IN AN ARMCHAIR GOLF EXCLUSIVE, Golf talked about being reinstated to the 2016 and 2020 Olympic Games after today’s announcement by the IOC from Copenhagen. Golf was approved by a vote of 63-27, with two abstentions. We spoke by phone.
Q: Thanks for taking the time.
GOLF: No problem.
Q: So, what was your reaction to today’s news?
GOLF: I was pleased. It’s gratifying. I haven’t been in the Olympics in a long, long time. It will be good to be back.
Q: Player reaction was strong. Jack Nicklaus said, “The impact is going to be felt all over the world.”
GOLF: Who?
Q: Jack Nicklaus.
GOLF: Oh, Jack. Good for him. Yeah, we’ll see.
Q: Is this validation for you?
GOLF: Validation?
Q: That you’re a sport, that kind of thing.
GOLF: I don’t need a bunch of old men on a committee to say I’m a sport. I’m comfortable with myself. I’m honored they’ve decided to include me. Really I am. But I don’t get caught up with labels—Am I a sport?—and all that nonsense. I just ignore it, to be honest with you.
Q: Let’s switch gears. What do you think of the Presidents Cup?
GOLF: I haven’t watched any of it.
Q: But you’ll be watching this weekend?
GOLF: No.
Q: That’s a little surprising.
GOLF: I’m not too interested in myself after football starts.
Q: Really?
GOLF: Yeah. Big SEC fan. LSU Tigers, just like David Toms.
Q: You’re missing some good matches.
GOLF: I hope the fans are enjoying them. Personally, I get tired of watching myself on TV. It’s kind of boring. Oh, I might switch over during commercials to see how Tiger is doing.
Q: Enjoy the off season.
GOLF: I always do.
−The Armchair Golfer
(This is an ARMCHAIR GOLF spoof.)
It's a game! It's a sport! It's an Olympic game…er sport er…
Who caaaaaaaaaaaaares! ;).
How about a gort? Or spame?
Why would anyone want to watch golf as an Olympic sport? It will be the same people we see playing during most weeks for the better part of every year. If they restrict it to amateurs, it might mean something. Otherwise, it's just another "Cup" of some sort. Great post, by the way.
I agree with Lance above.
Being an avid golfer myself I of course think it's great that golf is again included. However, it's going to be the same professional golfers playing at the Olympics who already play against each other almost every weekend. In addition we already have a number of international events for the pros, i.e. the Ryder Cup, the Presidents Cup etc. I would have much preferred to see top talent golf amateurs from all over the world competing against each other. In the distant past the Olympic Games were only for amateurs, but nowadays it's just another media events with the same professionals that get paid huge fees for their appearance alone.