Ever since golf was added back into the Olympics in 2016, questions have been raised over its format, whether it should be doubles, mixed or even contested by amateurs.
The amateur question was raised after a number of top pros withdrew from Rio 2016, with some believing that elite professional golf already has enough meaningful and historic titles to play for.
One pro with that belief is former World No.1 and 2013 Masters champion Adam Scott, who has withdrawn from consideration from all three Olympics that golf has featured.
“People watch us play 45 weeks a year,” Scott once said. “If you really wanted to grow the game you’d have the Olympics for amateurs.”
The amateurs could use the Olympics to springboard their careers into the professional game or to top US colleges – but it appears that there is now no going back and golf in the Games is reserved for the sports’ elite in the paid ranks.
So is that the right format? The Golf Monthly team discuss…
Without question, Olympic golf should be a professional event. The Olympics is all about the pinnacle of sport and having the likes of Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler and Jon Rahm compete is a must for both the Olympics and golf.
Coming once every four years, it shouldn’t be seen as a springboard to future success. Instead, a gold medal should be something every golfer aspires to winning, no matter how many Green Jackets or Claret Jugs they own.
Perhaps it isn’t quite at that level yet but let’s not forget that golf only returned to the Olympics in 2016. There’s a place for it at the pinnacle of the professional game.
Nick Bonfield
In my mind, Olympic golf should be professional only. I understand the arguments for amateur inclusion, but if your goal is to grow the game and increase participation, you need to put your best assets from and centre.
Some professional golfers will be recognisable to those who tune in, even if they’re not golf fans, and the pros have the potential to hit heights that amateurs cannot reach.
I think the format seriously needs looking at – there’s a clear opportunity to do something different and more engaging – but I’m not an advocate of having amateurs in the field.
Alison Root
I was always in two minds about whether golf should feature amateurs or…
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