After over one hundred years, golf returns to the Summer Olympics in Rio 2016.
In October 1900 golf made its debut into the Olympic program at the Compiegne Club, about 30 miles north of Paris. Again in 1904 where Chandler Egan claimed gold for Canada at the St. Louis Games.
Fast fwd to 2016 and many, including the worlds current top four players - Jason Day, Dustin Johnson, Jordan Spieth and Rory McIlroy have all pulled out due to concerns surrounding mozzies and thugs.
A controversial topic in the lead up, raising some huge questions personally and publicly for the athletes. Unfortunately not the entry golf desired back into the games after 112 years on the down low.
Big ups to all the athletes that are teeing it up and representing their countries though.
Espeicially the Aussie golfers Marcus Fraser, Scott Hend, Minjee Lee and Su Oh
The 18 hole Olympic course at the Marapendi Natural Reserve was built on a pre - existing sand quarry and saltwater marsh. Designed by architect Gil Hanse, (founder and President of U.S. based Hanse Golf Course Design) it closely resembles Australia's classic Sandbelt courses which should strike a familiar tempo with the Aussie players.
Holes, 2, 3, 5 and 9 could be a surprise for the players as they have become popular chill zones for some of Brazil’s wildlife including three-toed sloths, monkeys, boa constrictors, ground-nesting owls, caimans, and capybaras. CRIKEY!
Could this be Caddyshack 2016!?