https://www.scmp.com/rss/323248/feed The 2019 Hong Kong Open is the 61th edition of the event, held at Hong Kong Golf Club, Fanling, from November 28-December 1. Prize money for the event will be US$2 million. The 2018 tournament was won by Englishman Aaron Rai. The tournament is co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour, European Tour and Hong Kong Golf Association. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com I was saddened to read about the government’s plans to take back part of the recreational land from the Hong Kong Golf Club in 2023 (“Plan to build homes on Hong Kong’s exclusive Fanling golf course gets government backing”, February 20). Furthermore, I am pleased that neither my late maternal grandfather, Walter Kerr, who was the club’s secretary and manager for nearly 20 years until 1968, and my late father Bill Leighton, who was captain of the club in 1973, are here to read about these... https://www.scmp.com/comment/letters/article/2187671/why-hong-kong-must-rethink-fanling-golf-course-housing-plan-if-not?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/letters/article/2187671/why-hong-kong-must-rethink-fanling-golf-course-housing-plan-if-not?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 26 Feb 2019 09:03:03 +0000 Golfers have lashed out at the Hong Kong government over its decision to take back the Old Course at Fanling for housing, with legendary South African Gary Player also voicing his disgust. A mixture of anger, sadness, frustration, disappointment and resignation filled the fairways and chat groups after Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor accepted a task force’s recommendation to take back a fifth of the 172 hectares at the Hong Kong Golf Club. “Shame on them. Hong Kong is no more a world... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/2187278/shame-you-hong-kong-not-world-city-golfers-furious-over-course-being?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/2187278/shame-you-hong-kong-not-world-city-golfers-furious-over-course-being?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 23 Feb 2019 00:02:43 +0000 The Hong Kong Golf Club cannot win. It’s at the mercy of the government and will have to swallow a course concession if it wants to survive. That means surrendering the century-old Old Course at Fanling and being grateful the government will continue granting a new lease for the remaining 140 hectares of land – at least until 2027. Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor’s endorsement of the land supply task force taking back the 32 hectares of land (eight holes out of the 18) for housing... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/2187140/face-it-hong-kong-golf-club-needs-friendly-landlord-more-doomed-old?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/2187140/face-it-hong-kong-golf-club-needs-friendly-landlord-more-doomed-old?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 21 Feb 2019 09:47:31 +0000 The future of the US$2 million Hong Kong Open will be in jeopardy if the government takes back part of the Fanling Old Course as recommended by the Task Force on Land Supply, a senior golf official warned. The flagship event at the Hong Kong Golf Club is co-sanctioned by the European and Asian Tours as one of the prominent tournaments in the region but the recent saga on the land use problem will affect its future status. “It will definitely cast doubt on the future of the Hong Kong Open if part... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/2180246/european-tour-and-asian-tour-could-ditch-hong-kong-open-if-part?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/2180246/european-tour-and-asian-tour-could-ditch-hong-kong-open-if-part?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 01 Jan 2019 06:31:28 +0000 Are Asia’s leading golfers sending a plea to the Hong Kong government? If so, the message is emphatic. The Asian Tour players have banded together and voted the Honma Hong Kong Open as the best tournament of 2018 and the Hong Kong Golf Club’s Championship course as the best golf course of the year. The double whammy at the Asian Tour end-of-season dinner in Jakarta on Sunday night comes just as the Hong Kong government is pondering the future of the Fanling facility where England’s Aaron Rai set... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/2178328/can-save-fanling-golf-course-asian-pros-vote-hong-kong-best-golf?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/2178328/can-save-fanling-golf-course-asian-pros-vote-hong-kong-best-golf?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 17 Dec 2018 07:42:27 +0000 Taking the Hong Kong Golf Club away for other land use would be detrimental to the game at all levels, a senior official warned on Sunday. Speaking ahead of the government’s final review on land occupied by private sports clubs, Danny Lai, chief executive of the Hong Kong Golf Association, said it was imperative that they keep the Fanling facility. Coinciding with the Hong Kong Golf Association’s 50th anniversary, a three-pronged plan was launched to develop golf at all levels – from grass roots... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/2178233/taking-away-hong-kong-golf-club-would-be-detrimental-development?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/2178233/taking-away-hong-kong-golf-club-would-be-detrimental-development?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 16 Dec 2018 12:14:59 +0000 Only a dedicated follower of professional golf, probably living in the English Midlands, would have recognised the name of the Honma Hong Kong Open winner in November. Aaron Rai lifted the trophy and pocketed the US$333,330 cheque on a rainy Sunday at Fanling. The first-day video highlights showed the big names, Sergio Garcia, Patrick Reed and Tommy Fleetwood, with their insouciant swing, their precision on approach, their unerring putting. The last part of the clip was of some golfer I didn’t... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/2178042/how-hong-kong-craft-brewer-got-bag-european-tour-event-winner-and-earned?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/2178042/how-hong-kong-craft-brewer-got-bag-european-tour-event-winner-and-earned?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 15 Dec 2018 00:00:45 +0000 England’s Aaron Rai, the newly crowned Honma Hong Kong Open champion, said the Fanling course is a rare gem in world golf and it would be a shame if the government were to raze the site and build public housing on it. US Masters champion Patrick Reed joined Rai and other golfers in expressing hope that the Championship course and other fairways are saved, though the American said the decision must be left to the people of Hong Kong. When asked how he would feel if he were to return to Hong Kong... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/2174949/there-are-not-many-courses-it-world-hong-kong-open-champion-aaron?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/2174949/there-are-not-many-courses-it-world-hong-kong-open-champion-aaron?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 26 Nov 2018 04:00:30 +0000 England’s Aaron Rai overcame soggy conditions on Sunday to hold off a furious challenge from compatriot Matthew Fitzpatrick and complete a wire-to-wire victory at the US$2 million Honma Hong Kong Open. The 23-year-old from Wolverhampton felt right at home in the pouring rain as he shot a one-under-par 69 in the final round for a one-stroke victory over Fitzpatrick at the Hong Kong Golf Club in Fanling for his maiden European Tour title. Although holding a six-shot lead after 54 holes, Rai had to... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/2174903/hong-kong-open-aaron-rai-claims-maiden-european-tour-title-wire-wire?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/2174903/hong-kong-open-aaron-rai-claims-maiden-european-tour-title-wire-wire?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 25 Nov 2018 10:37:47 +0000 Matthew Cheung Hung-hai’s final score of 13 over par in the Honma Hong Kong Open doesn’t tell the full story and doesn’t even go close to doing the 23-year-old’s performance at Fanling justice. It was a final round of nine-over-par 79 on Sunday that did most the damage for Cheung, but before that he produced some sublime golf to ensure he was the only Hong Kong player and the only amateur to make the cut in a tournament won by England’s Aaron Rai with 17 under. He did that with rounds of 71 and... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/2174902/hong-kong-open-matthew-cheung-takes-top-amateur-gong-prime-himself?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/2174902/hong-kong-open-matthew-cheung-takes-top-amateur-gong-prime-himself?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 25 Nov 2018 10:34:59 +0000 He’s worked with a host of world number ones and now world-renowned coach Gary Gilchrist is teaming up with the Hong Kong Golf Association. He is working with Hong Kong’s coaches to create a foundation for developing the future of golf in the territory in a partnership the HKGA’s high performance manager Tim Tang says is “huge”. “He’s coached so many number ones on the LPGA Tour, the PGA Tour, so this is huge, I feel privileged to get to learn from someone like Gary,” Tang said. “What he has... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/2174887/hong-kong-golf-association-joins-forces-world-renowned-coach-gary?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/2174887/hong-kong-golf-association-joins-forces-world-renowned-coach-gary?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 25 Nov 2018 07:54:50 +0000 He may have missed the cut at the Honma Hong Kong Open but Andrew “Beef” Johnston was in good spirits during a tour of Sham Shui Po with Tiffany Chan Tsz-ching, the first Hong Kong golfer to play on the LPGA Tour. Over dim sum, “Beef” told his favourite joke and relived the moment he was forced to take his pants off during a round after covering himself in mud. See it all here: https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/2174869/hong-kong-open-european-tour-larrikin-andrew-beef-johnston-tells-his-best?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/2174869/hong-kong-open-european-tour-larrikin-andrew-beef-johnston-tells-his-best?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 25 Nov 2018 04:30:53 +0000 https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/2174860/hong-kong-open-live-updates-leaderboard-news-and-insights?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/2174860/hong-kong-open-live-updates-leaderboard-news-and-insights?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 24 Nov 2018 23:16:24 +0000 Aaron Rai looks poised to complete a wire-to-wire victory at the Honma Hong Kong Open on Sunday, but big guns Tommy Fleetwood and Sergio Garcia are within reach and will push the Englishman all the way. Rai leads Fleetwood by six shots and Garcia by seven, with Matthew Fitzpatrick also in the mix. The leaders tee off at 11.35am and you find all the information you need for a huge day four here: https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/2174836/hong-kong-open-sundays-round-four-schedule-tee-times-and-groupings?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/2174836/hong-kong-open-sundays-round-four-schedule-tee-times-and-groupings?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 24 Nov 2018 10:38:16 +0000 England’s Aaron Rai had missed the weekend at Fanling last year but he was reminded of what could happen to the golfer who had led for the first three days of the tournament. The 23-year-old Rai opened up a six-shot lead after the third round of the US$2 million Honma Hong Kong Open on Saturday – a much more comfortable cushion than SSP Chawrasia’s one-stroke lead after three rounds of the 2017 tournament. India’s Chawrasia looked dominant for the first three days but finished seventh as... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/2174835/hong-kong-open-englands-aaron-rai-wary-final-round-jitters-he-takes?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/2174835/hong-kong-open-englands-aaron-rai-wary-final-round-jitters-he-takes?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 24 Nov 2018 10:31:19 +0000 He had the best round of the day and hit the best shot of the day at the Honma Hong Kong Open on Saturday but still Sergio Garcia says he will be relying on a “hot streak” to even come close to winning at Fanling. The Spaniard was at his fluid best during an impressive six-under-par 64 that included an eagle on the 10th hole where he drove the green and rolled in a putt from six feet. But he’s still seven shots off leader Aaron Rai and knows everything must go right for him to be in the hunt for... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/2174833/hong-kong-open-sergio-garcia-delights-shot-day-six-under-64-fanling?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/2174833/hong-kong-open-sergio-garcia-delights-shot-day-six-under-64-fanling?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 24 Nov 2018 10:23:38 +0000 The destruction of Typhoon Mangkhut saw 700 dump trucks of debris removed from Fanling and defending Honma Hong Kong Open champion Wade Ormsby says the storm is playing a role in this year’s low scores. Ormsby won last year’s tournament with an overall score of 11 under but this year’s winning total is poised to be far lower, with three-round leader Aaron Rai already sitting at 16 under par. “I think overall there’s a little bit more depth in the grass so it doesn’t play quite as fast, combined... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/2174831/hong-kong-open-typhoon-mangkhut-has-made-fanling-easier-says-defending?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/2174831/hong-kong-open-typhoon-mangkhut-has-made-fanling-easier-says-defending?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 24 Nov 2018 10:06:42 +0000 You have got to be mentally bulletproof to survive in the golfing world and if Ben Wong Shuai-ming’s response – both on and off the course – to his brutal debut round at the Honma Hong Kong Open is anything to go by, the 19-year-old is on his way to building the required armoury. Wong is Hong Kong’s top-ranked amateur golfer at 89 in the world but his first round in a professional tournament was the mother of all wake-up calls, with the teenager shooting a nine-over-par 79 on Thursday. “The... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/2174804/hong-kong-open-local-prodigy-ben-wong-steels-himself-after-brutal?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/2174804/hong-kong-open-local-prodigy-ben-wong-steels-himself-after-brutal?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 24 Nov 2018 03:37:33 +0000 Since 2006, JW Marriott Hong Kong has been handling the daunting task of feeding everyone at the Hong Kong Open, as Philippe Mauron said “building restaurants on site”. Mauron, the director of food & beverage for the JW Marriott Hong Kong, said he was getting about four hours sleep each night as he oversees more than 100 staffers feeding more than a 1,000 people a day. All of this outside the hotel, smack dab in the middle of the golf course, which feels like it would be a logistical hurricane... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/2174733/hong-kong-open-feeding-fanatics-out-fairways?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/2174733/hong-kong-open-feeding-fanatics-out-fairways?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 24 Nov 2018 01:00:45 +0000 https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/2174801/hong-kong-open-live-day-three-updates-leaderboard-scores-insights?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/2174801/hong-kong-open-live-day-three-updates-leaderboard-scores-insights?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 24 Nov 2018 00:53:09 +0000 The cut has come and gone and things are now getting serious at the Honma Hong Kong Open, with Aaron Rai holding a four-shot advantage heading into the weekend. The leaders tee off at 12.10pm and you find all the information you need for a huge day three here: https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/2174744/hong-kong-open-saturdays-round-three-schedule-tee-times-and-groupings?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/2174744/hong-kong-open-saturdays-round-three-schedule-tee-times-and-groupings?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 23 Nov 2018 11:03:32 +0000 Aaron Rai wears two gloves, he meditates to keep himself calm and, as of Friday, he is the new course record holder for the Championship course at the Hong Kong Golf Club in Fanling. The Englishman fired a blistering nine-under-par 61 in sunny conditions at the US$2 million Honma Hong Kong Open to lengthen his lead at the halfway stage following his 65 on Thursday. His 14-under 126 total gives him a four-shot lead over South Korea’s Park Hyoson, who also broke the previous record of 63 with his... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/2174726/hong-kong-open-aaron-rai-hits-course-record-61-fanling-take-four?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/2174726/hong-kong-open-aaron-rai-hits-course-record-61-fanling-take-four?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 23 Nov 2018 10:15:09 +0000 It’s not often you shoot a five-under-par 65 at the Honma Hong Kong Open and lose ground on the leaders, but that was exactly what happened to Tommy Fleetwood at Fanling on Friday. The Englishman was left in awe of countryman Aaron Rai’s nine-under-par 61, a course record which saw him reach 14-under and pull eight shots clear of Fleetwood. “It’s great golf that. Very, very impressive stuff, I wish I could have watched it,” Fleetwood said. “He could be on the winning score, the winning score... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/2174711/hong-kong-open-tommy-fleetwood-awe-aaron-rais-course-record-i-wish-i?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/2174711/hong-kong-open-tommy-fleetwood-awe-aaron-rais-course-record-i-wish-i?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 23 Nov 2018 09:17:04 +0000 It is the question everyone wants to ask Masters winner Sergio Garcia, not if he’s going to be watching “The Match” between Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods (he’s not), but whose hairstyle he prefers: Tommy Fleetwood’s slick mullet or Wade Ormsby’s thick moustache. Fleetwood made his case for his distinct flowing hairstyle and spectacular beard after his second round where he played alongside Garcia and Ormsby. “Canadian hockey flow, but with teeth,” he said when asked to describe its look.... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/2174657/hong-kong-open-fleetwoods-mullet-or-ormsbys-moustache-who-wore-it-better?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/2174657/hong-kong-open-fleetwoods-mullet-or-ormsbys-moustache-who-wore-it-better?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 23 Nov 2018 06:49:43 +0000 Phil Mickelson’s US$9 million winner-takes-all showdown with Tiger Woods has divided opinion in the golfing world but the feeling at the Honma Hong Kong Open on Friday was one of indifference, with Sergio Garcia especially uninterested. “Don’t care,” was Garcia’s response when asked about it, while Fleetwood said he had didn’t have much of an opinion. Billed as “The Match” and taking place at Shadow Creek Golf Course in Las Vegas, the match-up, which begins at 4am Saturday morning (Hong Kong... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/2174651/tiger-woods-vs-phil-mickelson-sergio-garcia-doesnt-care-tommy-fleetwood?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/2174651/tiger-woods-vs-phil-mickelson-sergio-garcia-doesnt-care-tommy-fleetwood?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 23 Nov 2018 05:11:33 +0000 https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/2174613/hong-kong-open-day-two-live-updates-leaderboard-scores-insights-anecdotes?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/2174613/hong-kong-open-day-two-live-updates-leaderboard-scores-insights-anecdotes?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 23 Nov 2018 03:20:53 +0000 Aaron Rai was considered a golf prodigy when he was as young as five years old, with the BBC having filmed him in 2000 hitting balls at his local driving range in Wolverhampton. At the time, he said he wanted to become a racing driver when he grew up. But 18 years later Rai is sharing pole position with Australia’s Jason Scrivener and Japan’s Yusaku Miyazato after the first round of the US$2 million Honma Hong Kong Open on Thursday at Fanling. All three returned scores of five-under-par 65 under... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/2174549/hong-kong-open-england-child-prodigy-aaron-rai-jason-scrivener-and?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/2174549/hong-kong-open-england-child-prodigy-aaron-rai-jason-scrivener-and?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 22 Nov 2018 10:46:41 +0000 There were plenty of low scores on the opening day of the Honma Hong Kong Open and things are sure to hot up even further on Friday as players battle to survive the cut. It’s an early start for the supergroup of Sergio Garcia, Tommy Fleetwood and last year’s winner Wade Ormsby, with the trio kicking off their second round at 7.20am. Find all the information you need for a huge day two here: https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/2174545/hong-kong-open-fridays-round-two-schedule-tee-times-and-groupings?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/2174545/hong-kong-open-fridays-round-two-schedule-tee-times-and-groupings?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 22 Nov 2018 10:26:56 +0000 Scottish golfer Robert MacIntyre, who began life as a fully fledged European Tour player today with three of his fellow Scotsmen and good friends, said there’s a rule: no high jinks on playing days. “Only on practise days. Outside of that it’s pretty serious. Maybe once in a while someone will do something, maybe,” MacIntyre said with a sly grin of the antics he, Grant Forrest, Liam Johnston and David Law, all whom are under 28, get up to. | What a day! We couldn’t be prouder of @grantforrest93... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/2174495/hong-kong-open-scottish-quartet-join-european-tour-wind-merchants-only?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/2174495/hong-kong-open-scottish-quartet-join-european-tour-wind-merchants-only?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 22 Nov 2018 09:59:42 +0000 Shubhankar Sharma’s debut European Tour season smacked of a man in a hurry and he has no plans of slowing down, saying he can be the first Indian to win a major championship. Sharma was solid on the first day of the Honma Hong Kong Open on Thursday, shooting a one-under-par 69, and is bullish about what lies ahead. The 22-year-old answered an emphatic “yes” when asked if he can break India’s major drought and says his top-10 in Hong Kong last year was the foundation for his impressive first... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/2174536/hong-kong-open-shubhankar-sharma-says-hes-man-win-indias-first-major?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/2174536/hong-kong-open-shubhankar-sharma-says-hes-man-win-indias-first-major?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 22 Nov 2018 09:44:37 +0000 https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/2174436/hong-kong-open-day-one-live-updates-fanling?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/2174436/hong-kong-open-day-one-live-updates-fanling?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 22 Nov 2018 02:00:45 +0000 Hong Kong Golf Club courses manager Randy Witt said the damage done to the grounds out at Fanling by Typhoon Mangkhut were so extensive, at one point he had some of the golf pros in running chainsaws. “We had fifteen chainsaws going at one point,” said Witt, who has been at his position with the club for 14 years. “And two mechanics doing nothing but fixing chainsaws all day to keep them running. It was quite the sight to see at one point.” Hong Kong Open turns 60 despite Typhoon Mangkhut... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/2174340/hong-kong-open-typhoon-mangkhut-took-more-1000-trees-fanling-and?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/2174340/hong-kong-open-typhoon-mangkhut-took-more-1000-trees-fanling-and?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 21 Nov 2018 22:00:46 +0000 The 60th edition of the Honma Hong Kong Open is upon us and a host of global superstars will converge on the Hong Kong Golf Club at Fanling for Thursday’s opening day. Fiery American Patrick Reed is away early at 7.20am and 2016 winner Sam Brazel is also out in the morning session, while the superstar grouping of Sergio Garcia, Tommy Fleetwood and last year’s winner Wade Ormsby headlines the later session. Find all the information you need for a huge day one here: https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/2174378/hong-kong-open-thursdays-round-one-schedule-tee-times-and-groupings?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/2174378/hong-kong-open-thursdays-round-one-schedule-tee-times-and-groupings?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 21 Nov 2018 12:11:31 +0000 The world of golf and racing collided at Sha Tin on Wednesday morning, with star golfer Sergio Garcia touring the stables of top Hong Kong trainer Tony Cruz. Cruz, an avid golfer and a big fan of Garcia, introduced the Spaniard to a host of his best horses, including the enigmatic Pakistan Star, 2017 Longines Hong Kong Cup winner Time Warp and promising four-year-old stayer Exultant. “This horse went viral because he stopped in a race, he’s the only horse to stop in a race and come back and win... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/2174358/sergio-garcia-tours-famous-hong-kong-horse-racing-trainer-tony-cruzs?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/2174358/sergio-garcia-tours-famous-hong-kong-horse-racing-trainer-tony-cruzs?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 21 Nov 2018 10:05:55 +0000 The Honma Hong Kong Open celebrates its 60th year in 2018 and a strong field tees off on Thursday for the opening round. The likes of US Masters champion Patrick Reed, England’s 2017 Race to Dubai winner Tommy Fleetwood, Spaniards Sergio Garcia and Miguel Angel Jimenez, a four-time winner, and a host of others will be eyeing the US$333,330 first prize. Here are some facts and figures and some trivia about the Hong Kong Open. Total Prize Money US$2million Prize money distribution in US$/Race to... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/2174352/hong-kong-open-tee-times-facts-figures-past-champions-and-trivia?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/2174352/hong-kong-open-tee-times-facts-figures-past-champions-and-trivia?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 21 Nov 2018 09:53:59 +0000 Tommy Fleetwood was close to tears just a few days ago after failing to defend the prestigious Race to Dubai title. The affable Englishman was barely able to speak after his Tour Championship third round on Saturday in Dubai left him with little chance of winning the tournament, which he needed to do to capture his second straight Race to Dubai crown. “You live and breathe the game don’t you? So there’s going to be good bits and bad bits,” he told the European tour in an emotional interview. “At... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/2174302/hong-kong-open-tommy-fleetwood-wipes-away-tears-and-starts-new-race?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/2174302/hong-kong-open-tommy-fleetwood-wipes-away-tears-and-starts-new-race?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 21 Nov 2018 06:57:30 +0000 As Steven Lam Tsz-fung prepares to line up alongside 2017 Masters winner Sergio Garcia in the Honma Hong Kong Open, he is quick to recall an encounter with another star Spaniard that shaped his career. Lam was only nine years old when he played with Jose Maria Olazabal in the pro-am of the 2001 Hong Kong Open and says what he saw that day left an indelible mark on him. “I saw some of the best short game I have ever seen that day,” the now 25-year-old said. “It was the year he won the tournament... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/2174246/hong-kong-open-17-years-after-unforgettable-round-spanish-great-dream?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/2174246/hong-kong-open-17-years-after-unforgettable-round-spanish-great-dream?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 21 Nov 2018 02:27:17 +0000 He has been called aloof, selfish and plenty more in recent years but for 2018 Masters champion Patrick Reed a laser focus is the only way to combat his hectic schedule and unyielding drive to be the best he can. Reed is not exactly a fan favourite and his issues with his estranged parents and sister have been well documented, while he was right in the thick of the ugly fallout after the USA was trounced by Europe in the Ryder Cup in September. That is not to say he doesn’t hold a special place... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/2174183/patrick-reed-explains-why-he-comes-across-aloof-tour-ahead-hong-kong-open?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/2174183/patrick-reed-explains-why-he-comes-across-aloof-tour-ahead-hong-kong-open?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 20 Nov 2018 10:45:31 +0000 The Honma Hong Kong Open is back for its 60th edition on Thursday with many of the world’s leading golfers heading to Hong Kong for the event that marks the start of the European Tour season – and the 2019 Race to Dubai. They will be hoping to score some early points to reach the Tour’s season-ending DP World Tour Championship, Dubai, held at Jumeirah Golf Estates. The Hong Kong Open, with its US$2 million purse, will be played at Hong Kong Golf Club’s Fanling course over four days, ending on... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/2174069/6-hot-golfers-who-will-be-swinging-high-honma-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/2174069/6-hot-golfers-who-will-be-swinging-high-honma-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 20 Nov 2018 07:00:30 +0000 The Hong Kong Open’s longevity sees it nestled in the record books alongside the Masters at Augusta National, but the lead-up to this year’s 60th anniversary celebrations has not been plain sailing, with Typhoon Mangkhut leaving Fanling in disarray in September. “It’s been one of the most challenging years in terms of preparation for the tournament that we’ve ever had in its 60-year history,” said Ian Gardner, the Hong Kong Golf Club’s general manager. “But the course is in great nick and a lot... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/2173983/hong-kong-open-turns-60-despite-typhoon-mangkhut-destruction-relive?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/2173983/hong-kong-open-turns-60-despite-typhoon-mangkhut-destruction-relive?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 20 Nov 2018 00:02:23 +0000 The 2018 season has not been the kindest to Rafa Cabrera Bello but a surfing holiday in Bali has ‘recharged’ the Spaniard as he looks to take care of unfinished business at the Honma Hong Kong Open. His second consecutive runner-up finish in Hong Kong is the closest Cabrera Bello has been to a win this season and he missed selection for Europe’s Ryder Cup domination after playing in 2016. But the much-loved Spaniard is not one for doom and gloom and he is looking forward to returning to the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/2172400/ryder-cup-regret-and-hong-kong-open-runner-ups-washed-away-bali-surf?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/2172400/ryder-cup-regret-and-hong-kong-open-runner-ups-washed-away-bali-surf?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 09 Nov 2018 01:08:43 +0000 Matthew Fitzpatrick, Rafa Cabrera Bello and Andrew “Beef” Johnston are the latest stars to confirm their participation at the Honma Hong Kong Open from November 22-25. The trio of European Tour winners will join Masters champions Patrick Reed and Sergio Garcia, as well as Race to Dubai winner Tommy Fleetwood and defending champion Wade Ormsby for the prestigious tournament. Following his successful defence of the Omega European Masters in September, Fitzpatrick again created history to beat Nick... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/2166830/young-gun-matthew-fitzpatrick-joins-growing-list-star-players-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/2166830/young-gun-matthew-fitzpatrick-joins-growing-list-star-players-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 03 Oct 2018 10:00:15 +0000 He’s a hero to some and a villain to plenty more but above all Masters champion Patrick Reed is an entertainer and he has predicted “fireworks” at November’s Honma Hong Kong Open. Reed, Sergio Garcia and Tommy Fleetwood were on Thursday confirmed as the headline acts for the tournament’s 60th anniversary, with Reed hinting the Ryder Cup rivalry that will reach a crescendo in Paris later this month may still be simmering when the trio take to Fanling. “Depending on what happens at the Ryder Cup,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/2164062/ryder-cup-star-patrick-reed-predicts-fireworks-when-he-and-team-europe?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/2164062/ryder-cup-star-patrick-reed-predicts-fireworks-when-he-and-team-europe?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 13 Sep 2018 08:09:44 +0000 The Hong Kong Open will take on a new look when it returns to Fanling later this year, with Japanese golf equipment manufacturer Honma named as the new title sponsor of the historic tournament. The deal sees the Open maintain its US$2 million purse, ensuring Hong Kong can continue to attract some of the world’s best players. Honma replaces Swiss banking giant UBS, who had an on-again, off-again relationship with the event and whose latest three-year deal expired last year. “Honma is proud to be... https://www.scmp.com/native/sport/golf/topics/ubs-hong-kong-open/article/2155590/hong-kong-open-takes-new-look-japanese?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/native/sport/golf/topics/ubs-hong-kong-open/article/2155590/hong-kong-open-takes-new-look-japanese?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 17 Jul 2018 05:30:15 +0000 A record crowd of more than 47,000 people flocked to Fanling to watch the UBS Hong Kong Open last week as the European Tour enters into discussions with the sponsor on the future of the tournament. Swiss bank UBS made a surprise return as title sponsor in 2015 – three years after ending their eight-year partnership with the tournament – in a move that heralded a new era for the event with the addition of HK$15 million from the government’s Mega Events Fund. However, the sponsor’s three-year deal... https://www.scmp.com/native/sport/topics/ubs-hong-kong-open/article/2121785/record-crowd-flocks-fanling-hong-kong-open?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/native/sport/topics/ubs-hong-kong-open/article/2121785/record-crowd-flocks-fanling-hong-kong-open?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 27 Nov 2017 09:45:15 +0000 The baton was passed from one Aussie battler to another at the UBS Hong Kong Open on Sunday, with Wade Ormsby landing his first European Tour win after 13 years and 264 attempts. The 37-year-old from Adelaide held on to snare a victory he thought “might never happen” after a dramatic final half an hour at Fanling. It was an emotional Ormsby who accepted the trophy 12 months after countryman Sam Brazel landed his breakthrough win on the same green. “It’s been a long time, I think I got my card... https://www.scmp.com/native/sport/golf/topics/ubs-hong-kong-open/article/2121638/after-13-years-and-264-attempts-wade?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/native/sport/golf/topics/ubs-hong-kong-open/article/2121638/after-13-years-and-264-attempts-wade?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 26 Nov 2017 11:30:45 +0000 Rafa Cabrera Bello had to pull off a Rory McIlroy shot for victory at the UBS Hong Kong Open but victory at Fanling eluded him for the second straight year after a bogey on the 18th left him in a four-way tie for second on Sunday. In 2016, Cabrera Bello missed a birdie putt on the 18th that would have put him in a play-off with winner Sam Brazel, of Australia. On Sunday, he needed to hole out from the front bunker for victory, and when he couldn’t do that he left himself an eight-foot par putt... https://www.scmp.com/native/sport/golf/topics/ubs-hong-kong-open/article/2121628/agony-again-rafa-cabrera-bello-misses?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/native/sport/golf/topics/ubs-hong-kong-open/article/2121628/agony-again-rafa-cabrera-bello-misses?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 26 Nov 2017 10:15:00 +0000 Hong Kong hero Leon D’Souza was taken aback by the epic reception he received from the home crowd after his UBS Hong Kong Open debut drew to a close on Sunday. “I’m still getting used to this,” said the 19-year-old amateur, who was mobbed by young golf fans after finishing on even par overall. “I haven’t decided what signature to use for autographs and I’m not sure I have enough balls to give out!” Team Leon fans tracked D’Souza from the very start of the Open’s fourth and final round, which may... https://www.scmp.com/native/sport/hong-kong/topics/ubs-hong-kong-open/article/2121614/i-havent-decided-what-signature-use?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/native/sport/hong-kong/topics/ubs-hong-kong-open/article/2121614/i-havent-decided-what-signature-use?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 26 Nov 2017 08:00:00 +0000 Miguel Angel Jimenez was quick to shift his focus to an afternoon on the “best terrace in the world” after shooting a tournament low 63 on the final day of the UBS Hong Kong Open. After some indifferent golf left the Spaniard one under after three days, he conjured some of the magic that has seen him win here four times in the last 13 years. “I’m going to find my cigar and I’m going to have a bottle of wine on the terrace, because this is maybe not the most beautiful terrace in the world, but... https://www.scmp.com/native/sport/hong-kong/topics/ubs-hong-kong-open/article/2121609/miguel-angel-jimenez-eyes-cigar-and?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/native/sport/hong-kong/topics/ubs-hong-kong-open/article/2121609/miguel-angel-jimenez-eyes-cigar-and?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 26 Nov 2017 07:00:30 +0000 When young Leon D’Souza wandered off the 18th knowing he had done enough to make the UBS Hong Kong Open cut on Friday, Tim Tang was eagerly awaiting to heap praise on Hong Kong’s leading amateur. Tang, 31, knows precisely the joy and relief the 19-year-old had gone through. After all, he has been there before. Twice. “Leon’s father, Loy, told me that Leon used to beg him to go to the golf course. It was never forced upon him. I was the same; my dad has never asked me to practice a single day of... https://www.scmp.com/native/sport/hong-kong/topics/ubs-hong-kong-open/article/2121601/hong-kong-golfer-leon-dsouza-safe?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/native/sport/hong-kong/topics/ubs-hong-kong-open/article/2121601/hong-kong-golfer-leon-dsouza-safe?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 26 Nov 2017 06:15:00 +0000