LIV Golf CEO Scott O'Neil intent on impact, growing sport in Asia

LIV Golf CEO Scott O'Neil touched on various topics during Tuesday's press conference ahead of the HSBC LIV Golf Hong Kong 2026 -- most notably teasing another announcement later in the week.

When asked about the specific venue of the Korea tournament in late May, O'Neil was coy with his answer.

"That will be announced on Friday, so I don't want to spoil the news, but we're locked in, and we'll make the announcement on Friday," he said. "Or I can whisper it to you in the back there but just not in front of everyone."

O'Neil also spoke on what he views as the impact on the local golf community and the broader sport's growth in Asia.

"I would just say that what we're looking for when we come to Hong Kong is what we've had our last two years here, and that is passionate fans, new fans in terms of our opportunity to grow the game," he said. "Families, putting clubs in more kids' hands, getting a chance for Bryson DeChambeau and Joaquin Niemann and Tyrrell Hatton, some of the biggest stars in golf, to be able to come and hopefully make an impact and hopefully -- when you think about when you were a kid and you think about that moment, that moment you fell in love with sports, that moment you fell in love with an athlete or a team, we hope some of those sparks and some of those moments happen today.

"You'll see them on the first tee. I just encourage you, as many of you can get to the first tee any of the four days, go. Go and see it. They're usually lined with children, and you just see these icons and stars of the game walk up to these kids and you just see the look in these kids' eyes, and you know, OK, for that one, we made a difference. We're here to grow the game and grow fans. I think there's a wonderful opportunity, and I hope we do that over the next four days."

O'Neil also addressed the future of next year's tournament in Hong Kong, noting that it will be contested from Feb. 18-21, 2027.

"Hong Kong is a cornerstone of our international calendar and an important gateway for golf's continued growth in Asia. As the world's golf league, LIV Golf is committed to investing in dynamic markets like Hong Kong where sport, entertainment and culture are celebrated and recognized on a global scale," O'Neil said.

--Field Level Media