Hong Kong's army of armchair golf followers are facing further frustration. Nothing especially new in that, it must be said. Starved for so long of witnessing live coverage of golf's Major championships on terrestrial channels, the situation has improved considerably in recent years thanks to satellite and cable television. However, in comparison with other countries around the region, Hong Kong viewers still get a raw deal. Okay, this year we have been fortunate to see on our screens Jose-Maria Olazabal in full bloom at Augusta National in April's US Masters, Payne Stewart pounce at Pinehurst in June's US Open and Paul Lawrie survive the carnage to win at Carnoustie in July's British Open. Sadly, though, we were denied watching Tiger Woods hold off the charging Sergio Garcia in a thrilling climax to last month's US PGA Championship - the final Major of the century. At least, many consoled themselves, they'd be able to catch the much-hyped rematch when Woods and Garcia square off again on opposing sides in this month's Ryder Cup. Apparently not so. Seemingly, the 33rd edition of the Ryder Cup between the top professionals of Europe and America will not be transmitted by ESPN Asia or STAR Sports. Neither, it would appear, have the rights been purchased by Hong Kong (formerly Wharf) Cable or TVB or ATV. Given the deafening silence on the issue from all of the above, it's natural to jump to the conclusion that the rights fees being demanded for what is arguably the most exciting and eagerly anticipated of all golfing events are beyond their respective financial means. In recent weeks it's been widely reported that the Ryder Cup generates profits running into tens of million of US dollars for the various organising bodies, primarily from ticket sales, merchandising and, of course, television rights. Surely those organisations who manage and promote the Ryder Cup should be duty-bound to help promote and develop the game globally - not only by ploughing all profits back into the game, but also by ensuring the broadest possible television exposure of their property. Particularly galling for Hong Kong fans is the fact that many neighbouring countries will be showing the drama live as it unfolds. In some places the Ryder Cup will be on terrestrial stations, in others, such as Singapore, it will be available on pay-per-view. Hong Kong Cable have similar pay-per-view capabilities. Is it too much to ask them to offer us the same deal? It's not too late . . . Zhang Lianwei made history last week when he became the first player from mainland China to compete in a US PGA Tour event. Although he fired an opening-round one-under-par at the Air Canada Championship there was not to be a happy ending to the story for Zhang. A 75 in the second round meant he missed the halfway cut by three strokes. For the first time, a section for senior golfers has been included in the 1999 Clearwater Bay Golf & Country Club Amateur Open. The tournament, which has expanded to two days to accommodate more players and additional categories, is open to all amateur golfers. Teeing-off the Open on Friday, October 15, will be the ladies. The senior section, to be contested the next day, is open to males aged 50 or above on October 16 with a maximum handicap index is 23.2. Entry fee is $500 for Clearwater Bay members and $800 for non-members and includes green fee, cart fee, breakfast, lunch buffet and presentation reception. Entry forms are available from the Clearwater Bay club on 2335-3888. Closing entries date is October 3.