Full Swing Golf Simulators at the Hong Kong Golf Show

Wednesday, 14th June 2006

The 2006 Hong Kong Golf Show, in its 4th year, once again proved to be a huge success for Full Swing Golf and Precision Golf & Leisure, the exclusive distributor for these incredible systems in the region. Over the 3 days of the Hong Kong show, thousands of golfers either witnessed or experienced the incredible accuracy and realism of our Full Swing Golf simulator: "The undisputed leader in golf simulation!"

PGL had one Full Swing Golf simulator on their stand at the state of the art Hong Kong convention and exhibition centre opposite the Grand Hyatt Hotel. A latest specification system running over 50 courses was used for a nearest the pin challenge with a chance to qualify each day for the grand final. A porsche, supplied by Jebson and co, was the ultimate prize.

From the moment the Hong Kong exhibition hall doors opened each morning, to well after the "official" closing time, the Full Swing Golf simulator was packed with golfers of all standards keen to take part and to experience the fun for themselves.

It is no exaggeration to say that the Full Swing system was once again (as at every show in Asia we support) the most popular feature on display, with constant queues, as players paid their money to our sponsored charity Orbis.

At the Precision Golf and Leisure stand we were inundated with enquiries regarding the supply and installation of Full Swing Golf simulators from around the Asia region, proving once again that interest in, and demand for Full Swing Golf simulators continues to grow rapidly. With more installations in the region in the coming months there has never been a better time to become part of the growing Asian indoor golf industry.

We would like to thank everyone who visited our stand, had a go on the Full Swing Golf simulators, took part in the nearest the pin competition, or simply stopped by to discuss their plans for these amazing systems. We would also like to thank Jebson and Co. and Orbis once again for their help and support of the nearest the pin competition.

We look forward to seeing you all again next year at the 5th Hong Kong Golf Show, where we will showcase exciting new additions to our Full Swing Golf systems.

Hong Kong Cricket Club's Full Swing Golf Sims are upgraded

Monday, 5th February 2007

The Hong Kong Cricket Club, one of Asia's oldest clubs, has had its two existing Full Swing Golf Simulators brought up to current specification by Full Swing Golf Asia the Manufacturers distributor for this product in the region.

HKCC were one of the first clubs in Hong Kong golf to install Full Swing Golf Simulators. Having been used since their installation in 1997 the systems had fallen become a little untidy, with no maintenance or upgrades since their initial installation. The tracking systems still worked well, which is testament to the quality and long-term reliability of The Full Swing Golf product.

After a customer's initial outlay, it can be difficult for them to commit to further upgrades, as the additional cost can be a sensitive subject. FSG puts huge emphasis on good value and quality after sales service, with regular ongoing customer contact and support. This is something that FSG is fully committed to for existing and future Full Swing Golf Hong Kong owners and operators.

FSG worked closely with the management team at the HKCC and looked at various options for the refit program that would not only bring the systems up to current specification but also ensure the long term quality of the simulators through constant monitoring and maintenance schedules.

The simulators have now been through a total refit, with FSG upgrading everything except the infra-red tracking systems. Cosmetically we also removed the front valance from the simulators improving their appearance dramatically, and giving users the feeling of a much more open hitting area.

Since FSG's refit program usage levels have soared to approximately 10 hours per simulator per day. The systems are also well used for coaching including junior classes. As a result of our refit it is safe to say that the HKCC Golf Centre has become one of the most used and well maintained facilities at the Hong Kong Cricket Club.

Hong Kong Country Club installs Full Swing Golf

Thursday, 8th May 2008

Full Swing Golf Hong kong Asia is pleased to confirm that the Hong Kong Country Club has installed the latest specification Full Swing Golf simulator at their country club near to Ocean Park on the edge of the beautiful Deep Water Bay area.

This exclusive private club of around 10,000 members is situated next door to the world famous Ocean Park and opposite Hong Kong Disneyland. Boasting a wide range of facilities, with a good golf society base of some of Hong Kong's rich and famous, Full Swing Golf was the natural choice for quality, reliability and accuracy.

After months of research and testing the Country Club selected Full Swing Golf as their preferred simulator technology, supplied, installed and maintained by Full Swing Golf Asia, the exclusive distributors for these world leading indoor golf systems in the region.

The Hong Kong Golf Country Club will provide their members, corporate clients and guests with an unparalleled range of golf facilities. The Full Swing Golf simulator provides PGA tuition, practice and play. On site video replay, swing capture and analysis systems provide the very latest state of the art technology to video, compare, review and improve their members' games.

In addition to the Full Swing Golf Hong Kong Simulators, members can use the 6 hole putting green specifically designed for the improvement of this overlooked area of the game. The patented bent green design, on two different levels and surrounded by rough, can be used for lessons by the PGA Professional or independent practice sessions. The covered green can be used all year round and well into the night by way of the on-site flood lighting.

All of this combined means that the Hong Kong Country Club members will have the use of the most advanced indoor golf simulator, Full Swing Golf, as well as a complete range of the most state of the art indoor coaching available today.

The Kowloon Cricket Club install Full Swing Golf in Hong Kong

Kowloon cricket club use Full Swing Golf
The Kowloon Cricket Club have added a Full Swing Golf simulator to their club facilities, as part of a multi-million dollar refit.

Set in the heart of the Kowloon peninsula and surrounded by high rise buildings, KCC (as it is known locally), is readily accepted as one the premier golf clubs in Hong Kong.

KCC is set around a beautiful cricket field of lush green grass, which is used for a multitude of sports including soccer and field hockey. It is truly an oasis amidst the concrete skyline and the addition of the Full Swing Golf simulator to its already impressive range of facilities will only enhance this great venue. The club's emphasis on children is reflected in the dedicated areas for leisure, including a high-tech room for the young adults of the club.

The new Hong Kong Golf Centre is located in the 3rd floor of the new sports hall in a purpose built air-conditioned area. The Full Swing Golf simulator is equipped with the latest specification technology running LS Golf 3 with 50 Championship golf courses, online tournaments and benefiting from internet based remote diagnostics.

An on site golf professional has been retained to manage the golf program and to build the Junior Development classes for young members. The KCC have around 5,000 children and it is their aim to build a successful foundation for golfers of all ages.

KCC'S full time on-site PGA qualified professional has designed a range of lessons to suit all ages and abilities. The "Golf Audit" in particular has been well received, as while using the Full Swing simulator the pro systematically goes through the player's game, to identify their strengths and weaknesses. All of the innovative professionally-run courses are designed around the Full Swing Golf simulator which provide unbelievable accuracy and feel.

It is hoped that the Hong kong Golf Centre will soon be doubled in size with the addition of a second Full Swing Golf simulator to support the swelling ranks of new golfers that have already used the new system. We hope to add more simulators in the coming months to this amazing facility.

INTRODUCING THE COBRA S2 DRIVERS AND FAIRWAYS

Hong Kong Golf Shop will have the following in February March

Featuring exclusive 9 Point Face Technology for increased ball speed across the clubface

CARLSBAD, CA (January 25, 2010) - Cobra Golf Hong Kong announces the introduction of the new Cobra S2 Drivers and Fairways that offer superior accuracy, distance and forgiveness. Their collective clubface technology, clubhead design and overall engineering result in a family of products that maximize performance for all player types.

"Avid Hong Kong golfers will benefit from the exceptional performance in the new Cobra S2 Drivers and Fairway Metals," says Brian Zender, General Manager of Cobra Golf. "They feature technologies that promote improved distance, with proprietary face design and adjustability to increase accuracy and forgiveness. Cobra S2 Drivers are designed for players of all abilities to maximize their distance off the tee and find the fairway more often. From there the Cobra S2 Fairways deliver outstanding launch and trajectory and produce high and long shots from the fairway and rough. The Cobra S2 Driver and the ZL Driver, representing our 2010 Driver line, were both selected for the Gold Award in the 2010 Golf Digest Hot List."


COBRA S2 DRIVER
The new Cobra S2 Driver offers superior performance in a great-looking package. Its traditional profile and rich, black Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) finish inspire confidence at address. Golfers of all abilities will appreciate its superior playability, performance, feel and aesthetics. Hong Kong golfers will love it

"We went to great lengths with the Cobra S2 Drivers to ensure that they appeal to avid Hong Kong golfers of all abilities who seek superior distance, forgiveness and accuracy with ball flight optimization," says Tom Preece, Vice President of Research & Development for Cobra Golf. "The 9 Point Face Technology is designed to allow more shots hit across the clubface to perform as if they were struck in the center of the clubface. Adjustable Flight Technology enables golfers to quickly and easily optimize the ball flight they want via one of three face angle settings, which in turn helps them improve their accuracy and distance. In addition, the Cobra S2 driver features a highly engineered 460cc 6-4 titanium clubhead, which not only effectively transfers energy efficiently to the ball, but is designed to produce the best sound and feel in any titanium driver we've ever produced."

9 Point Face Technology:
- With a thin Milled Rhombus Face insert surrounded by an even thinner titanium perimeter, Cobra engineered 9 Point Face Technology to generate increased ball speed across the clubface.

Adjustable Flight Technology (AFT):

- Three simple face-angle settings (Open, Neutral and Closed) allow golfers to optimize trajectory for increased distance and produce straighter ball flight for improved accuracy.

Highly Engineered Head Structure:
- The new, more-traditional head shape maximizes energy transfer while making drives sound as good as they look.

- The Cobra S2 Driver ($375 SRP) is available in lofts of 8.5, 9.5, 10.5 and 11.5 degrees, with the new high performance Fujikura Fit-on Max graphite shaft and a Golf Pride grip. It will ship to golf retailers the first week in February.

COBRA S2 OFFSET DRIVER
The new Cobra S2 Offset Driver offers Hong Kong golfers the outstanding performance of the Cobra S2 Driver in a maximum draw-biased design. This 460cc 6-4 titanium driver is geared toward mid- and high-handicap golfers who are looking for maximum forgiveness and a high-launch, draw-biased (anti-slice) ball flight that yields superior distance.

9 Point Face Technology:
-With a thin Milled Rhombus Face insert surrounded by an even thinner titanium perimeter, Cobra engineered 9 Point Face Technology to generate increased ball speed across the clubface.

Offset Design:
- The offset head design offers maximum draw bias (anti-slice), promoting a square face at impact for longer, more consistent drives.

The Cobra S2 Offset Driver ($325 SRP) is available in lofts of 9.5, 10.5 and 11.5 degrees, with the new high performance Fujikura Fit-on Max graphite shaft and a Golf Pride grip. It will ship to golf retailers the first week in February.

COBRA S2 FAIRWAYS
The new Cobra S2 Fairways appeal to all avid golfers looking for maximum forgiveness and distance from the fairway. Made of 17-4 stainless steel, their thin clubface yields consistent distance even on off-center hits, while the sole is contoured to promote improved contact with the ball, and thus improves forgiveness.

Thin, Hot Face Design:
-A thin, hot face maximizes ball speed across the clubface for more consistent distance.

Progressive Sole Design:
-A progressive sole design throughout the set provides superior turf interaction, making it easier to hit solid shots from the fairway and the rough.

The Cobra S2 Fairways ($185 SRP) are available in 3-, 5- and 7-woods, with Fujikura Fit-on Max graphite shafts and Golf Pride grips. They are also offered in offset versions, and will ship to golf retailers the first week in February.

Visit www.golfshophongkong.com for all Cobra Golf products available at the best Hong Kong golf shop

Hong Kong Ladies Golf Amateur

THE HONG KONG LADIES CLOSE AMATEUR AND THE HONG KONG LADIES
MID AMATEUR CLOSE CHAMPIONSHIPS 2010
The Clearwater Bay Golf & Country Club
17, 18 and 19 March 2010

Conditions
1) The Hong Kong Ladies Close Amateur Championship 2010 (“Championship Division”) and The Hong Kong Ladies Mid Amateur Close Championship 2010 (“Mid Amateur Divisions”) will be decided by stroke play over three rounds which will be played in accordance with the Rules of Golf as approved by the Royal & Ancient Rules Limited and with the Local Rules approved by the Tournament Committee.

2) Competitors will play one round on 17 March 2010 and one on 18 March 2010. The 40 lowest scores over these 36 holes and any tying for 40th place will qualify for the final 18 holes on 19 March 2010 (at least 6 players from each Division).

Should any player in the Championship Division and Mid Amateur Division I fail to score less than 92 in the first round and is more than 11 strokes behind leader, then the player may be withdrawn from the championship.

Should any player in the Mid Amateur Division II fail to score less than 100 in the first round and is more than 11 strokes behind leading player in the Mid Amateur Division II, then the player may be withdrawn from the championship.

3) In the event of a tie for first place in the Championship Division and Mid Amateur Division I, the winner will be decided by a hole by hole play off to take place as soon as practicable. The play off holes will be decided by the Tournament Director.

4) All other ties will be decided by a count-back. The winner will be the player having the lowest gross score over the last 18 holes (then the last 9, last 6, last 3, and last hole; then follow by holes 1-9, 4-9, 7-9 and hole 9). If a tie still arises, the scores of the immediate previous round will be applied in the same way. If a winner is still not determined after the score of the first round is applied, the result will be decided by the toss of a coin

5) The specimen conditions in the Rules of Golf (2008 – 2011) are in effect regarding Conforming Driver Heads (see pages 141 & 142), Conforming Golf Balls (see page 142) and Time of Starting (see page 143).

6) Any driver the player carries must have a clubhead, identified by model and loft, that is named on the current List of Conforming Driver Heads issued by the R&A.

It is the responsibility of all players to ensure that their driver is listed on the R&A list of Conforming Driver heads.

The Tournament Committee reserves the right to inspect any driver at any time during the tournament.
Penalty for making a stroke with club in breach of condition: Disqualification
For details, please visit R&A website at www.randa.org

7) Players in the Championship Division may not ride on a motorized cart and MUST WALK at all times except when transportation has been authorized by the Tournament Committee or a designated Rules Official.

Please refer to the Rules of Golf (2008 – 2011) page 146.

8) Players entering only the Mid Amateur Divisions are permitted to ride on golf carts.

a) The use of trolleys or motorized golf carts will be permitted but is not mandatory. Competitors in the Mid Amateur Divisions who use a golf cart will be charged HK$120 per person. No more than two carts per playing group are allowed except when a shuttle is provided by the Committee or otherwise authorized by a Rules Official (see page 146 of the 2008 - 2011 Rules of Golf).

b) Caddies must walk at all times.

c) A player may bring her own caddie provided he or she is not a professional golfer.
Penalty for Breach of Condition: Disqualification.

9) Players should report to the Starter at least 10 minutes before their allotted starting time. If a player arrives late at her starting point, ready to play, within five minutes after her starting time, the penalty for failure to start on time is two strokes, to be added to the score of the first hole.
Penalty for lateness beyond five minutes: Disqualification.

10) During a stipulated round, the use of a mobile phone is regarded as a serious breach of etiquette for which the penalty may be disqualification.

11) A copy of the Pace of Play conditions will be posted at the Tournament Office and will be available on request.

12) The Tournament Committee may require a player to withdraw from the competition if it is felt that the player does not have a basic understanding of the Rules of Golf which includes etiquette, or the requisite golfing standard.

The Tournament Committee shall be appointed by the Hong Kong Golf Association and shall consist of:
(a) Hong Kong Golf Association Chairman, Rules (or an authorized deputy)
(b) Hong Kong Golf Association Chairman, Tournaments (or an authorized deputy)
(c) The Tournament Director (or an authorized deputy)

For the purposes of Rule 33-7 a quorum shall consist of any two of the above persons. Decisions of the Tournament Committee shall be final and binding on all concerned.

13) Entries will be accepted from female players with the following handicap index under the USGA handicapping system as at the closing date:

HONG KONG LADIES CLOSE AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP
USGA handicap Index of 10.5 or lower

HONG KONG LADIES MID AMATEUR CLOSE CHAMPIONSHIP
Division I : USGA Handicap Index of 10.5 or lower and be 25 years of age or over on or before 17th March 2010
Division II : USGA Handicap Index between 10.6 and 18.8 and be 25 years of age or over on or before 17th March 2010

14) The Tournament Committee reserves the right to amend these Championships conditions.

Hong Kong welcomed into WCGC family

Hong Kong, 31 Dec 2009

Hong Kong has been warmly welcomed to the World Corporate Golf Challenge by the global tournament’s Spanish owners.

The territory is hosting a leg of the hugely popular inter-companies event in March with the winning team earning an all-expenses-paid trip to the World Final in May.

Jose Guerra“The World Corporate Golf Challenge is delighted to welcome Hong Kong to the competition in 2010 and beyond,” said José Guerra (pictured), chairman of Madrid-based WCGC SL, the event’s parent company.

“Asia is undergoing a tremendous golf boom and naturally we are very happy to see teams from the region taking part in what has become the biggest and most popular inter-companies golf tournament in the world.

“We are very much looking forward to hosting the Hong Kong winners, along with all the other victorious national teams, at the World Final in South Africa in May.”

Twenty teams – comprising four players who each have a maximum handicap of 24 – will contest the WCGC Hong Kong on Friday, 5 March 2010 at the Discovery Bay Golf Club on Lantau Island.

The 2010 World Final – featuring teams from more than 20 countries and territories – will take place at the beautiful Fancourt and Oubaai Golf Clubs in South Africa's spectacular Garden Route region from 3-8 May.

Each year the World Corporate Golf Challenge sees thousands of businessmen around the globe transfer their boardroom battles to the fairways.

Hong Kong-based sports PR and publishing specialists Two Up Front have secured a long-term licence to host the Hong Kong leg from WCGC SL.

They are co-organising the tournament with event management company Laxton Marketing Consultants, who have offices in Hong Kong, Singapore and Dubai.

Hong Kong Golf Vacation Packages

A Hong Kong golf acation is a great way to unwind, doing the things that you are passionate about and get little time to devote to during the grind of daily life. Hong Kong Golf is an obsession so great that you may find yourself braving the early morning winter chill to succumb to yet another round of a challenging round at the course.

For such an ardent golf fan, the idea of a vacation is, no doubt, days and days of unhurried golf where he or she can practice their game and improve their play. Golf Vacations are a growing trend and to cater to this trend, there are thousands of golf resorts all over the world. Golf Resort Vacation Packages promise the best value on golf vacations whether in Hong Kong or other international golf destinations.


Hong Kong Golf Vacation Packages are tailored for those traveling independently. They comprise an amalgamation of two or more travel services such as hotel accommodations, car rentals or air transportation, that are to be had at a package price. Many vacation packages offer a variety of components and preferences thus allowing you to adapt or customize the package to your taste, interests and or/budget.

Most Golf Resort Vacation Packages are out to earn their business with their promise of fantastic golfing destinations, knowledgeable and courteous staff and top-notch customer service. Once you decide on the number of days and plan each days itinerary you will be offered a quote and you can work out the various features that will be included into your package such as green fees and cart fees. driving range, transportation and accommodation and a variety of other components that go into the making of a vacation.

Hong Kong Vacation Packages are convenient as you can decide right in the beginning what your requirements are and make arrangements for them at a package or discounted price. This is especially suitable for a Hong Kong golf vacation where you can have green fees to the preferred courses taken care of ensuring a certain amount of play time for the duration of your stay, while at the same time giving you the flexibility of being on your own.

Golf Resort Vacation Packages in Hong Kong can provide you and your family with all the options that make their dream golf holiday a reality.

Race to Dubai competition to heat up in Hong Kong

By Min Lee, Associated Press Writer
HONG KONG GOLF — The European Tour's top earners are gathering in Hong Kong this week to make a final push for the lucrative season-ending tournament in Dubai.

Race to Dubai leaders Lee Westwood and Rory McIlroy and No. 10 Ian Poulter are among the star attractions at $2.5 million UBS Hong Kong Open, starting Thursday at the par-70, 6,702-yard course at the Hong Kong Golf Club in Fanling.

Paul Casey, who was sitting fifth in the Race to Dubai, was scheduled to play in Hong Kong but pulled out with a recurring rib injury.

The Hong Kong golf tournament, co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour, has attracted one of its strongest fields since it was first staged in 1959 -- in part thanks to its timing as the final pre-Dubai tournament and proximity to the HSBC Champions in Shanghai last week.

The top 60 earners on the European Tour after Hong Kong will play in Dubai on Nov. 19 to Nov. 22 for a $7.5 million bonus pool.

Westwood told reporters Tuesday he hopes to cushion his lead in the European Tour prize money list when he makes his debut at the Hong Kong tournament.

"The people in Dubai will be delighted it is fairly open and obviously I am in the best position of anybody and pleased to be in that position ... There is big prize money next week, but it will certainly help to win here this week," the Englishman said.

Northern Ireland's McIlroy said he's looking forward to closing the gap between him and Westwood at one of his favorite stops on the calendar.

"There is not much between us now, so any ground I can gain this week will be good to take into Dubai," McIlroy said. "But winning will take care of that, so that is my main focus."

The field in Hong Kong golf also includes former British Open champions Mark O'Meara and Ben Curtis, Scotland's Colin Montgomerie, PGA Championship winner Yang Yong-eun of South Korea -- the first Asian major winner -- as well as two-time Hong Kong champion Miguel Angel Jimenez and defending champion Lin Wen-tang of Taiwan.

Sweden's Robert Karlsson, who won the last Order of Merit title on the European Tour, is still on the comeback after being forced out of the U.S. Open at Bethpage Black because of an eye infection which left him with no depth perception in his left eye.

McIlroy and Westwood are coming off strong showings at the HSBC Champions.

McIlroy finished fourth -- ahead of Tiger Woods -- and Westwood tied for eighth. McIlroy is also aiming to go one step further than he did here last year, when he narrowly lost a playoff against Lin.

Other stars in the Hong Kong field are five-time PGA winner Rory Sabbatini, India's Jeev Milkha Singh and Asian Tour Order of Merit leader Thongchai Jaidee from Thailand.

Hong Kong Golf Open Bomber

Pucay bombs out of Hong Kong Open golf

Article posted November 15, 2009 - 09:25 AM
FANLING, Hong Kong — A day after contending for the title, Filipino Mars Pucay was nowhere near the leader as he suffered the worse score in three days heading into the final round of the $2.5-million UBS Hong Kong Open at the Hong Kong Golf Club.

Pucay’s 68 and 67 catapulted him to within four atop the board but a three-over-par 73 washed out all hopes of breaking through the win column. His 208 aggregate was way off the 16-under-par 194 of France’s Gregory Bourdy.

Leading third round scores
194 – Gregory Bourdy (FRA) 64-67-63
196 – Robert-Jan Derksen (NED) 63-68-65
199 – Rory Mcilroy (NIR) 66-68-65
200 – Miguel Angel Jimenez (ESP) 68-69-63
Francesco Molinari (ITA) 66-68-66
Peter Lawrie (IRL) 66-68-66
Lin Wen-tang (TPE) 64-69-67
208 – Juvic Pagunsan (67-70-71)
Mars Pucay (68-67-73)

Consider the facts: Pucay got a little adventurous at the par-three eighth hole where he missed the green completely en-route to a double bogey. Add to that, four bogeys on Nos. 6, 9, 14 and 17 as against three birdies on Nos. 7, 12 and 16.

His round was a far cry from the second day when he shot flawless three birdies and no bogey.

“It was probably the breaks of the game. Maybe I was too eager to score heavily today. Sayang," Pucay said to GMANews.TV.

Like his countryman, Juvic Pagunsan also got off-tracked with a one-over-par 71 in the event which is Hong Kong’s oldest professional sporting event, having started in 1959. He was under-par for two days but now ties Pucay at 50th with 208.

Pagunsan, whose year is also devoid of any crown so far, began worst with three straight bogeys. Only his string of birdies on Nos. 12 and 13 saved him from sliding further in the standing.

“I was not in my element. There was nothing spectacular for me today except for those two birdies towards the end of the round," said Pagunsan, a former Asian Tour rookie of the year.

On Friday, Filipinos Angelo Que, Artemio Murakami and Antonio Lascuna were all cut.

Frenchman ahead
Gourdy, the two-time European Tour winner, was just superb on Saturday when he submitted the day’s lowest score of seven-under-par 63 to post a two-stroke lead.

His three-day total 194 was two better than Netherlands’ Robert-Jan Derksen, who carded a five-under-par 65 to lie at second place with 196.

Bourdy ended the day in the same position from where he started. A place at the top was never in doubt after the Frenchman returned with an unblemished card that was highlighted by seven birdies.

“It was a fantastic round with seven birdies and no bogeys. I feel good on this course. I feel good in Hong Kong and I am enjoying the week. I’ll try and keep the putter warm for tomorrow as it was unbelievable today," said Bourdy.

Northern Island’s Rory McIlroy was in third with 199 after a five-under 65 and lurked behind Bourdy and Derksen while defending champion Ling Wen-tang of China shared fourth with a 200 total. – Adrian Flores, GMANews.TV

McILROY Looking To Repeat 2008 Golf in Hong Kong Heroics

Rory McIlroy will draw inspiration from his brilliant final round at last year’s UBS Hong Kong Golf Open as he goes gunning for victory in the 2009 event on Sunday (15 November).

The talented Northern Irish youngster sits five shots behind leader Grégory Bourdy of France after a riveting third round at the Hong Kong Golf Club in Fanling.

McIlroy knows he will need a repeat of his 2008 heroics when he shot 65 on the final day to get into a playoff, which he eventually lost to Chinese Taipei’s Lin Wen Tang.

“I’ll have to do something like that or even better tomorrow,” he said. “My mindset is to get off to a fast start and try to keep it going. Obviously Grégory is playing very well out there.”

World No.17 McIlroy currently lies in third place after firing a five-under-par 65 on Saturday to reach 11-under for the tournament. Bourdy carded a 63 to stand at 16-under while Dutchman Robert-Jan Derksen (65) is 14-under.

McIlroy, aged 20, showed flashes of brilliance in his third round but was left ruing a double-bogey at the par-four sixth that set him back after two early birdies.


“I got off to the perfect start and was two-under through three, but then made double bogey on six which took me right back to square one,” he said. “But I hit back well with birdies on seven and eight to get those shots straight back.

“It was great to get those two shots back immediately. I knew even though I was back to level there was a lot of golf still to be played. I knew I was hitting it well and putting well and it was a matter of giving myself chances again.

“Maybe a couple of years ago after making double bogey I would have been a bit flustered, but it comes down to experience. When people ask the difference between turning pro and now, the answer is experience. A couple of years ago that could have been it for me and I could have shot 73 or 74 when I golf in Hong Kong.”

The highlight of his day was an eagle at the par-five 13th when he reached the green with a superb five-iron approach shot from 260 yards.

McIlroy will head into the final day of the Golf in Hong Kong Open determined not to think about his Race To Dubai battle with Lee Westwood.

World No.4 Westwood leads the Race To Dubai with season earnings of €2,404,579 – a lead of €52,320 over McIlroy with just two tournaments remaining, Golf in Hong Kong and next week’s Dubai World Championship.

But Westwood is out of the running for the Hong Kong title after a 69 on Saturday left him at five-under for the tournament. “I’m just thinking about the tournament,” insisted McIlroy. “I’m behind Grégory Bourdy and that’s all I’m worried about.”

Jeev Leads Indians to Golf in Hong Kong

Three years ago, Hong Kong was where Jeev Milkha Singh confirmed his Asian Tour Order of Merit. But this time around as the UBS Hong Kong Golf Open is all set to tee off, things have changed so much that Jeev will be making only his second appearance in Asia after last week's HSBC Champions in Shanghai.

Jeev leads a strong Indian challenge of 10 players, eight of whom have won on the Asian Tour in past and two of them broke through with maiden wins this season.

Jeev, the reigning Asian Tour Order of Merit title holder, may not have played much in Asia, but he continues to be one of the top draws in the event. Jeev will tee up with the current Race to Dubai leader, Lee Westwood, and the defending champion of Hong Kong Golf Open, Lin Wen-Tang of Chinese Taipei in the first two rounds. Jeev carries with him happy memories of having whipped Westwood 6-up in his first round of the Volvo World Matchplay earlier this month.


Jeev hoping to finish strongly enough to get back into the World's top-50 in world golf rankings, will have no less than 10 Indians for the company. Gaganjeet Bhullar, winner of Indonesia President Invitational, Chinnaswamy Muniyappa, winner of the Hero Honda Indian Open and Anirban Lahiri, third at the Indian Open, are competing in the event. The trio is seen as the new face of Indian golf, with Bhullar and Lahiri just 21 and 22 years of age and Muniyappa is 32.

Also in the field are Jyoti Randhawa, winner of the Singha Thailand Open, SSP Chowrasia, winner of the Indian Masters ion 2008, Gaurav Ghei, three-time winner on Asian Tour, Shiv Kapur winner of the Volvo Masters of Asia in 2005, Rahil Gangjee, who won in his rookie year back in 2004. Randhawa goes out with Mark Brown and former Major winner, Ben Curtis.

Of the 10 Indians in the fray, only two have not won on Asian Tour - one is Digvijay Singh, who has time and again been in top-3 but not closed in on a title and Lahiri, who in his first full season has four top-10s and has won his last two starts on Indian domestic Tour, including last week.

Karlsson Hopin for Hong Kong Golf Crown

Hong Kong golfer Robert Karlsson is hoping to end a frustrating 2009 season on a high note as he prepares to tee it up in this week's Hong Kong golf Open. The Swede, the reigning European Tour Order of Merit champion, only returned to action in October after four months on the sidelines with an eye injury.

Hong Kong golfer However, he has struggled to recapture the kind of form that saw him finish as European number one last year and has missed three of four cuts since his return. He is hoping a the trip to golf in Hong Kong will provide a turning point and has good reason to be optimistic as he finished second on his last visit to the tournament two years ago.

Then the Hong Kong Bound golfer played some superb golf on his way to a runner-up finish, ending just one shot adrift of winner Miguel Angel Jimenez. The big-hitting Swede kept his driver in the bag for most of the four days as he plotted his way around Fanling's tight par-70 lay-out and is planning on a similar strategy this time around.
Good feeling

"I'm going to have four more events to play, so it's important to hopefully get a couple of decent results in the bag to get a good feeling for next year," Karlsson stated. "It's always good to come back to a tournament where you have played well in the past, it's a good feeling and I want to play golf in Hong Kong as much as the next.

"I'm used to doing well on other courses that are perhaps longer and a bit more open, so it is very good practice for me to learn how to play a course like this. "I really enjoy playing here because it is different from many of the other courses we play on tour. I think I'll only be using my driver on No.6 and that's about it.

"The aim this week is to give myself the best possible chance to have a good result and at the end of the week we'll see where I'm at. It's just good to be here and to be playing this tournament. I'm looking forward to it." I might also buy some golf clubs at Golf Shop Hong Kong - he didnt say that but should

Watch Roberty Bob play golf in Hong Kong at the Hong Kong Golf Club or check out some more at Hong Kong Golf Guide

Hong Kong Golf Open History

Lu, Thomson and Ollie Make Marks in Hong Kong History

For almost 50 years the UBS Hong Kong Open has brought elite golf to one of the world’s most dynamic cities, one known for its spectacular skyline and vibrant lifestyle.

In a part of the world where golf’s relative lack of history is belied by its recent growth in popularity, the tradition and heritage of the tournament – the third-eldest golf tournament in the region and the longest-running sporting event in Hong Kong – is unique.

The Hong Kong Golf Open was established in 1959, played then – as it has been every year since – at the Hong Kong Golf Club in Fanling. That tournament was won by Chinese Taipei’s Lu Liang-huan, who, 12 years later, wearing a bright blue pork pie hat, a nickname of ‘Mr Lu’ and cheery grin, would shock the golfing world by very nearly defeating Lee Trevino at the Open at Royal Birkdale. Lu would add another Hong Kong title in 1974.

Peter Thomson, the five-time Open champion, a player who took it upon himself to get behind golf in Asia at a time when travel in the region was a difficult challenge, was one of event’s biggest supporters in the early days.

He went on to pocket three titles in the 1960s, the first of some eight players to have won both a Major championship and the Hong Kong Open. Another Chinese Taipei player, Hsieh Yung-yo, the back-to-back champion in 1963-1964, has posted four victories to be the most prolific champion in the event’s history.

From those early days, though, the UBS Hong Kong Open moved very much into the big time. Dual Open champion Greg Norman is another multiple winner, while also having seen their names etched on the tournament trophy are Major winners such as Ian Woosnam, Tom Watson, Bernhard Langer and Jose Maria Olazábal.

In 2001, the year of Olazábal’s victory, another significant milestone was achieved when the event was joint-sanctioned by the Asian and European Tours for the first time. In 2005, Colin Montgomerie recorded a popular victory on his first professional visit to the event after James Kingston suffered heartbreak at the notorious 18th hole at Fanling.

Still one of just a handful of tournaments of such history to have been played continuously at a single venue, the US Masters at Augusta National is another, the UBS Hong Kong Open will be played from November 15-18 this year, a spectacular time of year in the southern Chinese autumn.

More than 130 of the world’s best players will gather to compete for a prize fund that has been raised to US$2.25 million in 2007. However, competition will be tougher than ever in the battle for the record prize purse, with a slew of the best players from the Asian and European Tours once again vying for this famous title.

Hong Kong Golf Qualifiers

Rahil Gangjee will be looking to end a difficult year on a high after booking his place in next month's UBS Hong Kong Golf Open. The Indian star secured one of three spots in the US$2.5 million showpiece when the international qualifying tournament was finally completed today (21 October) after being suspended on Tuesday due to bad weather at the Palm Resort Golf and Country Club in Johor, Malaysia.

Gangjee posted a five-under-par 67 in the one-round shootout and was joined on that total by Thailand's Udorn Duangdecha and Nick Redfern of England as all three secured their places in the main draw for this golf in Hong Kong event.

The Hong Kong golf bound trio finished one shot clear of South African Jbe Kruger, Thailand's Sattaya Supupramai – one of last year's successful qualifiers – and Chang Tse Peng of Chinese Taipei. Gangjee, 31, was considered one of India's rising stars when he burst on the Asian Tour scene in 2004. But he has struggled with his game in the past two years and has posted just one top-10 finish this season.

He will have his chance on the big stage again when the 2009 UBS Hong Kong Golf Open is held at the Hong Kong Golf Club in Fanling from 12-15 November. The world-class field will be spearheaded by Korean ace Yang Yong Eun, who became Asia's first Major winner when he triumphed at the US PGA Championship in August.

Also in the line-up will be defending champion Lin Wen Tang of Chinese Taipei and the man he beat in last year's unforgettable playoff duel, brilliant Northern Irish youngster Rory McIlroy. The tournament – golf in Hong Kong's oldest professional sporting event, having started in 1959 – will once again be co-sanctioned by the European and Asian Tours.

Four Hong Kong golf professionals – William Fung, Lokky Lee, Chris Tang and Derek Fung – booked their UBS Hong Kong Golf Open places at last week’s domestic qualifying tournament. Stay tuned to golfinhongkong.com for all coverage of the Hong Kong Golf Open

Open Champs to Golf in Hong Kong

Former Major winners Mark O'Meara and Ben Curtis have been added to the strongest field ever assembled for the UBS Hong Kong Golf Open. The American duo - both former Open Championship winners - will be making their debuts in the US$2.5 million showpiece.

They are joined by South African ace Rory Sabbatini - who has five PGA Tour titles to his name - and reigning European Tour Order of Merit champion Robert Karlsson, plus recent Hong Kong winners Colin Montgomerie and Miguel Angel Jiménez. "It is, far and away, the best field ever seen in Hong Kong," said Martin Capstick, managing director of the tournament promoter, Parallel Media Group who have a heavy presence in Hong Kong golf.

"The latest player confirmations, together with those already unveiled, mean we have 14 of the world's top 50 according to the Official World Golf Ranking, which is unprecedented. "We have 40 of the leading 60 players in the European Tour's Race To Dubai - including four of the top six - and all the top 10 in the Asian Tour's Order of Merit."

The latest players to be announced join a star-studded line-up that already includes world No.4 Paul Casey, world No.5 Lee Westwood - the current Race To Dubai leader - and Asia's first Major winner, Yang Yong Eun. The 2009 UBS Hong Kong Golf Open will be staged at the Hong Kong Golf Club in Fanling from 12-15 November.

O'Meara has 16 PGA Tour victories to his name and enjoyed an incredible year in 1998 when he won both the Masters Tournament and the Open Championship and then beat his close friend Tiger Woods in the final of the World Match Play. Aside from his Open triumph, achieved at Royal Birkdale in Lancashire, he has three other European Tour titles to his name, the last being the Dubai Desert Classic in 2004.

"Over my career, I have always prided myself on playing all over the world, so to finally make my debut in the UBS Hong Kong Open is very special," said O'Meara. "I have heard from a number of my friends on Tour how great the tournament is and, since I already love the city of Hong Kong, I'm very excited about the week.

"I'm also going to try my hardest to get an American name back on that trophy - I understand the last US player to win was 14 years ago, so I'll be shooting to change that!" Curtis astonished the golf world in 2003 when, as a virtual unknown, he won the Open at Royal St George's in Kent - so becoming the first player since Francis Ouimet at the 1913 US Open to win a Major at his first attempt.

He also jumped from 396th to 35th in the Official World Golf Ranking, the biggest single leap since the ranking system began in 1986. Since then he has consolidated his status as an elite player with two victories on the PGA Tour and was a member of the United States' victorious Ryder Cup team last year.

"I am delighted to be making my debut in November at the UBS Hong Kong Open," said Curtis. "As a member of the European Tour, I have always enjoyed competing in the great events around the world, and I know the history of this event is very strong.

"All you have to do is take a look at the strength of the field which UBS has assembled this year to know how respected this tournament is. "And its place on the schedule is very important as well, with this being the final chance to qualify for the Dubai World Championship. I need to make up some ground on that list so I'm looking forward to a great week at the UBS.

"I'm sure the golf fans in Hong Kong will enjoy some fantastic golf during the week."
Other stars confirmed for the UBS Hong Kong Golf Open include defending champion Lin Wen Tang of Chinese Taipei and the man he beat in last year's unforgettable playoff duel, brilliant Northern Irish youngster Rory McIlroy, who is currently No.18 in the world.

In addition, English ace Ian Poulter - who leapt up to world No.15 with his victory in last week's Singapore Open - and Northern Irish star Darren Clarke, a 13-time winner on the European Tour, are in the line-up. Also vying for honours will be brilliant New Zealand teenager Danny Lee, who became the youngest winner in European Tour history when, aged 18 years and 213 days, he won last February's Johnnie Walker Classic while still an amateur.

An ultra-strong Asian contingent will be led by Korean icon Yang and the man currently second to him in the continent's rankings, India's Jeev Milkha Singh, a player with three European Tour victories to his name. Also confirmed are Thai ace Thongchai Jaidee, who leads the Asian Tour's Order of Merit with earnings of US$937,658, and Chinese No.1 Liang Wenchong, presently second in the money list and runner-up to Poulter in Singapore.

The UBS Hong Kong Open - Hong Kong's oldest professional sporting event, having started in 1959 - will once again be co-sanctioned by the European and Asian Tours. The tournament has been won by nine Major champions: Peter Thomson, Kel Nagle, Orville Moody, Greg Norman, Ian Woosnam, Bernhard Langer, Tom Watson, José María Olazábal and Padraig Harrington.

This year's UBS Hong Kong Golf Open is the penultimate ranking event on the European Tour schedule, taking place a week before the season-ending Dubai World Championship. With only the top 60 golfers on the European Tour money list eligible to play in Dubai, the Hong Kong event has assumed even greater significance with players scrambling to secure their spot in the season finale.

The Hong Kong golf Open is the third-last event counting towards the Order of Merit on the 2009 Asian Tour calendar. Come back for more news on the Hong Kong Golf Open at Golfinhongkong.com

Hong Kong Golf Hotels

Golf in Hong Kong is known to be one of the most hospitable golfer tourist spots in Asia. The hotels in Hong Kong for golfers, which are famous for their world-class facilities, are one of the prime contributors to the growth of Hong Kong as a golf destination. There are many kinds of hotels for golfers in Hong Kong that cater to all kinds of people, budgets, and needs. From the business traveler to the casual tourist, these hotels offer all kinds of amenities that would fit into any budget.

Golf in Hong Kong is the ultimate tourist destination for the Hong Kong golf traveler. There are several hotels in Hong Kong whose facilities are synonymous with luxury. These include the popular Peninsula hotels, the Excelsior, the Mandarin Oriental hotel, the Conrad luxury hotels and resorts, the Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott hotel Hong Kong, Marco Polo Hong Kong hotel, Regal Hong Kong hotel, Renaissance Harbor view hotel, Empire Hotel Kowloon, Hotel Inter-continental, the Grand-Stanford Inter-continental hotel all of which are used to catering to travellers playing golf in Hong Kong.

Most of the the luxury segment hotels are the last name in stylishness and lavishness. All the rooms, suits, restaurants, and every nook and corner of the hotels spell wealth. Their fleet of limousines, helicopter shuttle services, elegant bars and restaurants, personalized sightseeing services, personalized shopping facilities, and enviable cooks who dish up the most scrumptious dishes, are a treat to most golfers in Hong Kong.

Most luxury Hong Kong hotels feature additional amenities such as fitness centers, swimming pools, heated pools, poolside leisure activities, sun terraces with incredible views, a diverse array of dining options, elegant bars with the finest wines, gourmet cuisine, temperature-controlled spas with A-class massage treatments, saunas, and facilities for Yoga, Tai Chi, oriental healing, relaxation, and other ancient exercise techniques, as well as treatments for “jet lag relief”, slimming, anti-cellulite treatments and even non-surgical facelifts.


Impressive meeting rooms and ballrooms make every party and conference a memorable occasion. 24-hour concierge services, 24-hour front desk, and valet parking are some of the regular wonders. The rooms themselves have their own spectacular views of the city. High-speed broadband Internet access, 24-hour room service, and mini bars are some of the amenities. Room decoration and ambience is a treat to the eyes, with a blend of classic and modern. Deluxe suites even have their own living rooms, two bedrooms with attached bathrooms, a dining room, private balcony and even a kitchen.

Luxury golfer Hong Kong hotels can be expensive with prices starting from HK$1,000 for a standard room. Suites are priced at around HK$7,500 (around $1000) per day. Deluxe suites can cost around HK$12,500.00 ($1603.00). There are however, some luxury hotels where prices start at around HK$ 500-H$700 (less than US$100). Reservations for most luxury Hong Kong hotels have to be made in advance, especially in the peak season. There are many online agents who have exclusive websites that enable online reservation to most of these hotels. Some hotels also give instant confirmation, based on the availability. For more information on Hotels for golfers in Hong Kong visit the definitive guide to golf in Hong Kong at www.golfinhongkong.com