Game on: Hong Kong Golf Club

To further popularize the club, the HKGC has launched initiatives to "attract a younger audience and develop their stronger interest in the game." The club works with the National Sporting Authority, providing a venue for free training for their members, some of whom are below the age of 10. Last May, the HKGC hosted the first Hong Kong Inter-Secondary School Golf Championship.

Supported by the Hong Kong Sports Schools Federation and the HKGA, the inaugural event included teams from 20 local and international schools throughout the city. Via the Inspiring HK Sports Foundation, which supports underprivileged youth in Hong Kong, a group of 25 students also enjoy weekly professional instruction by HKGC coaches at the club's Fanling facilities.

Doo believes the city should take pride in the HKGC's wider contribution to the city. "We think there's a need in the city for sports development," he says. "We need facilities for local development that perpetuate the international image of the city. We are the only club that could host the Hong Kong Open, a European tour size event. Where else can you hold 50,000 spectators?"

In short, Hong Kong lacks golfing facilities and driving ranges. Once numerous, they have been shut down to make way for more housing. Singapore has done quite the opposite. "They have a population of less than six million, yet they have 40 golf courses," says Doo. "Yet Hong Kong, with a population of more than seven million, has only six or seven courses. So, if you want to compete with other cities in Asia, you can't take away our courses. It leaves Hong Kong with no international capacity at all. How can we be Asia's world city if that is the case?"