LIV Golf hopes to attract HK youth to the sport
Hong Kong Golf Club captain Andy Kwok says he’s hopeful that LIV Golf’s visit to the SAR in March will attract a new demographic of young spectators and players, both locally and in the region. “I think it’s always nice to have something different,” said Kwok. “I’m sure there will be fans who enjoy the traditional tournaments, as well as fans – especially younger fans – who will enjoy the LIV-style tournament plus entertainment aspect of an event.”  The LIV Tour has shaken up the sport of golf in recent years, as more and more professional golfers leave the traditional PGA Tour to sign up to the circuit backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund. The Tour aims to provide an improved spectator experience with a guaranteed line-up of golf stars and extra events, such as concerts and live music around the courses, to keep fans entertained across an event weekend. “What we pride ourselves on is being able to let young kids see the quality of the players we have. Let them get excited about seeing them, hearing from them, talking to them, understanding the magnitude of being one of the best players in the world,” said LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman. “I’m always open to get as many younger kids to experience what LIV Golf is about.” The 2024 LIV Golf season teed off on February 2 in Mexico, where Chilean Joaquin Niemann won the Mayakoba title. The newly formed team Legion XIII, featuring Spain’s 2023 Masters champion Jon Rahm, Englishman Tyrell Hatton, Zimbabwe’s Kieran Vincent and American Caleb Surratt, took the team title. "Part of what I want to deliver across the globe is giving the opportunity for the younger generation to come and experience it [the LIV Golf experience]. We'll be enacting some of that in Hong Kong, in the Greater Bay Area, because that is a great opportunity for Hong Kong and the local officials to push this out to the younger community as well," Norman said. LIV Golf goes to Las Vegas this weekend before heading to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, from March 1 to 3, and Hong Kong the following weekend.