Jockey Club and Hong Kong Golf Club join forces to promote local golf development and support international sporting events in Hong Kong

Two sporting organisations with deep historic roots in the city, The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) and the Hong Kong Golf Club (HKGC), today announced a collaboration to launch the "Jockey Club Community Golf Programme" (the Programme), an initiative designed to support the development of golf in Hong Kong and enrich international sporting events hosted by the city. Additionally, the HKJC announced that as the HKGC's community partner, it will fully support the international tournaments to be staged at the Fanling golf course over the next two years, including a series of community engagement activities during the "HSBC LIV Golf Hong Kong" (LIV Golf) in 2026.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) and the Hong Kong Golf Club (HKGC), today announced a collaboration to launch the "Jockey Club Community Golf Programme" (the Programme), an initiative designed to support the development of golf in Hong Kong and enrich international sporting events hosted by the city. Photo by Bastille Post

For the M-Mark recognised world-class LIV Golf tournament, taking place in Fanling from 5-8 March, the partnership will aim to strengthen Hong Kong's mega-event economy, elevate its international profile, and advance its sporting development. It will also seek to strengthen school and community participation, nurture young local talent, and elevate local golf standards.

The partnership will aim to strengthen Hong Kong's mega-event economy, elevate its international profile, and advance its sporting development. It will also seek to strengthen school and community participation, nurture young local talent, and elevate local golf standards. Photo by Bastille Post

A launch ceremony for the collaboration was held today (February 11), attended by Raymond Tam, Executive Director, Corporate Affairs of The Hong Kong Jockey Club; Andy Kwok, Hong Kong Golf Club Captain; and other guests.

Mr. Raymond Tam, Executive Director, Corporate Affairs of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, Photo by Bastille Post

With the Chinese New Year approaching, Raymond Tam highlighted that the HKJC would launch a series of Year of the Horse activities, bringing a variety of exciting events to local citizens and visitors. They will start with HKJC's participation in the International Chinese New Year Night Parade, exclusive sponsoring the "Prosperity Gallops Across Hong Kong" Year of the Horse Fireworks Display, and staging of the Year of the Horse Raceday. Following the Lantern Festival is the LIV Golf. He said that HKJC hopes this partnership with HKGC will demonstrate Hong Kong's ability to host major high-caliber events and strengthen its position in the international sports arena.

Mr. Andy Kwok, Hong Kong Golf Club Captain, Photo by Bastille Post

Andy Kwok remarked: "We are excited to collaborate with The Hong Kong Jockey Club and draw on our vast experience of premier international golf events, world-class sports facilities and public engagement in order to spread the joy of golf to a wider audience. The HKJC's extensive community network will also be invaluable in growing the sport's popularity. The HKGC and the HKJC already share a long history, and we believe this joint initiative to promote golf will further strengthen our relationship and inject new momentum into the sport's development in Hong Kong."

To enhance community participation, support youth training and facilitate collaboration for major events, The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust has granted HK$32 million to The Hong Kong Golf Club Charitable Foundation Limited to set up the "Jockey Club Community Golf Programme". Over the next two years, the Programme will support HKGC in breadth and depth to roll out a series of community engagement activities, including in-depth participation in community projects and fan village activities during major tournaments.

The Programme is expected to benefit over 25,000 schoolchildren, teenagers and members of underprivileged communities each year. Photo by Bastille Post

The Programme will feature initiatives such as school-based activities, professional coaching for children and youth from underprivileged backgrounds, and disabled individuals, and invite members of underprivileged communities to attend world-class golf tournaments free of charge. The Programme is expected to benefit over 25,000 schoolchildren, teenagers and members of underprivileged communities each year.

In addition to the Programme, the HKJC will also host a booth in the fan village at Fanling Golf Course during the tournament featuring interactive games. This will highlight cross-sport collaboration and give attendees the opportunity to learn about sports beyond golf. Members of the CARE@hkjc Volunteer Team will also create balloon figures in the fan village to bring joy to spectators.

The collaboration will promote local golf development and support international sporting events in Hong Kong. Photo by Bastille Post

While international golfers are in Hong Kong, arrangements will be made for them to experience local cultural and culinary highlights, including Happy Wednesday races at Happy Valley Racecourse, which will both promote horse racing tourism and showcase the diverse attractions of Hong Kong to a global audience.

Through these activities and engagement opportunities, local citizens will gain more chances to connect with golf, while top golfers and visitors from around the world will experience Hong Kong's unique character as well as its ability to host high-calibre major events. This will help strengthen the Hong Kong brand and share the city's good stories.

Photo by Bastille Post

About the "Jockey Club Community Golf Programme"
To enhance community participation, support youth training and facilitate collaboration for major events, The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust has granted HK$32 million to The Hong Kong Golf Club Charitable Foundation Limited to set up the "Jockey Club Community Golf Programme". Over the next two years, the Programme will support HKGC in breadth and depth to roll out a series of community engagement activities, including in-depth participation in community projects and fan village activities during the major tournaments.

The two-year programme (2026 & 2027) aims to enhance community participation and awareness of golf, and promote the high-quality, long-term development of golf in Hong Kong.

The Programme will offer a series of activities, including school-based events, experiential courses and inter-school competitions, and provide complimentary tickets to underprivileged communities. These activities will allow students and underprivileged individuals to engage with golf, thereby strengthening public awareness of the sport.

In the lead-up to both golf tournaments, professional golfers will visit primary and secondary schools to engage with students. The aim is to cultivate interest in golf among young people and provide them with the opportunity to interact closely with top golf players. Additionally, arrangements will be made for elite international golfers to mentor young players with different abilities, fostering a spirit of inclusivity.

The Programme is expected to benefit over 25,000 schoolchildren, teenagers and members of underprivileged communities each year.

About the Hong Kong Golf Club
Hong Kong Golf Club is one of Asia's most historic and prestigious golf clubs and has been at the forefront of golf development in the region ever since its foundation in 1889. Home to three championship courses at its Fanling venue, championship golf is at its heart. In addition to hosting HSBC LIV Golf Hong Kong since 2024, it established the Hong Kong Open, an International Series tournament and the city's first professional sporting event, in 1959 and has staged every edition since. The Club is ranked #48 on the Platinum Clubs of the World's list of the Top 150 Golf and Country Clubs for 2026-2027.

Over the years, The Hong Kong Jockey Club has consistently supported the advancement of the country’s sports development and the promotion of inclusivity in sports, encouraging people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to lead active and healthy lifestyles. In the last ten years alone, the Club’s Charities Trust has provided nearly HK$6.7 billion to support sports development at both elite and community levels.

The Hon Rosanna Law, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism (3rd left); Lin Nan, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Publicity, Cultural and Sports Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR (2nd right); The Hon Martin Liao, Club Chairman (3rd right); Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, Club Chief Executive Officer (2nd left); The Hon Kenneth Fok, Member of the Legislative Council (1st right), and George Tsoi, Commissioner for Sports (1st left) officiate at The Hong Kong Jockey Club Community Day.

Today, the Club stated that it will continue its efforts to advance sports development in Hong Kong. By bringing major sports events into the community and progressing towards professional and industry development, the Club aims to support the HKSAR Government’s efforts to promote sports in the community, support elite sports, maintain Hong Kong’s status as a centre for major international sports events, enhance professionalism and develop sports as an industry.

This year’s The Hong Kong Jockey Club Community Day was held at Sha Tin Racecourse, attracting over 200 charity and community representatives. The ceremony was officiated by The Hon Rosanna Law, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism of the HKSAR Government; Lin Nan, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Publicity, Cultural and Sports Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR; The Hon Martin Liao, Club Chairman; Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, Club Chief Executive Officer; The Hon Kenneth Fok, Member of the Legislative Council of the HKSAR; and George Tsoi, Commissioner for Sports of the HKSAR Government.

Club Chairman The Hon Martin Liao said this year’s Community Day, featuring sports as its theme, aimed to showcase the Club’s contribution and strong commitment to sports development in Hong Kong.

Club Chairman The Hon Martin Liao highlighted that horse racing is a symbol of the city’s prosperity and stability under One Country, Two Systems, and remains a highly popular sport, embodying Hong Kong’s “can-do” spirit. This year’s Community Day features sports as its theme, showcasing the Club’s contribution and strong commitment to sports development in Hong Kong. Through its unique integrated business model, the Club delivers world-class horse racing and responsible wagering, supports the HKSAR Government in combatting illegal gambling, and generates economic and social value for Hong Kong through tax contributions, charity donations and employment opportunities for the betterment of society. In the last financial year, the Club contributed a total of HK$39.1 billion to society, including HK$9.0 billion in approved charity donations. The Club is Hong Kong’s largest single taxpayer, with its Charities Trust among the biggest donors worldwide and the largest in Asia.

The Hon Rosanna Law, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, noted that the Club has long been one of the Government’s most valued partners in the promotion of sports.

The Hon Rosanna Law, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, emphasised the Government’s continued commitment to investing in and promoting sports development in Hong Kong. She noted that the Club has long been one of the Government’s most valued partners in the promotion of sports, from supporting the construction of the Hong Kong Sports Institute (formerly the Jubilee Sports Centre) in the late 1970s to its support for the 15th National Games, the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the 9th National Special Olympic Games, as well as various “M” Mark events including the Hong Kong Sevens, which concludes today at Kai Tak Sports Park.

Officiating guests, Club Stewards and members of the Club’s Board of Management toast the success of The Hong Kong Jockey Club Community Day.

Going forward, the Club will continue to work alongside stakeholders to contribute to Hong Kong’s sports development blueprint. Leveraging major sports events as a platform, the Club will bring sports culture deeper into the community through continued support for multiple “M” Mark events as an Official Community Partner, enabling broader participation, including among underprivileged groups, to experience the appeal of sports and promote social inclusion. In parallel, new initiatives will continue to be introduced, such as this week’s “Racing with Rugby”, to further enhance the economic impact, international profile and benefits of sports development generated by major events in Hong Kong.

The Hon Rosanna Law, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism (centre), together with The Hon Martin Liao, Club Chairman (left) and Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, Club Chief Executive Officer (right) in a group photo.

The Club will also actively foster a vibrant culture of community sports by developing iconic sports such as equestrian, football, basketball, golf and rugby, broadening the public’s exposure while deepening interest and sports literacy. These diverse activities and support programmes will help enhance youth resilience, improve physical and mental health, and strengthen social cohesion, thereby fostering positive values.

The Hon Rosanna Law, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism (right), presents The Hong Kong Jockey Club Community Trophy to Alan Hu (left), owner of the winning horse Absolute Honour. The historic 170-year-old trophy was generously donated by the late Tobias Brown in recognition of the Club’s charitable contributions to the community.

To further strengthen the sports ecosystem and promote sustainable development, the Club will continue to enhance talent development, strengthen corporate governance and improve management capacity across sports organisations. These efforts will generate greater social impact, raise professional standards across the sector, and support the development of both elite and community sports. Through these initiatives, the Club aims to work closely with the HKSAR Government and partners across society to inject new momentum in local sports development and reinforce Hong Kong’s position as a world-class destination for sports, entertainment and tourism.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club Community Trophy presentation ceremony.

Sports development remains one of the Club’s key focus areas. The Club has long supported a wide range of sports initiatives to promote a healthier and more vibrant society. These include:

• The Trust-initiated and funded JC Fit City, which encourages citizens to incorporate sports and exercise into their daily lives to achieve the World Health Organization’s recommended weekly level of physical activity;

• JC Project MuSE, a school-based music (Mu) and sports (S) education (E) programme for primary school children in the most impoverished areas of Hong Kong;

• The Jockey Club HKFA Football Development Programme, which empowers people of all ages and abilities - including students, parents, coaches and seniors - to experience the joy of football;

• The Jockey Club Youth Football Academy Summit, which provides a platform for young footballers from different areas to learn, exchange views, and understand cultural differences.

Club Chairman The Hon Martin Liao (centre), together with JC Fit City participant Yui (right) and JC Fit City project partner representative Lily Tse (left) pose for a photo. Yui shared that the JC Fit City project helped him break the “sport-zero” habit and significantly improve his health.

The Club initiated the annual Community Day race meeting in 2005 as a way of honouring its successful partnerships with Government and community organisations for the betterment of society. This initiative followed the generous donation of a silver racing trophy, over 170 years old, by the late Tobias Brown, in recognition of the Club’s charitable contributions to the community. It has since been renamed The Hong Kong Jockey Club Community Trophy. It was won this year by Absolute Honour, ridden by Zac Purton. The Hon Rosanna Law, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, presented the trophy to winning owner Alan Hu.