Hong Kong SAR, China: The China Tour’s Fanling Classic is the latest attraction in Hong Kong’s loaded tournament schedule.

It’s been a breakout season already for the China Tour, with the staging last month of the Bangkok Classic at the Phoenix Gold Golf Bangkok (South & West Course) – co-sanctioned by the Asian Development Tour – which was the first tournament the organisation had staged outside China. 

Now comes the Tour’s first event in Hong Kong. To be played across the Hong Kong Golf Club’s Old Course from August 27-30, the event will showcase the rising stars of Chinese golf as well as familiar Hong Kong faces, such as in-form Jason Hak Shun-yat.

The Hong Kong, China star finished tied second at the Bangkok Classic to follow up his victory at the Hongyunlang-Nanjing Open in May and will be keen to make use of a home-turf advantage at Fanling.

Golf Association of Hong Kong, China (GAHKC) CEO Danny Lai said: “After the success we had working as strategic partners with the China Golf Association at last year’s National Games, the new tournament strengthens the bonds between our two organisations and will help further the development of the game both in Hong Kong and across the Greater Bay Area.

“We are continually talking and exploring ways to develop not only the connection between the China and Hong Kong, China association but the game itself.”

Last November’s 15th National Games leaned heavily on the GAHKC’s experience in helping host major international events at Fanling, with the past 12 months alone seeing the staging of the annual Link Hong Kong Open and LIV Golf Hong Kong as well as major international amateur events such as the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation (APGC) Junior Championships.

While the ties between the two golf associations are helping drive Hong Kong forward as a host for major events, there’s also the work being done behind-the-scenes in terms of growing the game both locally and across the country, including the formation of the now 11-strong mainland-based Hong Kong, China National Squad, and an increasing number of local players taking up the opportunity to play across the border in events such as the CLPGA and the CLPGQ.

Lai said: “The key word is ‘opportunity’ as our players need tournament golf if they are to improve. The Fanling Classic is not only another tournament to play in, it’s a chance for aspiring golfers to see the professionals in action and to get a feel for what the game is all about.” 

*Hong Kong Golf Club is a member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.