The excitement of the Open Championships is behind us now and the focus turns back to the Olympics. Big name withdrawals has been the topic vexing the game of golf. Opinions are clearly divided within the community and Rory McIlroy’s unequivocal sentiments expressed at the Open showed that the fault lines were thick and dark. The silver lining though is the excitement and enthusiasm of some Asian and European golfers, who are driven passionately to play for their respective flags.
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Anirban Lahiri has made it clear that this is an opportunity of a lifetime. He understands the value of a medal at the games and its impact in India. SSP Chawrasia and Aditi Ashok too have been vocal about their desire to make the most of this chance to represent India at the Olympics in Rio.
Golfing Indian reached out to the community, seeking their views on the ambivalence that has gripped golfers across the world in the lead up to the games. The high profile withdrawals of Jason Day, Jordan Spieth, Rory McIlroy and Adam Scott among others have threatened to derail the efforts of the International Golf Federation to make golf a permanent feature at the Olympics.
“We play a sport in which we brave all the elements and to back down for a mosquito or spider or whatever else is ridiculous,” said an exasperated Jasjit Singh. “These guys backing away from the Olympics should get a life as there is nothing more prestigious than representing your country.”
Rahul Bajaj on the other hand was more understanding of the perspective behind the withdrawals. “There is more than meets the eye on this whole Olympic issue and the Zika virus,” he said. “Golfers have never been judged by the medals they have and I think that is a huge reason why people are backing out.”
“There should also be no doubt that given the time golfers will be standing in a marshy swampland, they are the most vulnerable of all athletes,” explained sports journalist Joy Chakravarty. “But this is not just about a gold medal, it is also about growing the game. Being part of Olympics has the potential to do that.”
Vijay Divecha, coach to Anirban and a host of other Indian golfers was in doubt about the value of the games. But he also wondered aloud if there are other reasons driving withdrawals.
“Since the Olympics is the biggest sporting stage it is fitting that the best players in the world compete. Making oneself available or not is a personal choice and we should not be emotional in judging the ones who have. It is their choice,” said Vijay.
“One point that strikes me is that the dope testing conducted on the tours are different from the stringent tests conducted at the Olympics,” he added. “Some players may have withdrawn due to that too. But as far as I am concerned, the game is bigger than individuals. Let’s celebrate the return of golf to the Olympics. Cheers and let the games begin.”
