The Top 10 Hong Kong Opens

8

Kingston’s Collapse, 2005

The first Hong Kong Open in the UBS sponsorship era started as it had finished with Omega the year before - with a another final-hole collapse by James Kingston.

A 64 on Saturday had propelled the likeable South African into contention, and when overnight leader Simon Yates - who had a brilliant 61 in the third round - stumbled early, Kingston found himself in sole possession of the lead. Standing on the final tee with a one-stroke advantage over the newly installed European number one Colin Montgomerie, Kingston was determined not to repeat his mistake from the year before where he hit his ball left with a three-wood. He didn't. Taking a two-iron, the journeyman pushed his tee shot deep into the trees on the right. A chip back to the fairway was followed by an under-cooked wedge which spun off the front of the green. With the spectators expecting him to get up and down from a relatively straightforward position (and therefore extend the tournament into extra holes), Kingston semi-duffed his chip to 10 feet and then missed the putt. A huge groan reverberated around Fanling and Monty was crowned the winner.

A teary-eyed Kingston told the assembled press: "I just messed up again for the second straight year. It's obviously disappointing with the way I finished but that's golf. I was just so nervous."

7

Norman Makes His Mark, 1979

Thirty-four years ago a young Australian pitched up at Fanling and wowed the galleries with his untamed blonde hair, good looks and aggressive golf game. Greg Norman had only turned pro two years previously but played like a seasoned veteran in winning the 1979 title. He would later add the 1983 Hong Kong Open to his impressive list of achievements. Despite only winning two majors - the 1986 and 1993 Open Championships - the "Shark" is considered a legend in his home country, inspiring tens of thousands of children - including this year’s Masters winner Adam Scott - to start playing the game.