Golf in the Olympics

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With the announcement of the 2116 Olympics to include golf for the first time since 1904, implications for Golf on the World-wide stage are staggering! Countries such as China and Korea, two countries who have made huge strides in the game could dominate the sport by the early 2020’s. China is likely to include golf in their All-China Sports Federation, which helped them to dominate the Olympics in many sports since the mid 70’s.

I sat next to Kerry Haigh, Managing Director of Tournaments and Marketing for the PGA of America at the recent PGA Annual meeting. He had some interesting insights as he has served on the exploratory Olympic Golf Committee since its inception.

1) The format will be 72 holes stroke play. They had considered a hybrid Match Play, stroke play event but could not reach a consensus.

2) There will be a Gold, Silver and Bronze winner. They have not decided if or how they will conduct play-offs should there be a tie.

3) Steve Smyers is already building a course outside of Brazil, complete with areas for spectators. Other architects/groups are looking into the area, but time could take way too long to get permits, etc…

4) A major concern is how many spectators will attend? Would you rather watch swimming or Gymnastics in an air conditioned building or schlep to Golf Course where the heat and humidity could be unbearable! And how about the rainy season?!!!!

As the time approaches this writer will do his best to find out what is involved in making the Olympic Comeback of Golf a very interesting phenomena.