Hong Kong is poised to secure yet another prestigious international sporting event, as sources indicate that the city will be named one of the hosts for the 2024 edition of LIV Golf. This exciting development, part of Hong Kong’s post-Covid recovery plan, is expected to draw some of the world’s most talented golfers, including major champions like Phil Mickelson, Brooks Koepka, and Cameron Smith. Securing the Saudi-backed team tournament, which has shaken up the golfing world over the past 18 months, would not only elevate Hong Kong’s sporting profile but also bring substantial economic benefits to the region.
The tournament, if confirmed, is scheduled for March and will be hosted at the prestigious Hong Kong Golf Club in Fanling. Although the official announcement is pending, sources suggest that the club is actively preparing to stage the event and is likely to be one of the 14 global events slated for the upcoming year.
The addition of LIV Golf to Hong Kong’s sporting calendar marks a significant milestone, with the city potentially hosting up to four high-profile golf events within six months. This golfing extravaganza commences with the Aramco Team Series in October, featuring the world’s top women golfers competing on the composite course in Fanling. Despite initial concerns about land usage, this event underscores Hong Kong’s capability to host prestigious tournaments.
Following this, the Hong Kong Open in November will showcase some of the world’s finest male golfers, including Cameron Smith. However, what sets LIV Golf apart is its unique blend of golfing prowess and entertainment value, akin to the city’s famous rugby sevens tournament. This exciting addition to Hong Kong’s sports scene promises a much-needed economic boost.
According to LIV officials, an extensive survey conducted after the Adelaide event in April, which saw an impressive attendance of 77,076, estimated that it contributed approximately US$100 million to the local economy. These substantial financial gains justify the reported fees of US$5 million to US$7 million that LIV can charge venues for hosting an event. As Gary Ng, a senior economist at Nataxis, notes, “Hong Kong needs more international events to repair its battered image and boost economic growth.” However, it also highlights the challenge of balancing economic growth with preserving valuable venues.
The inception of LIV Golf in Hong Kong traces back to discussions initiated during Greg Norman’s visit to the city. Norman, the CEO of the Saudi-backed league, has a deep personal connection to Hong Kong, having secured victories there during his illustrious career. These discussions solidified when bid documents were sent out by LIV, marking an exciting collaboration between the league and the city.
Importantly, Hong Kong’s inclusion on LIV Golf’s schedule opens up a new market for the league, emphasizing the region’s significance in its development. Amidst potential partnerships between the PGA Tour, the DP World Tour, and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, the Greater Bay Area could emerge as a key battleground in the world of golf.
