lindanie123
Posts 13
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August 13, 2009, arguably could become the most significant date in golf history. For it may be the day that forever alters how the game grows around the world.
The International Olympic Committee’s executive committee meets that day in Berlin, and members will recommend two sports for possible addition to the 2016 Olympic Games. Seven sports – baseball, golf, karate, roller sports, rugby, softball and squash – are under consideration. The committee’s choices will go before the full IOC membership for a final vote in October in Copenhagen.
If golf is selected, it would make a return to the Summer Games after a 112-year absence. The sport made its final Olympic appearance in 1912.
Canada’s George Lyon took center stage on the medal podium that year, and his victory was remarkable for a number of reasons. The Richmond, Ontario, native did not take up golf until he was 38. At age 40, he won his first of eight Canadian Amateur titles. He was 46 when he competed in St. Louis. Moreover, he was one of only three Canadians in the 77-man field. He bettered his two compatriots and 74 U.S. golfers, beating American Chandler Egan, 3 and 2, in the final to claim golf’s inaugural Olympic gold medal.
Back then, only the U.S. and Canada competed. But in 2016, the sport would draw competitors from a host of nations, renewing interest in the game in mature golf markets and engaging new fans and participants in emerging ones.
Some critics question the value of competing for Olympic gold in a sport already rich with marquee championships, including the four majors. There’s broad agreement among golf’s ruling bodies that Olympic participation would provide a windfall.
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Callaway x-22 Irons
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