Top international sporting events have made a welcome return to Hong Kong after a prolonged period of postponements and cancellations during the pandemic. January’s marathon will be followed by the eagerly anticipated Hong Kong Rugby Sevens this week.
But it was golf that took centre stage last weekend with the city hosting its first Asian Tour event in three years. The thousands of fans who flocked to Hong Kong Golf Club in Fanling for the World City Championship were in for a treat.
They witnessed a historic victory for local hero Taichi Koh.
The 22-year-old, who only turned professional last month, overcame nerves and bad weather to secure his dramatic two-shot win. He became the first Hong Kong player to win on the Asian Tour.
Sports minister Kevin Yeung Yun-hung paid tribute to Kho and to golf authorities for nurturing young talent.
The rewards go beyond the US$180,000 prize money. The victory also secures a coveted place for Kho in the prestigious Open Championship in Britain in July.
It all bodes well for the city’s development of the sport under the Hong Kong Golf Association. Twenty local players competed in the tournament and the standard at amateur level is high.
The women’s game is also strong with several players following in the footsteps of Tiffany Chan Tsz-ching, the only local participant on the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) tour.
Three more international golf tournaments are scheduled for the city this year, including a new one in the shape of the Aramco Team Series in October. It is important to ensure the city maintains the ability to stage such events.
The Fanling course is the only one considered to be of a high enough standard. Part of it is due to be taken back by the government in September, for the development of 12,000 public flats.
The Asian and European tours have both warned the course would be unlikely to be used in future if these plans go ahead. A solution must be found that ensures such tournaments continue.
Kho summed up the euphoria he experienced when winning with the words: “It feels like a dream.” Hopefully, it will be the first of many to be realised for both him and the city’s other young golfers.