Fans told RTHK that the large number of star players included in the LIV Golf draw – a field that included six-time major winner Phil Mickelson and 2024 US Open champion Bryson DeChambeau – helped bring more fans to the historic Hong Kong Golf Club course.
A man surnamed Mok, who was at the Hong Kong Golf Open in Fanling last November, said it was a big step-up from last year’s inaugural competition.
“I think in the past, you might get one or two top names,” he said. “Obviously, most of the LIV Golf roster are top players who won multiple majors. And I think that in itself is very attractive.”
He also commended the accessibility for fans and families travelling to the tournament, which he said helped draw much larger crowds than he expected.
“Promoting [the tournament] is one thing, but it also needs to be accessible,” Mok explained. “There’s an effort to make it participatory, rather than just putting up the names. The big events will sell themselves, but giving people the chance to access it in an equitable way would be great.”
Another fan from Argentina, surnamed Caceres, shared his experience as a first-time spectator at a major golf tournament in the SAR.
“I think people in Hong Kong love their sports and these kinds of events,” said Caceres, who attended both the second and final day of the competition. “There’s rugby, tennis, and now golf events – and every time I go, lots of people [are attending].”
Many young fans came to support some of their favourite players.
A local fan who was at last year’s edition of the tournament, surnamed Nandwani, was at the event to see Australia’s Cameron Smith in action.
“People come in [from overseas] to watch this event. I think it’s just a great thing to have… it’s a great thing as a whole for the community to show up.”
