Golf is still elitist in China and Hong Kong, but young star says it ‘became a sport’ in Brazil after the Rio Olympics
In town for the Hong Kong Ladies Open, Luiza Altmann hopes to make her mark in a country that had to build a course specifically for its Games
Golf in Brazil “became a sport all of sudden” after the 2016 Rio Olympics and young gun Luiza Altmann hopes to be at the forefront of capitalising on its change in fortunes, starting in Hong Kong this week.
Altmann, who is in confident mood ahead of the EFG Hong Kong Ladies Open, is only 20 and in her first season as a professional, but already she senses an opportunity to make her mark in a country that had to build a course specifically for the Games.
Golf has long been considered an elitist sport in China and Hong Kong, but Altmann says the Olympics have been a catalyst for change in Brazil.
“Golf just became a sport all of sudden, when before it was so elite,” she said. “Now everybody knows about it, everybody hears about it and roots for our Brazilian players.
“I feel like its growing and I hope to be the name that people look up to and try to grow the game through that.”