Opinion
Now It’s My Turn…Olympic Golf 2016
What hasn’t been said about the golf’s re-entry into the Olympic Games? So far, there’s been a mixture of excitement, confusion, anxiety, and controversy.
The venue itself has received the most criticism. While not known for its storied golf culture, Rio has been chosen as the location for golf’s re-emergence as a global sport. I was reading an article recently about the culture of golf in Rio, and to be honest, it’s almost non-existent. There may be a few municipal courses, but the others are well-tended private courses for the elite. Granted, soccer never received the interest in the US that it enjoys globally until the last few years, but golf is different. The experience of the spectator is altogether unique. We, as viewers, can enjoy watching a professional sport without really being a participant in that sport. To truly enjoy viewing golf, one would have to be an active participant. One would have to know the feelings associated with the perfect strike, the misjudged read of the green. I don’t know many people who will sit and watch a complete golf tournament on television — except golfers.
With golf’s return to the Olympics, there was a presumption that viewers would get the chance to watch the world’s best compete against or with one another, representing their home country. It’s just not going to happen that way this year. While composing this article, I was just made aware that Jordan Spieth has withdrawn. He was previously joined by McIlroy, Day, and Dustin Johnson. These athletes cite concerns over the Zika virus for their decision. We may hold our own personal views on their participation, but to be honest, I’d probably do the same.
In addition, there have been concerns raised regarding the overall security and safety of athletes and fans alike. Just recently, protests have been held demonstrating the lack of police presence and turmoil among the security forces provided.
Many have chosen to withdraw from contention based on the intensity of the current Tour schedule. It is true that the current schedule really provides for no real off-season if the athletes plays multiple venues.
In any case, I hope that golf returns with fervor to the 2020 Olympics. I’m sure that the athletes participating this year will provide viewers and fans with special moments and national pride. I’ll be watching, but I would like to have seen golf’s return to be more celebratory. I would like to have seen the world’s best compete. I’m not saying that those going aren’t amazing athletes (they are), but the dark cloud has already cast shadows on what could’ve been a glorious, long-awaited return.
Maybe I’m wrong — I hope so…
Hit ’em long and straight…
Cover Photo via Flickr
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