Golf’s Back in the Olympic Games!
Golf is back on the program for both the 2016 and 2020 Olympic Games! The IOC gave the offical “thumbs up” after hearing a pitch that included a videotaped message from Tiger Woods.
The last time a golfer got a gold metal was in 1904, when George Lyon of Canada won the individual competition and a group from the US won the team event.
This time around they’re plannin’ a 72-hole stroke-play tournament for 60 men and 60 women, with the top 15 world players automatically qualifying. So far about 30 countries are looking to compete in 2016, but there’s still plenty of time between now and then so don’t be surprised if that changes.
Meanwhile, just about everyone seems to be glad to see the gentleman’s game back on the list! But some object to allowing Tour pros to compete: “The Olympics [should] be a career high,” says this blogger – not just another notch for the millionaires most of us watch each Sunday. I see his point, but could anyone really look forward to a bunch of no-names battling for the occasional birdie? Big names like Tiger mean bigger TV ratings – and hopefully more new fans & golfers around the globe!
All this Caveman can say is stay tuned, Rock Heads! It’s a long road to Rio ’16 and I’ll be keepin’ you covered on all things Olympic.
-Scratch
See what my Rock Heads had to say back in August and find out why I wanted to keep golf OUT of the Olympics!
