Violence Breaks Out At Golf Course Protest

Many people in the world are passionate about their golf game, but a golfer in Fanling, Hong Kong, took it to another level on Friday. 

According to the South China Morning Post, a government report said that repurposing the golf course in Fanling, which is leased to the Hong Kong Golf Club, could open up space for over 13,000 homes in the densely populated region. The Hong Kong area has a massive housing shortage and a group went to the gates to protest the existence of the course. 

 

One golfer, who is named Tong, grabbed one of the protestors by the throat and slammed him to the ground. The victim, a protestor named Osacr Lo, had marks on his neck after the scuffle. Tong, 57, was arrested according to reports. 


Golf course expansion is an issue in China, according to the Morning Post, as land has become scarce in urban areas. Golf course construction was banned in the country in 2004, but there are ample courses and resorts to operate for wealthy Chinese and tourists.  China has closed over 100 courses in recent years to help conserve land and water. Fanling is also under the control of Hong Kong, which has a greater degree of autonomy than other regions of China.   

 

The protest and incident happened before a news conference to announce the formation of the Hong Kong Alliance for Golfers, which will lobby for the sport in the region. 


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