Golf in the Olympics?
Golf hasn’t been a part of the Olympic games since 1904, but the idea is being discussed again…and it has some strong support. PGA Tour Commissioner, Tim Finchem has spoken out in favor of the move. So have Masters Tournament Chairman, Bill Payne and 2007’s #2-ranked golfer, Phil Mickelson.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) will vote in 2009 about whether to add the sport to the 2016 games. Adding golf to the summer Olympic games was lasted rejected by the IOC in 2005.
Said Mickelson to the Associated Press, “Having golf become an Olympic sport is a very important thing for the game of golf, and I would definitely play if given the opportunity to represent my country.” We hope Phil gets the chance.
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[...] Sandy Mitchell wrote an interesting post today on Golf in the Olympics?Here’s a quick excerptGolf hasn’t been a part of the Olympic games since 1904, but the idea is being discussed again…and it has some strong support. PGA Tour Commissioner, Tim Finchem has spoken out in favor of the move. So have Masters Tournament Chairman, … [...]
Ed Sherman at Chicago Sports believes that golf need not necessarily be a part of the Olympics because it will not be the ultimate victory for the player who would still value their majors much more than anything else. While that is true it is still very very important to get Golf to the Olympics, expose it to a wider audience and get players to get those competitive juices flowing for the country. When we talk about golf in the Olympics, it acts as a tool to spread the reach of the game. It may not do anything in terms of reinvigorating interest in the sport in traditional bases like the U.S. but it definitely will serve the purpose of expanding the game in place like China, India, Thailand, etc where the game is picking up pretty quickly and measures have to be taken to ensure that the trend continues.
Having said that, it is important to ensure that the big names in the game evince interest in participating in the Olympics. The Asian Games has golf as one of it’s sports but not one big professional is there competing. It is only the young and hopeful who use the games as a platform to grow which really does not serve any real purpose when we are looking to expand the game to new parts of the world. You need the legends to be there, draped in their national flag, playing for the gold, hoping to hear their National Anthem when they stand on the podium.
Thanks for your thoughtful comment, Andy.
I’d like to see golf become what basketball is to the Olympics. However, there’s that seasonal problem. Will that many top players want to take off in the middle of the PGA Tour season?
Still, a fascinating idea.
[...] has stiff competition. Among the other sports seeking inclusion in the Olympics are golf, karate, rugby, squash, and roller sports. Tags: Golf, karate, Rugby, SoftballShare This Related [...]