Iain Valentine

What has been the most enjoyable part of your tenure?

I have loved running tournaments. We have built up a very good tournament team, which includes our very experienced and dedicated rules officials as well as the HKGA staff – Dolla (Chui) and Calyx (Lai) – who are responsible for a lot of the coordination that’s involved. We have a reputation in Asia and around the world for hosting “proper” tournaments and that’s something I’m very proud of.

The Hong Kong Open has grown considerably in stature over the past 11 years. What do you put that down to?

The relationship between the European and Asian Tours has become stronger, which has a lot to do with the personnel involved. The Hong Kong Open was one of the first co-sanctioned events in the region and the HKGA’s involvement today is much more than it ever was through the number of volunteers and referees we supply. We have a great venue in the Hong Kong Golf Club and the Composite Course keeps on improving every year. The tournament itself fits into a very nice niche on the calendar – November and December is a wonderful time to play golf. The whole product has improved beyond anyone’s belief.

You’ve developed quite the friendship with three-time Hong Kong Open winner Miguel Ángel Jiménez. How did that come about?

Yes, we’ve become great mates. I got to know him the first year I was involved at the Hong Kong Open. We just got chatting on the verandah when all these children came up to him hoping for an autograph. Miguel sent his caddie off to his bag for some balls and he spent the next few minutes signing golf balls until he had none left for the tournament. ‘Don’t worry about it,’ he told his caddie, ‘I’m sure we’ll find some from somewhere.’ That was the start of what has become a very long relationship and we enjoy each other’s company. He’s a naturally very friendly guy and a fabulous player. He loves coming here.

How do you see the future of Hong Kong golf?

Very positively. While it has been disappointing to see some of the driving ranges closer to the centre of town close in recent times because of leasing issues, I think the development of the golf academy at Kau Sai Chau is going to be a tremendous asset. It’s going to help people develop a career in golf, not just as a professional golfer but through other areas like green keeping and pro shop management. It’s also going to become a fabulous training base for Hong Kong golf. The Jockey Club wants it to be world class and I’m sure it will be.

And what about your own future?

Now that I’ve reached this grand old age I look forward to playing some golf!