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Letters | Hong Kong sees Fanling golf course as elitist, it doesn’t have to be that way
- The government has neglected the benefits of golf and done little to promote the sport to all residents, which has contributed to its “elitist” status
- There is great potential for golf to become a prominent sport and recreational pastime in Hong Kong
I am writing in response to the article (“Housing to be built on Fanling golf course, Hong Kong government confirms”, February 20). It is unfortunate that the sport is considered elitist in Hong Kong due to the lack of golf courses, especially those that are not privately owned. As a recreational golfer, I am naturally crestfallen by the Executive Council’s decision to take over the Hong Kong Golf Club’s century-old “Old Course”, a symbol of golf’s rich heritage in the city.
Still, I believe the government has good intentions in redeveloping the golf course into public housing. The course sits in the centre of Fanling, a populous residential district, and serves as a reminder of the widening social and income inequalities hurting our city’s reputation. Years of protest by activists have further pushed the government to take action to alleviate the substantial waiting time for a public housing flat by rezoning the golf course.
That’s not to say golf is a bad sport for Hongkongers to take up. In fact, quite the contrary. Golfing trains one’s patience, dedication and stamina, and provides a respite from our hectic work lives.
However, I feel the government has neglected the benefits of golf and done little to promote the sport to our residents. The government could take a first step by incentivising private golf clubs to permit greater usage of their courses by the general public. Green fee subsidies could also be provided to golfers on a means-tested basis, in a bid to erase the “elitist” status of the sport.
In all, there is great potential for golf to become a prominent sport and recreational pastime in Hong Kong. It all depends on the government’s motivation to increase the accessibility of the sport beyond the privileged few.
Christopher Yeu, Mid-Levels
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