PGA Tour’s ‘relationship issues’ with China will not stop Hong Kong hosting golf event

Clearwater Bay Open in Hong Kong will go ahead in November, despite the China Series being conspicuous by its absence this year

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Australian Daniel Nisbet winning the inaugural Clearwater Bay Open in Hong Kong in 2016. Photo: PGA Tour

Published: 10:45am, 26 Sep 2017Updated: 11:45am, 26 Sep 2017

The PGA Tour may have “relationship issues” in mainland China, but the Clearwater Bay Open in Hong Kong will go ahead in November.

The Clearwater Bay Open was the first PGA Tour China Series event held outside mainland China last year, but the US organisation has failed to get the series up and running again this season.

PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan earlier this year blamed “relationship complexities” for the China Series being put on hold.

But Clearwater Bay Golf & Country Club officials have negotiated the return of its Open, held for the first time last year and earning rave reviews. The 72-hole tournament will be played from November 2-5.

Australian Daniel Nisbet beats American Alex Kang to win the 2016 Clearwater Bay Open in Hong Kong. Photo: PGA Tour

“We had such a terrific experience in Hong Kong last year, with everything about the Clearwater Bay Open a success,” said Greg Gilligan, managing director of PGA Tour China.

“This is a fabulous club with whom we want to partner for the long term. We look forward to once again playing at this spectacular golf course, not only this year but for years to come.”