However, I agree that all the hopes of the golf business that the Olympics will be key to "growing the game around the world" is probably just wishful thinking and b.s. Hopefully it will have a bit of impact in South America, and perhaps in whatever country or countries might produce an unexpected medalist. But it sure isn't going to change the perception of the president of China, or overcome the fact that golf is less appealing in hot, humid locations.
I've never been a "grow the game" guy as I believe anything artificially stimulated suffers painful contractions later.
I've always felt golf grew best naturally by dwelling on the positive aspects of the game, the people involved, and the potential doors that could be opened-as well as the life lessons the game can teach.
I'm surprised and saddened so many golfers are against golf in the Olympics, It's not as if the Olympics are a squeaky clean event without scandal or controversy.
Would little girls even contemplate gymnastics if the weren't blasted ad nauseum on TV for two weeks every four years?
(will golf have special exhibition night after the event is over like gymnastics does?)
If it's not "growing" the sport of gymnastics, it's certainly stabilizing it.
Having golf on the world's stage along with other world popular sports; having countries where golf is not booming field an Olympic golf team;creating facilities for their teams.
It's hard for me to see how that won't stimulate, if not grow the game worldwide.
I see absolutely no harm in golf being in the Olympics, and many, including me, are looking forward to watching.
It's not as if it's unprecedented. having been featured over 100 years ago in the Olympics.
A bit like the Masters, the field will be somewhat weak in depth, but there will be many worthy players-and it doesn't stop The masters from being the best event in the world.
I'd say it will be much more interesting and enjoyable than the TPC, the strongest field in golf.
or even the Ryder Cup which is closed to all but one country and a Continent-and has at times featured overly boorish unsportsmanlike behavior over the past few years in what is supposed to be an exhibition.
What I don't get is how a 62 year old ex swimmer who won one of about 50 golf medals given out in swimming 40 years ago has the gall to criticize one of the greatest sportsmen of all time with such strong terms as "absolute bullshit", and participate in a sport (golf) where his tiny country has HUNDREDS of golf courses, and deny a developing huge country the right to build a few and attempt to spur participation against admittedly difficult odds.
It's OK to respectfully not agree with Nicklaus-but not to call him out as if he doesn't believe what he's saying.
To deny a child the right to dream just because YOU think it is impractical and "bullshit" is wrong.
As far as living in the Village.
seriously?
10000 atheletes-100,000 condoms.
Sounds perfect if you're team USA female soccer player.
A married tour player not named Tiger Woods-not so much.
Sorry Steve.
Just reread Wilkie's comments.
Pure jealousy (everything was harder in my day
[size=78%])[/size]He should be celebrating his home country's finest sports asset-golf.
Not bashing it.
Let's let other countries decide what's best for them in their sports (and golf) development.
Ignorantly yours,
Jeff (1979 men's one handed four hole relay champion)