Pro Players In The Olympics?

[M4rtyn]

I have been wondering why Pro players are playing in the Olympic games as it seems rather strange as its an amateur event.

I decided to find out as I keep hearing the question but nobody seems to know. I contacted The R&A and had this reply from them.




Thank you for your email on golf in the Olympics.

Although I was not personally involved on golf's bid for inclusion in
the Olympic Games, I understand television companies were only
interested in showing the very best golfers in the world.

In the longer term, it is our hope that the mere fact that golf is in
the Olympics will lead to more government funding being made available
particularly in countries where golf is a minor sport.

Should this materialise, Olympic golf has the potential to grow the game
through the emergence of more public facilities around the world.

I hope this answers your question.

Best wishes

DUNCAN WEIR
Director of Golf Development

The R&A
St Andrews
Fife
Scotland
KY16 9JD

Tel: +44 (0) 1334 460000
Fax: +44 (0) 1334 460007
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Best thanks to The R&A for their prompt reply.

[Petter Player]

Since the top athletes also in field games are and have been practicing their "hobby" on full time basis for decades, and tennis as the closest pro sport is the same way, I don't see any idea in restricting the Olympic Golf tournament into something else.

The big events like the IAAF World Championships, The Olympic Games; winter or summer, Ice Hockey World Championships and so on are all on the leash of the biggest broadcasting companies.

There are no longer true amateur events in other sports any more at the top level. Why should there be an amaterur Olympic tournament in golf?