Hong Kong Open: triumph for a beleaguered city and golf as officials hail success of rescued tournament
- European Tour’s Ben Cowen says he hopes prize money for November’s tournament can return to US$2 million
- Asian Tour’s Cho Minn Thant praises efforts of Hong Kong’s golfing community in ensuring the tournament goes ahead in January
Officials and players let out a huge sigh of relief and raised a celebratory glass at the same time as they hailed a remarkably successful Hong Kong Open, which was rescued from potential cancellation six weeks ago.
Excellent weather, a fantastic Hong Kong Golf Club (HKGC) course, a worthy winner in Wade Ormsby and fine performances from the marquee names ensured that not only is the Open here to stay but Hong Kong strengthened its status as a venue for international sport amid anti-government protests.
European Tour Director of International Policy Ben Cowen said he was looking forward to the Hong Kong Open returning to its scheduled slot in November when overall prize money is expected to return to US$2 million from US$1 million last week.
“It is testament to the government, Hong Kong Golf Association (HKGA), Golf Club and Asian Tour that they’ve managed to keep the event going although it was postponed from November. I think it’s a huge success.
“There were some good crowds and the big players have risen to the top of the leaderboard and that’s all we want to see.