John Paul Newport previews the upcoming decision on the design of the 2016 Olympics course, which is expected by the end of next week.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970203718504577182863365944898.html?mod=WSJ_hp_MIDDLETopMiniLeadStoryHighlights...
Timing: "Final, 45-minute presentations to the selection jury on Tuesday and Wednesday."
Siite: "The lower part is a mangrove forest and the rest has only modest elevation changes. But it abuts a lagoon only a few hundred yards from the coast and is on sandy soil, which facilitates drainage and reduces construction costs.
Jury: "The jury comprises representatives from Rio 2016, the city of Rio, the company that will run the course after 2016 and the International Golf Federation."
Criteria -- or lack thereof: "The jury hasn't publicly stated its criteria, except that after the Olympics the course must be operated as a public facility with a teaching academy."
Frontrunner: "...some golf observers suspect there's a front-runner: Mr. Nicklaus, primarily for political reasons. The Golden Bear was one of the earliest and most vocal advocates for golf as an Olympic sport, and in making his bid he shrewdly teamed with Annika Sorenstam, the former longtime women's world No. 1 (and a European to boot, adding international appeal). That she is a woman is also a positive since separate fields of 60 men and 60 women, including the game's top pro stars, will compete on the course in the Olympics."
Don't underestimate...: "It's entirely possible, of course, that political and promotional considerations qualify as cynical overthinking.... This might play into the hands of the younger names among the finalists. Mr. Doak and Gil Hanse, both Americans, are best known for crafting quirky, inexpensive courses with wider fairways, funhouse green complexes and an emphasis on giving golfers multiple options. The eighth finalist, Martin Hawtree of England—he's building Donald Trump's new links course in Scotland—works in a similar style. Their courses ... require less maintenance. That could sit well with the IGF representatives on the jury, who hope to impress upon the world how accessible and sustainable golf can be, contrary to its elitist popular image."
GCA quotes: " 'Ideally what you'd want,' said one of the contending architects, 'is a course that would deliver the kind of thrilling finale that Augusta National traditionally serves up at the Masters.' "
Mr. Doak, speaking more generally about the competition, said via email, " 'It's a rare chance to define (or redefine) what a great championship course is supposed to be, on a very big stage.' "
Tom, safe travels and good luck.