Hong Kong Golf Open postponed amid ongoing anti-government protests
- Event scheduled for November 29-December 1 at Fanling set to take place at a later date after safety concerns
- Big names such as Patrick Reed, Francesco Molinari and Henrik Stenson had signed on to play
The European Tour’s decision to postpone next week’s event was made with tournament co-sanctioning partner the Asian Tour.
“An attempt will be made to reschedule the tournament to early 2020,” the statement said.
“The decision has been taken due to the ongoing level of social unrest in Hong Kong,” Keith Pelley, Chief Executive of the European Tour, said.
“As the safety of our players, staff, stakeholders and everyone involved in each and every one of our tournaments around the world is our top priority, we feel this is the correct, but unfortunate, course of action.
“The European Tour thanks everyone at the Hong Kong Golf Association, the Hong Kong Golf Club and all persons associated with the Hong Kong Open for their hard work in endeavouring to stage the tournament and we look forward to hopefully returning early next year.”
Palley’s sentiments were echoed by Cho Minn Thant, CEO of the Asian Tour. “It is regrettable that the Hong Kong Open has to be postponed due to the ongoing unrest in the city,” he said.
“The unpredictability of the current situation in Hong Kong makes it very challenging to sanction the tournament especially with the safety of everyone of utmost importance. However, we are optimistic that once the situation in Hong Kong stabilises, we will be in a better position to sanction the 61st edition of the Hong Kong Open in the very near future.”
Organisers have confirmed that all pre-sold tickets will be refunded.
Francesco Molinari and Patrick Reed join line-up for 2019 Hong Kong Open
The event, which has attracted some of the biggest names in the sport to the Hong Kong Golf Club in Fanling over the years, is the latest to be hit by the ongoing climate of unrest in the city.
Anti-government protests have caused the cancellation or postponement of events since they began in June.
This year’s Hong Kong Golf Open, which would have been the 61st edition of the tournament, was set to feature Henrik Stenson, Francesco Molinari and Patrick Reed along with Chinese star Li Haotong.
