When golf returns to the Olympics in Rio, the winners are to receive more than a gold medal.
They are also to get a free pass to all the major championships.
The governing bodies for men’s and women’s golf announced the exemptions on Monday at Augusta National in Georgia, adding a little extra incentive for the Olympic champions.
Photo: AFP
The men’s winner is to be assured of a spot in the US Masters, US Open, British Open and PGA Championship in 2017. The winner on the women’s side is to automatically qualify for their final major of this year, the Evian Championship in September, and the first four majors next year: ANA Inspiration, Women’s PGA Championship, US Women’s Open and Women’s British Open.
While the winner might already be qualified for the major championships, limits on the number of players who can represent each nation at the Olympics could clear the way for a lower-ranked player to claim the exemptions.
“Whether it is someone that is in the top rankings in the world or someone who is a Cinderella story, in both ways it is a positive,” USPGA chief executive officer Pete Bevacqua said.
Some players are skeptical over whether the Olympics would carry nearly as much importance as the men’s majors or the Ryder Cup, and there have also been complaints about a trip to South America in early August adding to the grind of an already packed schedule.
Billy Payne, Augusta National chairman and head of the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, shrugged off those who question the need for golf in the Summer Games.
“There is nothing, nothing more powerful than representing your country,” Payne said. “I suspect that you will see that take over and totally capture the enthusiasm of the players for golf.”
Payne and other leaders in the sport are counting on the Olympics to expand golf’s global reach.
“We believe our game’s visibility will be dramatically elevated by the global platform that only the Olympics offer,” Payne said. “New audiences from all over the globe, some for the very first time ever, will be exposed to our great sport and come to know and appreciate the amazing athletes and heroes in golf.”
Rory McIlroy had the patrons roaring at Augusta National on Monday when he made a hole-in-one at the par-three 16th hole during a Masters practice round.
“I do not think I have ever heard a roar that large in a practice round,” said McIlroy, who is to attempt to complete his career grand slam in the first major of the year.
For good measure, the ace clinched McIlroy’s personal match with friend Chris Wood.
“When he closes out with a hole-in-one to beat me three-and-two, you cannot really do a lot about that,” Wood said. “I have never quite heard a noise like it. It was pretty mad.”
Wood still had his tee shot to go, but he knew the match was over.
“When the crowd are chanting: ‘Rory, Rory’ and you have got to try and hit a seven-iron to that flag, there is not much chance,” Wood said.
British Open winner Zach Johnson has allowed his closest friends to spend time with the Claret Jug, but Johnson got it back this week.
Looking for a bit of inspiration heading into the Masters, he has golf’s oldest trophy with him in Augusta.
“Staring at that thing and touching it gives you a lift,” he said.
Johnson won his first major title at the Masters in 2007. He captured his second at St Andrews last year, claiming the Claret Jug in a playoff.
“I might try to introduce it to Mr Green Jacket,” he joked. “You are talking about two of the biggest, iconic symbols in sports. To have the honor to don the green jacket and drink out of the Claret Jug is pretty special.”
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Forget Real Madrid, Manchester City or Paris Saint-Germain, the world’s best soccer team — statistically speaking — might be a little-known outfit from the closed central Asian nation of Turkmenistan. Founded last year, Arkadag, named in honor of former Turkmen president Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow, have been unstoppable, notching up 36 consecutive domestic victories in a run still ongoing. The side have not lost a single competitive match and swept to a league and cup double in their inaugural season — success unthinkable almost anywhere else. However, in Turkmenistan, it could hardly have gone any other way. The energy-rich country is one of the most closed
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping