Golf captain urges Fanling rethink

Ayra Wang

The administration should reconsider whether Fanling Golf Course is the optimal location for constructing a public housing estate, according to captain Andy Kwok Wing-leung.

Speaking to a small group briefing, Kwok, the captain of the Hong Kong Golf Club, emphasized the significant economic benefits brought by the three-day LIV Golf tournament held at the course last month.

"The game was broadcast live to over 500 million families all over the world, with video clips about the tournament on social media hitting 24 million views," he said.

Kwok praised the positive impact of the tournament on Hong Kong's global reputation as an event capital and the promotion of the city to millions of golf fans through social media posts by renowned golf players.

"The success of the LIV Golf tournament demonstrated the potential of mega sports events in boosting local tourism and attracting high-spending visitors to Hong Kong," Kwok said.

However, he noted the financial burden and post-game responsibilities taken on by the club, lamenting the lack of government support despite receiving an "M" mark status and subsidy for the tournament.

Kwok revealed that the club had spent tens of millions of Hong Kong dollars to prepare for the event and significant costs were incurred for dismantling stage installations and repairing damaged grass, which accounted for almost half of the course used for the tournament.

In light of these circumstances, Kwok appealed to the government for financial subsidies to facilitate the sustainable organization of more mega golf events.

He acknowledged the need for improvements to course facilities to meet the LIV Golf requirements but urged the government to retain the course for hosting additional mega events, as they would yield greater financial benefits for Hong Kong compared to constructing public housing estates.

Kwok also called for the return of management rights for a 32-hectare land at the course, which was reclaimed by the government last September for public leisure use, to enable the club to hold more mega golf events.

His perspective follows an appeal made by Heung Yee Kuk chairman and lawmaker Kenneth Lau Ip-keung to the government to explore alternative land options for public housing development while preserving the golf course.

In response to media inquiries, the Development Bureau emphasized the absence of painless alternatives for land options, saying that the government would not abandon previously studied and discussed plans due to alternative suggestions.

The bureau expressed concerns about impeding the progress of land creation and public housing construction if such a practice were adopted.