Tiffany Chan and Jeffrey Shen Wang-ngai struck the ceremonial opening shots at Fanling Golf Course on Thursday morning, launching the 15th National Games golf competition on home soil, where the women’s team sits fifth at five-under par and the men's seventh at three-under after the first round.
Chan, starting from the 10th tee at 8am sharp, overcame early jitters and a bogey on her first hole to card seven birdies against four bogeys for a 69.
Family and friends waving handmade signs lifted her spirits, marking her first local tournament since the pandemic halted the Hong Kong Open.
Shen, teeing off simultaneously from the first, battled swirling winds to mix three birdies with two bogeys and a double, finishing at 71.
He admitted to late stumbles on holes 15 and 17 but salvaged par on the last and voiced optimism for a stronger tomorrow.
Vice President of the Golf Association of Hong Kong, China, Kenneth Lam, praised the squads’ solid start and hailed the venue choice as validation of Hong Kong’s track record hosting global events.
With rival courses across the Greater Bay Area vying for prestige, securing the National Games underscored the city’s standing in the sport.
