Bubba Watson prepares for the Olympics in Rio.
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After admitting last week that he had no idea what the format was for the Olympics, Kuchar was at it again Tuesday when he offered his feelings on golfers pulling out of the event.
The four Americans, of course, raise the Q-factor of an Olympic tournament that needs star appeal, but the more telling story is their unqualified endorsement of Rio and everything it represents. The golf was duly cancelled – and the sport began its long years of exile.
Recognizing the significance of that, the International Golf Federation chose da Silva to hit the opening tee shot of the 72-hole tournament Thursday morning.
Reed, who represented the United States in the 2014 Ryder Cup and 2015 Presidents Cup, said donning the Stars and Stripes for the Olympics was “just as special” as the Ryder Cup, Presidents Cup or any other global competition.
The honor is not his alone.
Swede Stenson will be one of the favorites for gold on golf’s return to the Olympic Games after a 112-year absence and while other top names have shunned the event, he is taking it seriously, regarding it as just below a major in importance.
“There were amusing circumstances this year that led guys to not participate”.
There are only two other courses in Rio, a metropolitan area of roughly 12 million.
“You can’t play them all and for us as golfers, the four Majors are the most important events”. It teaches a good lesson.
“I’m gonna lay up and go for bronze”. Could match play be part of the future of Olympic golf? “I got into golf to win”. Santa Cruz was the only course in town.
“The biggest pains in the asses I’ve ever had to deal with on a golf course”, says Neil Cleverly, its British superintendent.
American Simone Biles heads into the women’s individual all around gymnastics competition at the Rio Olympics with a none-too shabby record: she has already won three world championships and a team Olympic gold just a few days ago.
“I’ve had breakfast with Andy Murray and Jess Ennis-Hill and that’s stuff you don’t normally get to do”.
“I feel like I’m doing a pretty good job of it”, he said with a grin.
Edmondson knew the teen would have a hard time developing his game in Brazil.
Asked what reaction his messages had elicited, the 27-year-old added: “I wouldn’t say disappointment”. The auction features 1000 lots of rare golf memorabilia.
He was first coached by Tim Price, brother of Zimbabwean professional Nick, before turning pro himself in 1994, aged 22.
Da Silva is ranked 288th in the world, the 50th player out of 60 in the field to qualify. They are, however, rather fond of Zeon Zoysia, the fairway grass specially designed by Bladerunner Farms in Poteet, Texas, and grown in Brazil for the Olympic course. “But it will change if we get 40 mile-per-hour winds (which is possible on this locale)”. I have to thank my wife, as well, to put up with going away so much. I couldn’t wait for it to happen. I’m right there, for sure.
A tie for fourth in the Indian Open in March gave him breathing room, and a runner-up finish in the Swazi Open sealed it. Brazil is now facing elimination – a prospect that once seemed unthinkable in the soccer-obsessed Olympic host country. And then the greatest week in his life got even better.
“There may be some personal messages that have been sent back and forth that I was definitely showing them that we are having a good time down here”.
BILES BROUHAHA: NBC announcer Al Trautwig says he regrets tweeting that the adoptive mother and father of USA gymnastics star Simone Biles were not her parents. He didn’t want to miss this, not with their history together.
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“Growing up, all we dreamed about was the majors, but I remember watching the Olympics and wishing I had the chance to go play for a gold medal”, Reed said. “It’s quite overwhelming. Just to be part of the Olympics, being involved with a close friend, it’s awesome”.
