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Tom Birkert

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Golf is now an Olympic sport
« on: October 09, 2009, 08:09:32 AM »
It has been confirmed by the IOC for 2016. I'm not sure I agree with this, especially for the pros. I presume the IOC want the most famous sportsman in the world to compete in the Olympics.

Mark Pearce

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Re: Golf is now an Olympic sport
« Reply #1 on: October 09, 2009, 08:16:13 AM »
It has been confirmed by the IOC for 2016. I'm not sure I agree with this, especially for the pros. I presume the IOC want the most famous sportsman in the world to compete in the Olympics.
I'm sure I disagree with this.  No sport should be in the Olympics unless the Olympics is the very peak of achievement in that sport which it never will be in golf (or tennis, for that matter).  Like tennis, the Olympic golf tournament will be inconsequential and will merely further dilute the Olympic movement and what it stands for.  Still, money talks....
In June I will be riding the first three stages of this year's Tour de France route for charity.  630km (394 miles) in three days, with 7800m (25,600 feet) of climbing for the William Wates Memorial Trust (https://rideleloop.org/the-charity/) which supports underprivileged young people.

Kalen Braley

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Re: Golf is now an Olympic sport
« Reply #2 on: October 09, 2009, 08:47:56 AM »
It has been confirmed by the IOC for 2016. I'm not sure I agree with this, especially for the pros. I presume the IOC want the most famous sportsman in the world to compete in the Olympics.
I'm sure I disagree with this.  No sport should be in the Olympics unless the Olympics is the very peak of achievement in that sport which it never will be in golf (or tennis, for that matter).  Like tennis, the Olympic golf tournament will be inconsequential and will merely further dilute the Olympic movement and what it stands for.  Still, money talks....


Or Basketball,

Or Hockey,

Or Baseball,

Or Soccer
« Last Edit: October 09, 2009, 08:50:32 AM by Kalen Braley »

Brian Phillips

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Re: Golf is now an Olympic sport
« Reply #3 on: October 09, 2009, 09:04:53 AM »
Kalen,

I agree with all your sports that should not be part of the Olympics, apart from Ice Hockey (it is ice hockey you meant? Hockey in the rest of the world is played on astroturf or grass and was invented waaaaay before ice hockey).  For most Europeans the Olympic Ice hockey final is HUGE especially for places like Russia and Sweden and winning the NHL is not a highlight.  I think the year Sweden won was the most watched ice hockey match in history in Europe.

I am a GCA and many seem to think that golf being included in the Olympics is going to be good for business.  Maybe it is but I really, really do disagree with it being included when there are so many other sports that need the Olympics to flourish.

I love squash and I cannot believe that this sport was not accepted when it is played all around the globe but does not flourish due to being a poor TV sport.  The Olympics for squash would have been the highlight of any player whereas the Olympics for the No 1 golfer (Tiger Woods) will not be the highlight of his career.  Squash needs the Olympics but golf does not and morally I feel it is wrong that golf is in the Olympics.

I think Tom hit the nail on the head. For Tennis etc The Olympics is just not the pinnacle of the sport, it is just a money making machine for the industry and IOC.  The cannot make money out of squash so it was not included.
Bunkers, if they be good bunkers, and bunkers of strong character, refuse to be disregarded, and insist on asserting themselves; they do not mind being avoided, but they decline to be ignored - John Low Concerning Golf

Mark Pearce

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Re: Golf is now an Olympic sport
« Reply #4 on: October 09, 2009, 09:08:57 AM »
It has been confirmed by the IOC for 2016. I'm not sure I agree with this, especially for the pros. I presume the IOC want the most famous sportsman in the world to compete in the Olympics.
I'm sure I disagree with this.  No sport should be in the Olympics unless the Olympics is the very peak of achievement in that sport which it never will be in golf (or tennis, for that matter).  Like tennis, the Olympic golf tournament will be inconsequential and will merely further dilute the Olympic movement and what it stands for.  Still, money talks....


Or Basketball,

Or Hockey,

Or Baseball,

Or Soccer

Agreed that all these sports should not be Olympic sports, with the proviso that you are referring to ice hockey not field hockey, where the Olympics definitely are the pinnacle of the sport.
In June I will be riding the first three stages of this year's Tour de France route for charity.  630km (394 miles) in three days, with 7800m (25,600 feet) of climbing for the William Wates Memorial Trust (https://rideleloop.org/the-charity/) which supports underprivileged young people.

Brian Phillips

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Re: Golf is now an Olympic sport
« Reply #5 on: October 09, 2009, 09:16:52 AM »
Mark,

I totally agree about Hockey, it was a huge sport for me to watch and play in Hong Kong as a kid and is still massive over there now and of course in India, Pakistan, Aussie, England, Holland and Germany who are world champions at the moment.  The olympics for them is the pinnacle.
Bunkers, if they be good bunkers, and bunkers of strong character, refuse to be disregarded, and insist on asserting themselves; they do not mind being avoided, but they decline to be ignored - John Low Concerning Golf

Mark Pearce

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Re: Golf is now an Olympic sport
« Reply #6 on: October 09, 2009, 09:21:03 AM »
Brian,

I remember watching every minute of the British team's campaign in 1988.  I was a reasonable hockey player and played with or against a number of the guys in that team.  In fact a week before they flew out to Korea I played against Kulbir Bhaura in a mixed league match and nearly broke his ribs!  The sad thing is that the sport didn't kick on in the UK after that success, though England's men just won the European Championship for the first time, so perhaps things are looking up.  I still play a bit and have my first game of the season tomorrow.

Mark
In June I will be riding the first three stages of this year's Tour de France route for charity.  630km (394 miles) in three days, with 7800m (25,600 feet) of climbing for the William Wates Memorial Trust (https://rideleloop.org/the-charity/) which supports underprivileged young people.

Kalen Braley

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Re: Golf is now an Olympic sport
« Reply #7 on: October 09, 2009, 09:29:55 AM »
Yes Ice Hockey is what I meant as there is no field Hockey in America as far as I know...Lacrosse would be the closest thing, or maybe that is Field Hockey!!   ;D

Anyways,

I'm having difficulty understanding why an event shouldn't be played just because it isn't the pinnacle of its sport. The greater Greensboro Open is nowhere near the Pinnacle of the PGATour..does that mean that event shouldn't be held either? Ditto for any other tour stop on the PGA tour, Professional Tennis Tour, etc.

Would this also mean that Track and Field shouldn't have the World Championships each year either?  Or Swimming?  Or Rowing?  Or Skiing?  Or <insert sport name here>?

I can understand why people would not be interested in golf as an Olympic Sport, thats fine don't watch it.  But I don't see why someone would be "against it"....I don't see what it hurts. 

Christoph Meister

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Re: Golf is now an Olympic sport
« Reply #8 on: October 09, 2009, 09:49:10 AM »
Yes Ice Hockey is what I meant as there is no field Hockey in America as far as I know...Lacrosse would be the closest thing, or maybe that is Field Hockey!!   ;D

Anyways,

I'm having difficulty understanding why an event shouldn't be played just because it isn't the pinnacle of its sport. The greater Greensboro Open is nowhere near the Pinnacle of the PGATour..does that mean that event shouldn't be held either? Ditto for any other tour stop on the PGA tour, Professional Tennis Tour, etc.

Would this also mean that Track and Field shouldn't have the World Championships each year either?  Or Swimming?  Or Rowing?  Or Skiing?  Or <insert sport name here>?

I can understand why people would not be interested in golf as an Olympic Sport, thats fine don't watch it.  But I don't see why someone would be "against it"....I don't see what it hurts. 


Kalen,

thank you for your valuable statement! Believe it or not there are still countries on this planet where golf is not a popular game (like in the U.S. or the U.K.) or where Golf is not as popular as it should be (like in Germany). The fact that Golf is now an Olympic sport in 2016 will help make golf more popular in these other countries. Also it will increase the amount of money spent on training young and talented players...as Kalen says there is certainly no way this is going to hurd Golf. In this context I feel it's positive the Olympic golf tournament will be played in Rio de Janeiro!

Christoph




Golf's Missing Links - Continental Europe
 https://www.golfsmissinglinks.co.uk/index.php/wales-2
EAGHC European Association of
Golf Historians & Collectors
http://www.golfika.com
German Hickory Golf Society e.V.
http://www.german-hickory.com

Michael Blake

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Re: Golf is now an Olympic sport
« Reply #9 on: October 09, 2009, 09:51:47 AM »
I am a GCA and many seem to think that golf being included in the Olympics is going to be good for business.

Seems it will be good for Nicklaus Design in the immediate future. The latest Golfweek (10/3/09) mentions the firm is creating an Olympic practice facility template (golf course, practice facility, fitness center) and has spoken to Olympic leaders of various countries whose athletes would 'need' such a thing.  Will target China, Russia, and Mexico.

"We believe the Olympics will be a substantial opportunity"--Paul Stringer, Business Dev't of Nicklaus Design

Shane Wright

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Re: Golf is now an Olympic sport
« Reply #10 on: October 09, 2009, 10:13:35 AM »
I agree 100%, glad it is finally an Olympic sport.  Will be great for the game and future golf course development. 

Bryan Drennon

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Re: Golf is now an Olympic sport
« Reply #11 on: October 09, 2009, 10:32:17 AM »
I couldn't disagree more that golf (or tennis, basketball etc) shouldn't be an Olympic sport. In my personal opinion, letting professionals participate dilutes the whole experience. Would you really have been as excited if a group of American NHL players had brought down the might Russians. The "Dream Team" was the equivalent of watching the Globe Trotters play a local church team. I do agree that most of the sports listed won't be as exciting b/c winning a gold is not the greatest achievement. But, if you can be an Olympian by chasing a giant puck with a broom, then it's hard to argue against chasing a little white ball with a stick. I think the game could really get back some of the momentum it has lost in the last few years.

Ryan Farrow

Re: Golf is now an Olympic sport
« Reply #12 on: October 09, 2009, 10:36:22 AM »
Glad to see it. Along with Kalen, I don't see any reason to be against it. It will be a great way to introduce golf to new parts of the world. Like it or not, golf is on the decline in the U.S., this will be a good way to boost the sports global appeal. Don't underestimate an athletes pride in representing their country, it should be a blast to watch.

Brian Phillips

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Re: Golf is now an Olympic sport
« Reply #13 on: October 09, 2009, 10:48:42 AM »
Ryan,

You not just thinking business are you?   ;)

Did Brian force you to say that?   ;D

Watching the tennis in the Olympics was not a blast and never will be either, why will the golf be a blast to watch?

Kalen,

I am not saying an event shouldn't be staged if it is not the pinnacle of sport, I am saying that a sport should not be included in the Olympics unless it is the pinnacle of that sport.  The Olympics is not the pinnacle of sport for golf and never will be.

Michael,

Paul Stringer is a very clever man and that is why he is in the job that he is in.  It will be interesting to see which Big name architect gets to design the first Olympic golf course in Rio.

Christoph,

I don't believe Golf will ever be that popular in Germany despite it getting to the Olympics.  You have too many other sports that are much more interesting to Germans.
Bunkers, if they be good bunkers, and bunkers of strong character, refuse to be disregarded, and insist on asserting themselves; they do not mind being avoided, but they decline to be ignored - John Low Concerning Golf

Chris Buie

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Re: Golf is now an Olympic sport
« Reply #14 on: October 09, 2009, 10:59:25 AM »
It won't be the pinnacle of the sport - at least not for a long time.  But overall, I don't think it is a bad thing.  The best part is that it will expose kids to a sport they can play their whole life rather than one they just play during their younger years.  I bet having it in the Olympics will inspire some people in "third world countries" to start building make-shift golf holes and playing a version of golf that is probably closer to the how it was originally played than the version we play now.

Ryan Farrow

Re: Golf is now an Olympic sport
« Reply #15 on: October 09, 2009, 11:00:24 AM »
Hey now!  I was for golf in the Olympics before I was against it. And Brian has an account here, so if he wants to say something, now he finally can!

Getting outside the states gives you a different perspective, I can image how exciting it might be for some other countries to have a chance to root for their country, their player, to win and Olympic gold. If I could get off of my couch and yell at the TV during a swimming match, I could enjoy some Olympic golf. And come on,Tennis? Tennis? no wonder you didn't like it. Its Tennis ;D

Kalen Braley

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Re: Golf is now an Olympic sport
« Reply #16 on: October 09, 2009, 11:06:46 AM »

Kalen,

I am not saying an event shouldn't be staged if it is not the pinnacle of sport, I am saying that a sport should not be included in the Olympics unless it is the pinnacle of that sport.  The Olympics is not the pinnacle of sport for golf and never will be.



Brian,

I understand that this is your opinion, I'm just trying to understand how you arrived at it.

I know its easy to be jaded about the Olympics and thier motivations in light of the corruption in its past.  But according to the official website of the IOC, the spirit of the Olympics is: http://www.olympic.org/en/content/Olympism-in-Action/

To build a better world thru sport.  Specifically by emphasizing:

  • Sports belong to everyone.
  • Developing body, will, and mind.
  • Preserving Resources.
  • Promoting Womens participation.
  • Forging Friendship among atheletes.
  • Putting Humans First. 


I dind't see anywhere on their site that the Olympics should be the pinnacle of a particular sport as it pertains to the spirit of the games.

Kalen Braley

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Re: Golf is now an Olympic sport
« Reply #17 on: October 09, 2009, 11:40:26 AM »
Dave,

Should be easy.  Just have to move there and establish primary residence and become a citizen.   ;D  You'll be famous...at least in Iran!!  ;)

Lou_Duran

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Re: Golf is now an Olympic sport
« Reply #18 on: October 09, 2009, 12:57:22 PM »
I don't give the Olympics a second thought, but the purity of the games has been gone for decades.

It seems to me that for a site with 1500 of golf architecture enthusiasts, the very large majority of which look at gca well beyond its aesthetic/artistic component to its sporting, intensely engaging physical, mental, and social attributes, that anything which spreads our good fortune to the world at large would be welcomed with open arms.

Perhaps I am being too idealistic or sentimental, but I do think that our common experience on this site is extremely positive.  The great traditions of golf are lessons in life.  If the game takes a good hold elsewhere, how can this not be a great thing?

     


Brian Phillips

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Re: Golf is now an Olympic sport
« Reply #19 on: October 09, 2009, 01:03:58 PM »
Kalen,

Lets look at it a different way.  Why were golf and rugby sevens chosen over the other sports that got in?  Karate, Roller Sports and Squash.

Both the sports chosen can be televised and sold easily.  There is no universal appeal on TV for the other 3 sports.  The two sports that were chosen have more money in their system than the other 3 put together.  The marketing money that can be spawned off those two sports is going to be enormous whereas the other three minuscule in comparison.

It all comes down to the usual thing....money...nothing else.

I don't give the Olympics a second thought, but the purity of the games has been gone for decades.

It seems to me that for a site with 1500 of golf architecture enthusiasts, the very large majority of which look at gca well beyond its aesthetic/artistic component to its sporting, intensely engaging physical, mental, and social attributes, that anything which spreads our good fortune to the world at large would be welcomed with open arms.

Perhaps I am being too idealistic or sentimental, but I do think that our common experience on this site is extremely positive.  The great traditions of golf are lessons in life.  If the game takes a good hold elsewhere, how can this not be a great thing?
Lou,

As usual you are right but what I do not like is why it was chosen over a sport like Squash which really does deserve a chance on a big stage.
Bunkers, if they be good bunkers, and bunkers of strong character, refuse to be disregarded, and insist on asserting themselves; they do not mind being avoided, but they decline to be ignored - John Low Concerning Golf

tlavin

Re: Golf is now an Olympic sport
« Reply #20 on: October 09, 2009, 01:05:18 PM »
I was interested in golf as an Olympic sport, but now that they're playing in Brazil, it doesn't interest me, probably because I'm a closet racist against Portuguese speaking people.

RJ_Daley

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Re: Golf is now an Olympic sport
« Reply #21 on: October 09, 2009, 01:14:34 PM »
I like to watch the Olympics, and love the so-called 'ideals' of the Olympic creed.  Yet they preach that creed and then go ahead and bow to the commercialism of allowing professionals to compete.  But, we have crossed that bridge and burned it, and they will never go back to a strict amatuer competitor mode.  The cost to build out an Olympic setting to any one country or state or city is so prohibitive that the commercialism of the "dream teams" of major sports that are dominated by professional leagues and such just have to be in there now to recoupe the interests of viewership and selling Coke and Pepsi and the like to put the games on.  S0o if you accept that, I am fine with golf as another stage to advance the game, and its basic ideals, which happen to be about the most fair and honorable of all the games played.  And, I also think that having it appear in S. America as an Olympic sport adds to the concept of the first time Olympiad there in S.A.  Surely, golf has a higher world profile than many other sports that are in the Olympics.  I suppose it is a given that Jack's Golden Bear Archies will get the gig of building the olympic course in Brazil, but I think that course really ought to be designed by someone who has been working in S.A. like Randy Thompson or someone that knows the culture there well.
No actual golf rounds were ruined or delayed, nor golf rules broken, in the taking of any photographs that may be displayed by the above forum user.

Kalen Braley

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Re: Golf is now an Olympic sport
« Reply #22 on: October 09, 2009, 01:20:36 PM »
Brian,

I don't doubt the money aspect is a huge component to it..so I agree completely.  I just never saw where the Olympics were supposed to be the pinnacle of each particular sport.

As for inclusion/excluision, no doubt there are still a ton of other sports that could be brought into the Olympics and sometimes the decision making process seems arbitrary.

Jay Kirkpatrick

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Re: Golf is now an Olympic sport
« Reply #23 on: October 09, 2009, 01:20:45 PM »
I just don't buy the argument that golf in the olympics is a bad thing.  Look at all the major success stories we've seen lately from players growing up in golf-deprived countries (cabrera, romero, etc.).  Seems to me that olympic golf will help expose more of the world to the sport, and hopefully increase these success stories around the globe.  At worst, it will be another cool tournament to watch in a unique setting.

Brian Phillips

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Re: Golf is now an Olympic sport
« Reply #24 on: October 09, 2009, 03:23:18 PM »
Kalen,

I just went into www.planetrugby.com and this is the quote from the Rugby President:

"The Olympic Games will be the pinnacle of the sport for all our athletes and the Rugby family. The best men's and women's players in the world are excited to be able to showcase their talent on the world's greatest sporting stage."

I talked about pinnacle of the sport before I even read this I promise.  :)

Jay,

I don't think it will be bad for golf at all.  It is going to spread the word and it will bring more people to the game but just not as many as people are predicting.

I don't know why I am whingeing because it really should help my bank balance eventually.

I just love squash!
Bunkers, if they be good bunkers, and bunkers of strong character, refuse to be disregarded, and insist on asserting themselves; they do not mind being avoided, but they decline to be ignored - John Low Concerning Golf

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