Fanling Golf Site Decision Logical: Stanley Wong

The chairman of the task force on land supply, Stanley Wong, said on Thursday that it is reasonable that the government is not taking back the whole 172-hectare Fanling Golf Course as it also has to consider sports development in Hong Kong.

The government plans to retrieve just 32 hectares of the land for housing development – after adopting the suggestion put forward by the task force.

But when it comes to the remaining 140 hectares of land run by the Hong Kong Golf Club, officials have planned to renew the lease, which is due to expire next year, to June 2027. The task force had recommended reclaiming this land at some point in the future.

Speaking on a RTHK radio programme on Thursday, Development Secretary Michael Wong said the decision to take back just part of the site was clear and definite.

He said that although it would be a shame if international golf tournaments no longer come to Hong Kong, there is a cost involved in every decision.

Meanwhile, the Hong Kong Alliance of Golfers submitted a petition to Wong on Thursday, slamming the government's decision.

They criticised the government for failing to consult global tournament organisers, such as the European Tour, before pushing ahead with the golf course plan.

Kenneth Lau, spokesman for the group, said it would be a long shot for Hong Kong to find another site like the 172-hectare Fanling golf course.

"Absolutely this is the best golf course in Asia. It has more than 100 years of history ... this is a very unique golf course. It is not replaceable," he said.