" among the entertainment provided at the Hong Kong Golf Club, spectators praised organisers for making the event a lot more family friendly than traditional golf tournaments.  "It’s brilliant. I didn’t know what to expect and I’ve been blown away. The kids are having a great time,” a man surnamed Pincott said on the final day of the tournament.  "My son and my daughter have never even played golf before. But they’ve come down here and had a chance to putt. They’ve had a chance to chip, and I think they’ve already got the bug." Prior to the event, Hong Kong Golf Club captain Andy Kwok said he was hoping the tournament would attract young people to the game, both as players and spectators. A man surnamed Foster told RTHK he thought the Saudi-backed LIV format could do just that. "Being in a place where children are welcomed, I think it’s a big deal,” he said.  “Traditionally golf is difficult for children to come, so it’s great to have something like this where it’s a bit less formal and accepting. It’s a good thing.”  Charlie, 7, who was at the course in Fanling with his dad and sister, said he wants to play golf when he's older and dreams of getting a hole-in-one. Already playing golf in Discovery Bay, Ishika, 12, said she was ecstatic to see her favourite player Jon Rahm in the lineup, adding that she hopes to compete on a professional level one day. She too appreciated the extra touches provided by golf's brashest new circuit. “When I came to Fanling one time, nothing was here really but it’s all crowded. I love the feeling [this time]... It’s super nice and decorated so well with all these games here. It’s really cool,” she said. Even the non-fans were impressed with the "mega-event", with a woman surnamed Lewis saying she wasn't there for the golf, but for the entertainment and the food.  "It’s the atmosphere. It’s the vibe. It’s what can also cater for different people here. I think they can bring in so much more for tourists to Hong Kong because we need that now," she said.