For the most part, golf's re-inclusion in the Olympics has received positive feedback from pro golfers. It doesn't sound like Adam Scott has caught Rio Fever just yet.
Scott spoke bluntly to Reuters' Andrew Both at the Wells Fargo Championship about next year's competition in Brazil, which will be jammed into an already busy summer for pro golfers. Here's some of what he had to say:
"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, then lucky me if I qualify.
"But if not, I'm not going to miss it, that's for sure, and I'll enjoy watching (the major Olympic sports)."
OK. . .
"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 I think 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."
Technically, it won't be in the middle of the major season since the PGA Championship is moving to July, but go on. . .
"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."
An "exhibition"? "Doesn't need to be in the Olympics?" Tim Finchem's feelings are going to be hurt.
Don't be confused by the following photo. It was taken when Scott celebrated reaching No. 1 in the Official World Golf Ranking last year. It is NOT an Olympic promo pic.
Interestingly, one of Scott's idols and fellow Aussie Greg Norman, gushed about his experience just carrying the Olympic torch at the 2000 Summer Games. Of course, those games being contested in Sydney instead of Rio played a large role in the Shark's enthusiasm.
"Seeing the enjoyment of what this has given the people of Australia and the people of the world, this is going to be the turning point of the Olympics," Norman said. "This brings the spirit of everyone together... it is something I'll take with me for the rest of my life."
Scott doesn't seem as pumped to play for his country, but it looks like he'll have that opportunity. Even with his recent slide out of the top 10 in the Official World Golf Ranking, it's hard to see him not qualifying. Jason Day (No. 8) is the lone Aussie ahead of him, and John Senden (No. 48) is next on the list. It appears Day and Scott will be the two golfers representing their country next summer.
Well, at least, they'd be asked to. Based on Scott's comments, it doesn't seem like he's a lock to tee it up.
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