Will Olympic Golf Survive the Cut?

Recent withdrawals by no fewer than 20 eligible golfers, including the world’s top-four, proved to be body blows to the International Golf Federation which lobbied successfully to secure golf’s inclusion in Rio de Janeiro and Tokyo in 2020 after a lapse of 112 years

Reigning Asian Tour Order of Merit winner Anirban Lahiri

Asia’s top golfers are in sharp contrast looking forward to Rio as many sees it as a great accomplishment to be a part of the games.

Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand, the only man to win three Asian Tour Order of Merit titles, said: “In my life, I’ve never thought golf would be played in the Olympics. I’m 47 this year and I’m looking forward to representing my country.

"It's a proud moment for my career, it’s going to be amazing. I won’t mind the threat of the Zika virus. You have to protect yourself and look after yourself when you’re there. I’ve done all my jabs.”

India’s Anirban Lahiri, the reigning Asian Tour number one, will be marching alongside the Indian contingent during the opening round, an option which he snapped at when told he had the opportunity.

“I’m super excited about the Olympics. It’s fantastic. It’ll be a very proud moment for me. SSP (Chawrasia) and I will be there for the opening ceremony and we’ll be with the rest of the Indian contingent marching out there and you can’t buy that experience. There’s nothing that compares to that feeling.

“You’re part of something that is bigger than yourself,” said Lahiri.

His last comment spoke great volumes indeed.

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Written by Chuah Choo Chiang

Photography by AFP

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