Chief Executive John Lee said the government is determined to push ahead with a plan to take back part of the Fanling golf course when its lease expires in September, despite concerns that the move will undermine the city’s ability to host international golfing events.

International golf-event organisers had earlier warned that the plan to build public housing on part of the course could mean the city will lose out on major tournaments in future.

But speaking to reporters ahead of the weekly Executive Council meeting on Tuesday, Lee said his administration will take back 32 hectares of the site “no matter what”.

He stressed even after resuming the plot, there will still be two world-class 18-hole and one 10-hole courses available.

"We have assessed that there are sufficient facilities to meet international tournaments' needs… so these tournaments will not be affected," he said, noting that parts of the site that will be taken back can be used for parking and reception purposes if necessary.

He stressed authorities are handling the development plan according to statutory procedures, adding that the previous term of government had already taken society’s views into account when considering whether to use the site for housing.