Dec 2010 - From the President

The UBS Hong Kong Open once again lived up to its billing as one of the best tournaments on the European and Asian Tour calendars with yet another close and exciting finish at Fanling.

Played in truly glorious weather, the Open featured a multitude of star names – including the likes of Rory McIlroy, US Open Champion Graeme McDowell and John Daly – but it was
England's Ian Poulter who emerged victorious thanks to his wonderful play over 72 holes.
With the Hong Kong Golf Club's Composite Course in arguably the best shape it has even been, Poulter posted a record four-round total of 258 (22-under-par) to win by a shot from compatriot Simon Dyson and the brilliant young Italian Matteo Manassero. The large galleries that witnessed this, the 52nd edition of the tournament, which is Hong Kong's longest-running professional sports event, have never seen so many birdies and eagles. I know I haven't. It was, as ever, a fantastic four days of world-class golf.
A special mention, too, to Shinichi Mizuno, the young amateur golfer who participated. Shinichi made it through
the qualifying tournament a month before the UBS Hong Kong Open and did himself and the Hong Kong Golf Association proud. With rounds of 73 and 70 he narrowly missed out on making the cut but the 17-year-old, a product of the HKGA's junior development programme, finished as the best-placed Hong Kong player. I know he relished the opportunity and I look forward to seeing him – and many other young Hong Kong golfers – playing in the event in the future. As most of you will be aware, Shinichi's peers – Jason Hak, Steven Lam, Liu Lok-tin and Mickey Chan – were competing for the Hong Kong men's team at the Asian Games in Guangzhou. A full report of how they and the ladies' team fared can be found later in this section.
Finally, I would like to express my gratefulness to all the volunteers – the vast majority of who are HKGA subscribers – and spectators who gave the players such a magnificent welcome. The tournament is well known throughout professional golf for providing a wonderful atmosphere and this was definitely the case again this time. Thank you.
—Ning Li President HKGA