On Tuesday Adam Scott announced that he would not be competing in the 2016 Olympics in Rio. Scott, currently the seventh ranked golfer in the world would have teamed with world number one Jason Day to form a very impressive Australian team.
But Scott, always honest and forthright says competing in the Olympics is just too much during an already jammed summer schedule. He’d rather concentrate on winning another major championship to further his golfing legacy.
“My decision has been taken as a result of an extremely busy playing schedule around the time of the Olympics, and other commitments, both personal and professional. I have informed the Australian team captain and relevant authorities, who are understanding of my position, and I wish the Australian Olympic Team the very best of luck in Rio.”
So far Scott is the highest profile player to opt out of the Olympics with Vijay Singh who announced that he would not be playing for the Fijian team. Scott is not only juggling a busy professional schedule but has found a new balance in his life with his one year old daughter now a factor in all he does.
While many players are saying they would be thrilled to play in the Olympics where golf is making its first appearance since 1904 there may be some that are just as thrilled to take that week off and get some rest in the middle of a compacted summer schedule.
The U.S. Open is from June 16-19 and after that every two weeks another major or WGC event is being held: June 30th WGC Bridgestone Invitational, July 14-17 The Open Championship, July 28-31 The PGA Championship and then the Olympics August 11-14. And after another two weeks the FedEx Cup Playoffs start at The Barclays August 25-28.
For any player that is playing the PGA Tour and exempt into the majors playing in the Olympics could certainly present some issues.
The next Aussie in the world rankings is Marc Leishman and he could take Scott’s place but with his wife still feeling the effects of a near fatal blood infection would he be willing to take his family to Rio and risk exposure to the Zika virus?
So while NBC promotes its Olympic coverage with Jordan Spieth voicing the usual politically correct statements like “it’s an honor to represent your country” and the Olympics are “a once in a lifetime opportunity” not every player is as convinced that it is the right move for them.
Remember, golfers are judged by major championships, not only by the media, the fans and themselves but by history. Major championship are what golfers strive for today and while someday an Olympic medal may carry the same weight as a major win, right now it doesn’t.
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