By Champika Sayal
RIO Aqui Vamos Nos- RIO here we come! A hundred and sixteen years ago, the story of Golf Olympics was etched as a sport in the Summer of 1900. There was no Opening or Closing Ceremony in the small hamlet of “Compiegne”-in Northern France on the banks of Oise River to mark the first ever ‘Golf Olympics’. Just four nations were able to showcase their talent with 22 players in total. Two nations comprising Greece & France from the European continent, Great Britain and the USA were all that we had. These countries participated in the first Golf Olympics staged from October 2nd to 4th 1900.
“Compiegne” hosted the first edition of Golf Olympics. It lies on the North Western Periphery of Paris. The first ever Golf Olympics was brief indeed- played as a 36 holes stoke play tournament for the 12 men and a nine-hole stroke play event for women. A century and sixteen years on we are debating about shortening the game. In 1900 land and sea travel were well regarded. The Wright brothers had not made aviation history with their maiden flight, the worthy winner of the first Gold medal at Golf Olympics was Charles Sands of the USA. And so hats off to those who made the journeys through the arduous highs and lows. Suppose in hindsight one could say the game of golf wasn’t was the chicken hearted.
THE MEDAL HISTORY
While the Silver & Bronze Medals were taken home to Great Britain by Walter Rutherford and David Robertson. The Ladies who showcased their talent in just nine holes would have endured several days of travel from the USA, as all the three medals in 1900 were taken by the American Ladies- with the Gold being won by Margaret Abbott. Enough enthusiasm must have been mustered up in 1904, to add 55 more players to the modest 22 that played in 1900- A total of 77 players showed up for the two nation Olympics- fought between 3 Canadians and 74 Americans in the second edition of Golf Olympics.
HERE WE ARE
Come Olympics 2016, golfers from 40 nations across continents are already nestled in the Olympic village practising and getting a good idea of the sport’s summit moment. Luckily they have aviation and a 36 hour trip to Rio from mostly anywhere in the world. Some have arrived in their private jets with their entourage at leisure, whilst others are flying-as-usual to compete for the “spirit” of the game at Barra di Tijuana.
ZIKA FACTOR
The mosquito virus has shooed away some of the world’s best and biggest golfing stars. Those who have braved this for their nations, some are wearing mosquito repellents and special clothing.
WHO WILL IT BE
But we know that the 2016 Gold men’s medal winner will not be Rory, Spieth or Jason Day but another worthy winner playing for his nation. Our fingers are crossed. Our hopes are alive and so we all look forward to a stellar game. May the best golfer win.
