Hong Kong Heritage

The 2014 Hong Kong Open, which saw Scott Hend overcome Angelo Que in a sudden-death play-off, provided tremendous drama. But as Alex Jenkins explains, Hong Kong’s oldest professional sporting event has a habit of producing more than its fair share of memorable moments

The "Great White Shark"

1979

Thirty-five 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 2013 Masters winner Adam Scott - to start playing the game.

1994

American journeyman pro Craig McClellan stood in the middle of the 18th fairway of the final round needing an eagle two to force a play-off with South African stalwart David Frost. Incredibly, McClellan did exactly that by holing his seven-iron from 160 yards away, but succumbed to the pressure in extra time as Frost walked away with the title. Nevertheless, McClellan’s shot ranks alongside that of Lin Wen-tang’s [see 2008] as the finest (or luckiest) in the history of the event.

South Africa's David Frost

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