Hong Kong leader John Lee reveals Aramco Team Series ladies golf event coming to city, during gala in Saudi Arabia
- Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu reveals addition of tournament to an already packed golfing schedule
- Event in October will be the first Middle East-sponsored golf tournament to take place in Hong Kong
Hong Kong will host three major golf events this year, with the Ladies European Tour bringing its co-sanctioned Aramco Team Series to the city in October.
Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu revealed the addition of the tournament to an already packed golfing schedule, which includes two Asian Tour events, during a gala dinner in Riyadh, where he has been meeting Saudi Arabia officials at an investment forum.
During his speech on Sunday evening, the city’s leader hailed the “new level” of cooperation between the respective governments, with agreements covering everything from investment to cultural exchanges.
With Hong Kong emerging from its Covid-enforced lockdown, numerous sporting events have been added to the city’s calendar, with the Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, cricket’s Fairbreak Invitational, and the first Asian Tour event all taking place over the course of three weeks in March and April.
“Hong Kong is welcoming back mega events and sports competitions this year,” Lee said. “I am particularly pleased to note that the Aramco Team Series – for the first time ever – will be coming to Hong Kong this year.
“It is also the first time a Middle East-sponsored golf tournament will take place in Hong Kong. The series is expected to attract top players from all over the world.”
Consisting of tournaments in five countries, beginning in Singapore next month, the Aramco series boasts a unique format, featuring teams made up of three professionals and one amateur.
Offering a US$1 million prize fund at each stop, the event has team captains picking one teammate before having a second added through a random draw. One amateur golfer will then complete the team.
As well as competing for the team trophy, the professionals will also vie for an individual title, offering Rolex Rankings and Solheim Cup ranking points, and will be part of the Race to Costa del Sol Official Rankings.
All three tournaments taking place in the city will be held by the Hong Kong Golf Club at its course in Fanling, with the newly named World City Championship kicking things off from March 23 to 26.
The Hong Kong Open is expected to return in November or December as part of an expanded International Series, with the ladies competition pencilled in for October 6 to 8.
“We are very excited to be hosting these three world-class golf tournaments in Hong Kong,” Andy Kwok, the golf club captain, said. “It is also an honour to partner with Saudi Aramco, one of the world’s largest energy corporations, to bring an important competition like the Aramco Team Series to our city. The Middle East has become a dynamic centre of sports development in recent years, and the series’ decision to make Hong Kong one of its stops speaks volumes to the quality of Fanling as the city’s premier tournament golf course.
“The fact that these tournaments are coming to Hong Kong is also a sure sign that the city is reclaiming its place on the international stage. The club is committed to supporting the government’s initiatives and in particular the ‘Hello! Hong Kong’ campaign by preparing for the arrival of visitors from all corners of the world. We are gearing up by planning for these tournaments with a view to welcoming first-rate golfers as well as overseas spectators. These efforts will also continue to further the development of golf in Hong Kong.”
