HONG KONG, China - Its sprawling greens and woodland have made Hong Kong's historic Fanling golf course a favorite with homegrown and international stars, but it is now under threat after being listed for potential housing development. As the government seeks solutions for the space-starved city's lack of decent homes, the club argues that sacrificing a world-class sports venue is a short-sighted move. But grass roots campaigners say the prime spot in the north of Hong Kong should not remain a playground for the wealthy elite. Located near the border with mainland China, the colonial-era course is part of the Hong Kong Golf Club and has hosted the Hong Kong Open, a mainstay of the European and Asian Tours, every year since 1959. Leading players including former world number one Rory McIlroy, Miguel Ángel Jiménez and Hong Kong golfing star Tiffany Chan have spoken out against bulldozing the site, which is one of 18 options earmarked by the government for affordable housing as … [Read more...] about News Hong Kong golf course row exposes city’s social divide
18 holes on a golf course
Hong Kong golf course row exposes city’s social divide
HONG KONG: Its sprawling greens and woodland have made Hong Kong's historic Fanling golf course a favourite with homegrown and international stars, but it is now under threat after being listed for potential housing development. As the government seeks solutions for the space-starved city's lack of decent homes, the club argues that sacrificing a world-class sports venue is a short-sighted move. But grass roots campaigners say the prime spot in the north of Hong Kong should not remain a playground for the wealthy elite. Located near the border with mainland China, the colonial-era course is part of the Hong Kong Golf Club and has hosted the Hong Kong Open, a mainstay of the European and Asian Tours, every year since 1959. Leading players including former world number one Rory McIlroy, Miguel Ángel Jiménez and Hong Kong golfing star Tiffany Chan have spoken out against bulldozing the site, which is one of 18 options earmarked by the government for affordable housing as it … [Read more...] about Hong Kong golf course row exposes city’s social divide
9-hole golf course designer calls it ‘one of a kind’
The Clubhouse on the Hill restaurant in Freeport is open and, depending on weather, golfers will be playing an adjacent course by late summer or early fall, owners Mike and Virginia Graff say. The plan is for The Clubhouse to use some holes and golf cart paths that were part of the previous Phoenix at Buffalo Valley course in order to create a nine-hole, PGA regulation-length course. In order to play nine holes, golfers will complete two loops, with each hole featuring different tees, yardages and pins the second time around, according to retired golf pro and course designer Gary Nese. “Or, if they only want to play five (holes), they can do that,” Nese said. The course will have a mix of par 3, 4 and 5 holes. The Graffs, of Fawn, bought 60 acres of the former 18-hole Phoenix at Buffalo Valley course from the Nese family of Monroeville, and own about 100 acres in all in the area. The couple, who own Graff Trucking of Fawn, paid $250,000 on Nov. 8 to buy the 60 acres from … [Read more...] about 9-hole golf course designer calls it ‘one of a kind’
Atthaya eyes on a top 10 finish in LPGA Singapore
The 15-year-old Thai scored a three day overall of seven under-par-209 to take the tied 12th along with former world No 1 Lydia Ko of New Zealand, Lee Jeong Eun and Chella Choi of South Korea and American Lizette Salas. “I had a pretty good start. A lot of times I made bogey but I can make par and it's really good, and my driving isn't good but other things are good and I'm happy with my results.,” said the 2017 Ladies European Thailand winner. “Tomorrow, I will just go with the same plans and keep going and keep smiling on the golf course and feel happy with everything that will happen,” added Atthaya who aimed to finish the top 10 for the first time on an LPGA event. Moriya Jutanugarn and her sister Ariya followed a stroke behind, each with a total 210. Teen sensation Nelly Korda powered her way into the lead with a third-round seven-under par 65 which left the American poised to claim her first LPGA Tour title and a unique hat-trick of sporting … [Read more...] about Atthaya eyes on a top 10 finish in LPGA Singapore
U.S. Open changes from 18-hole playoff to two-hole aggregate playoff
By Doug Ferguson The Associated Press Tues., Feb. 27, 2018 PALM BEACH GARDENS, FLA.—The U.S. Open is changing to a two-hole aggregate playoff, the last of the four majors to do away with an 18-hole playoff. The change takes effect immediately and would be used at Shinnecock Hills on Long Island in June if there is a tie after 72 holes. The U.S. Golf Association also decided to make its other three open championships two-hole playoffs — the U.S. Women’s Open, U.S. Senior Open and U.S. Senior Women’s Open. The U.S Open has had 33 playoffs in its 117 years, all decided by 18 holes or more. “There was a time when they did make sense before television, before the modern era of wanting everything decided immediately,” said Mike Davis, chief executive of the USGA. “There is no correct way to determine a tie in stroke play.” The last U.S. Open playoff was 10 years ago at Torrey Pines, where Tiger Woods beat Rocco Mediate in 19 … [Read more...] about U.S. Open changes from 18-hole playoff to two-hole aggregate playoff