Tourism 'game changer'

Ayra Wang

Hong Kong could further brand itself as a must-go destination for tourists boosted by more golf facilities, according to industry veteran Dean Nelson.

Nelson, general manager of Plover Cove Golf Club, operator of the city's soon-to-rise course in Shuen Wan, Tai Po, said golf tourism will help Hong Kong to attract more overnight visitors.

"Hong Kong has great hospitality as a city and a lot of people, not just from the Greater Bay Area but from farther afield as Europe and Australia, see Hong Kong as a hub to travel in and out," Nelson said.

To encourage tourists to extend their stays, Nelson believes more golf courses can diversify Hong Kong's tourism offerings, complementing its existing attractions like sightseeing and culinary experiences.

He also highlighted the importance of partnerships between major events and golf clubs to promote the city as a premier tourism destination.

"By giving visitors more opportunities to experience the great things we have here, including world-class golf courses, we can boost spending and help keep our economy growing and create jobs," Nelson said.

Hong Kong currently has six golf clubs and 10 golf courses, including the historic Fanling course, which has hosted prestigious events like the Hong Kong Open and LIV Golf.

Acknowledging the challenges of limited land, Nelson said Plover Cove Golf Club - set to open in 2027 - will feature an 18-hole, par-71 championship course.

The club plans to host regional amateur tournaments and potentially women's tour events, aiming to provide home advantages for local golfers and diversify the city's golf scene.

Nelson emphasized Hong Kong's potential to become a hub for women's golf, citing the city's strong female participation and standout players like Tiffany Chan Tsz-ching and Mimi Ho Miu-yee.

"We already have great role models. By hosting more events for women and girls in the region, we can further elevate ladies' golf and attract more visitors to Hong Kong," he said.

The golf industry, which contributes US$100 billion (HK$780 billion) annually to the US economy, could bring significant economic benefits and job opportunities to Hong Kong, Nelson noted.

He called for greater government support, such as scholarships and golf-related academic programs, to create educational pathways for aspiring young golfers.

Nelson also expressed hopes to collaborate with universities to nurture local talent in golf management.

On sustainability, Nelson highlighted that the 53-hectare site in Tai Po, built on a restored landfill, will feature not only a 6,600-yard golf course but also multiple sports facilities, including pickleball, paddleball, tennis courts, and indoor and outdoor swimming pools.

The clubhouse and family-friendly amenities aim to attract a broader audience.

The club has also committed to preserving a 1.2-hectare zone for protected species and plans to offer nature walks and educational activities for children.

Nelson added that innovative technologies will play a key role in the club's operations, including VR glasses, golf simulators, AI-driven irrigation systems, and robotics for tasks like grass cutting and ball collection.

ayra.wang@singtaonewscorp.com