European Tour Postpones Hong Kong Open

WITH political protests continuing, the European Tour has taken the decision to postpone next week’s Hong Kong Open, scheduled for the Hong Kong Golf Club, Fanling from November 28 to December 1. An attempt will be made to reschedule the tournament next year.

It was becoming increasingly clear that the safety of the players could not be guaranteed as violent protests against the government continue. Keith Pelley, Chief Executive of the European Tour, said: “The decision has been taken due to the ongoing level of social unrest in Hong Kong. As the safety of our players, staff, stakeholders and everyone involved in each and every one of our tournaments around the world is our top priority, we feel this is the correct, but unfortunate, course of action.

“The European Tour thanks everyone at the Hong Kong Golf Association, the Hong Kong Golf Club and all persons associated with the Hong Kong Open for their hard work in endeavouring to stage the tournament and we look forward to hopefully returning early next year.”

(Francesco Molinari was due to headline the Hong Kong Open. Image Credit: Kevin Diss)

Cho Minn Thant, Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the Asian Tour said: “It is regrettable that the Hong Kong Open has to be postponed due to the ongoing unrest in the city.

“The unpredictability of the current situation in Hong Kong makes it very challenging to sanction the tournament especially with the safety of everyone of utmost importance. However, we are optimistic that once the situation in Hong Kong stabilises, we will be in a better position to sanction the 61st edition of the Hong Kong Open in the very near future.”

It is a crying shame as this is one of the most popular stops on tour and it is to be hoped that the situation will settle down and the tournament will be restaged.

Meanwhile, the current European Tour season concludes at the DP World Tour Championship. Preview & Picks!