The game of golf has four days to state its case at Olympics
RIO DE JANEIRO: Golf gets its chance to finally stop the talk and walk the path it’s missed out on for over 100 years today, as the men’s Olympic tournament plays out on the links of Barra de Tijuca.
The new course, custom built for the occasion, has been welcomed by the top players who are in town for a shot at glory.
Over the last 10 days, the likes of Danny Willett (Great Britain), Sergio Garcia (Spain) and Rickie Fowler (USA) have all been enthralled spectators, soaking up the unique atmosphere of Rio 2016.
Now, in the middling period of the Games, the much-maligned golf event has its time to shine, under skies that have turned rather gloomy.
The vitriol that so many of the game’s best players threw on the ultimate stage has not been forgotten, and while other sports have enjoyed lively if not capacity crowds, all eyes will be on the reception golf gets.
The sport in Brazil is the same as in many third world countries. It is a pastime of the rich, those with time and few dealings with crime.
It is a game that the man in the street in Rio merely glances over and moves on.
“Is Tiger Woods playing?” asked one spectator at the entrance of the Olympic course. “No? Okay, maybe we go.” As it stands, golf may only be supported by the die-hards, those who don’t see the rain as an excuse to flock to indoor venues, where you can be rowdy and not worry about marshals.
Golf, in essence, is a sport played in relative silence, with occasional roars disturbing the peace.
It goes against the grain of the spirit of the Rio Olympics, which have been a cacophony of noise, with the occasional groan of disappointment interrupting the festival.
Golf has a tough task reselling itself to this community, especially without some of its biggest stars.
But the PR battle will be fought in earnest after 2020. For now, and for Tokyo in four years, those who care will tee it up, and they will have a chance to go for gold.
It is in their hands to change the sceptical mindset that the rich man’s pastime impressed upon so many in the lead-up to this week.
Don’t expect screams and a splash of colour when golf tees off this morning, but rather an intrigued observation from across the Olympic Park.
It is an experiment that has delivered underwhelming early results. It is up to Garcia, Willett, Justin Rose and Henrik Stenson, and every other golfer, to put on a show of affection for this occasion, even as they battle the elements and each other.
Golf, if it cares, has four days to argue its case to remain a part of the greatest show on Earth.