Adam Scott Criticises Golf's Olympic Re-inclusion
Masters champion Adam Scott has spoken out about golf's re-inclusion in the Olympics, suggesting that the sport does not need to be incorporated and that any Olympic golf tournament would not represent the pinnacle of the sport – an important pre-requisite for Olympic inclusion.
The 34-year-old Australian rarely makes such high profile criticisms of the sport, a fact that some suggest has lent his viewpoint additional weight.
Golf has not appeared in the Olympics since 1904, but in 2009 the IOC decided to include it once again, along with rugby sevens.
Scott told the Reuters news agency: “Whether I win an Olympic medal or not is not going to define my career or change whether I've fulfilled my career. It's nothing I've ever aspired to do and I don't think I ever will. It's all about the four majors and that's the way it should stay for golf. To go and play an exhibition event down there to meet some athletes [in other sports] in the middle of the major season – I don't think any other athletes in their sport would do that.
“I don't believe a lot of sports belong there. It's got away from where it started. Most of the athletes at the Olympics probably have trained four years specifically to peak at this one event. It's the pinnacle of their sport, they get one crack at their big thing every four years. They have put their life on hold for this event and it's so important to them, and I feel it's their time. Golf doesn't need to be in the Olympics.”
Adam Scott (Wong/Bigstock.com)
Despite his criticisms, Scott did not rule out playing golf in the Olympics: “I'm not planning my schedule around playing the Olympics. I'm planning my schedule around playing majors the best I can. If I can fit going to the Olympics into that it might be a bit of fun. Lucky me.”
The four major tournaments of 2015 have been re-scheduled in order to accommodate golf at the Olympics, which will begin in August.
Unlike Scott, Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy have been more positive about golf's Olympic inclusion, expressing their desire to play in Brazil next year.
Enjoying Golf in Brazil
Thousands of UK golf fans will be heading to Brazil in 2016 to watch the likes of Woods, McIlroy - and maybe even Scott – aim for Olympic gold.
Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
Gaining in Popularity
While golf in Brazil is not as popular as in Europe or the USA, the sport is nevertheless seeing increased participation. Around 100 clubs are registered with The Brazilian Golf Federation, and a further 10 with the Rio de Janeiro Golf Federation.
If you're considering a golf trip to Brazil between now and the Olympics, you'll be pleased to know that the climate permits golf year-round – although Sao Paulo afternoons can be a little wet in rainy season.
Get Covered
Whether you're taking your own equipment or renting while you're out there, don't forget to take out golf cover before you go. Specialist golf travel insurance from starttravel.co.uk includes the following benefits:
- Cover up to a total amount of £1,000.
- Cover up to £1,000 for the value or repair for your own equipment if it is lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed.
- Cover if your hired equipment is lost, stolen, damaged or delayed in transit up to £300 (£50 per day) to hire replacements.
- A £100 fixed benefit if you complete a Hole In One, exclusive of handicap, during any game on any course.
- Cover up to £100 (£50 per day) for the unused portion of your Green Fees if you are unable to use the facilities as a result of unforeseen injury or illness.
Simply tick the 'add golf cover' box when taking out your regular travel insurance with us.
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