Hong Kong the epicentre of Asia but LIV Golf can take city to the next level, says Norman

LIV Golf will come to Hong Kong next year, and the tour’s CEO Greg Norman believes the event could give the city a sporting and economic boost.

The Australian said he considered bringing the event to a city he called “the epicentre of Asia” in March “extremely important on multiple fronts”, not least because it could take Hong Kong sport to “the next level”.

Calling his desire to bring global golf to the Asian market “a long-time dream”, the two-time Hong Kong Open winner said he recognised the region as a sleeping giant back in the 1980s.

“When you look at what’s going to happen to golf in the Asian market, it’s going to be ignited for the next 25 years, I truly believe that,” Norman said. “So, to be able to bring it here and showcase 48 of the best players in the world and the team format, I know Hong Kong is going to embrace it like Australia embraced it back in 2023.”

Speaking to Alex Jenkins, Hong Kong Golf Club’s director of communications, in a video posted to the club’s YouTube channel, Norman also talks about the “endless possibilities” when it comes to engaging the Greater Bay Area and its population of 86 million people.

“When you think about other places around the world with that type of population, you’ve got to really stretch your mind to even come anywhere close to it,” Norman said. “Maybe Bedminster in the New York/New Jersey area, it doesn’t have 90 million people, so very excited about that.

“So, from a marketing standpoint, and the opportunities for Hong Kong Golf Club and the Hong Kong government to be able to capitalise on that for the GBA area, when you think about it, endless possibilities.”

Norman also emphasised the importance of the event, which takes place from March 8 to 10, in terms of Hong Kong’s desire to grow its relationship with Saudi Arabia.

“I know what we did for another country last year [Australia], our economic impact value was nine figures,” he said. “So, when you think about that quality of product that we can deliver to a city or a region, or to a state, it speaks volumes.

“I know my home country and Saudi Arabia work extremely well together, so when I see those opportunities go beyond … I’m proud of the fact Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia have a great relationship. It’s no different to Saudi Arabia and all the other countries around the world that they do business with.”