Golf club hopes tournament will inspire new players
The Hong Kong Golf Club said on Thursday that it is hopeful that a tournament next year featuring some of the world's top players will encourage more young people to pick up the sport. It comes after the Saudi-backed LIV Golf league announced on Wednesday that it would be hosting its first tournament in the SAR, as part of a 14-event schedule. Andy Kwok, captain of the club, said there would be a chance for local aspiring players to win an invite to potentially play alongside the likes of Phil Mickelson. “Right now, LIV has a mechanism to recruit new players, including I think there will be a promotional tournament coming up in early December for players of potential, professional players to sign up and play. And the winners would get an entrance ticket to participate in the 24 scheduled LIV event,” he said. Kwok also said that he is excited for Hong Kong people to experience a unique event that combines both sport and entertainment. “This time the match is very different. First, all the players start at the same time, but at different holes. Second, you will hear different music and cheers in the match. This is the speciality of this match. It brings entertainment into the match. In addition, after the match is over every day, the organisers will invite international singers and performers to the match,” he said. “There will be different music events after the match. I hope the audience can enjoy the match, and also bring a heavy entertainment element into the match." Other top golfers like Dustin Johnson, Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka will also be taking part in the tournament for a chance to win the US$25 million prize money. The three-day event will take place at the Hong Kong Golf Club in Fanling from March 8 to 10.