Dustin Johnson out of the Olympics..

‘To concentrate on the fedex cup’

yes Dustin. That’s the reason..

It's his prerogative but his performances in the playoffs now come under extra scrutiny.

If even a remote possibility, I'm definitely going to try and play in the Olympics. Who wouldn't want to have, hold, display, wear and showoff an Olympic gold medal?!

Once every four years.

With now the very real possibility that the Tokyo Olympics could be delayed because people are losing their minds over a flu-like virus, I reckon he's not going to be the first to pull out of consideration. The FedEx Cup is slated to begin less than two weeks after the Olympics.

I think Brooks made a good point when he was asked about the Olympics. Being an Olympian is not something professional golfers grew up wishing because it wasn't a thing. As much as it would be an honor to win and represent your country, I don't think of all of Justin Rose's accomplishments being an Olympian is the first thing people are going to remember about him. I think it will be bigger with the younger guys on tour than guys into their late 30s who have been playing for Majors and FedEx Cups.

Agree 100%. The Miracle on Ice is still the greatest sporting moment ever.

Tokyo isn't exactly a great vacation spot for someone with young children, coupled with the fact there is no prize money to be had, I can easily see why DJ would forego the event. He'll find a beach and boat and hang with his model wife and young kids and be just fine that week

I’m more impressed by Justin Rose’s US Open Medal than his Olympic Medal.

Well, he's keeping his Olympic streak alive.

The Olympics aren't important to most of these guys. Back in the day, I think most pros, even the top pros, would definitely go because it would just be "the right thing to do" and a fun experience.

But now, a guy with one Major (or less) can make $20MM+/year and it's easier to just not be bothered. I get it.

If you look a the athletes who did not go to the last olyimpcs due to zika virus, it's basically all golfers. Not important to most of them.

The schedule is to brutal and condensed to try and fit anything in like that. Flying across the world then all the way back and get ready for the playoffs.

The schedule is affecting the other events that are not majors or the playoffs now, you are not getting the fields you once did for the traditional bigger type events. You probably won't see Tiger at Bay Hill anymore. Especially since Arnie is gone now. They are already trying to save it by moving it to the first Fla Event next year.

Pebble has turned into a weaker field over the years and nobody but rookies and less establised players care about the fall schedule.

I used to love the the FLA. swing. That's when all the big guys came out of hiding. Now it is turning into a hiding time until the players.

I just think it is to much high stakes golf pushed into a smaller window. Then you throw in the Ryder Cup this year, it is just a little to much.

Agree 0%.

in light of the health issues currently in Asia, would you travel there....IMO you will see many more athletes opt out of events in Asia and the Olympics in particular

Totally agree. Plus it would be a great chance to promote some of the up and coming top college players and amateurs.

Azinger was right, the best competition in golf is on the PGA Tour. The FedEx Cup and Majors have a stronger field than the Olympics and would likely mean more to most pro golfers.

I don't get the love for the Olympics either. Roughly 4x as many American viewers tune into the Superbowl than viewers did for the 2016 Olympics Opening ceremony. It seems more like something the average viewer might watch a few clips of here and there as opposed to making a big deal about it. I consider myself patriotic, but it's not for me so I don't see any fault in tour pro's skipping it (anywhere in Asia or otherwise).

I would love for college kids and true amateurs to compete for a gold in the olympics...

Heck, make it a Team event....that would be a blast to see kids playing as a team against the world..

i love the olympics...love them

-Chris

Skip it if they want. But I'll say I enjoy the Olympics. I'd give near anything to just be an Olympian just once in my life. It would be a forever experience that not that many get to have. Ricky must be pretty darn proud, just look on the inside of his arm. I'll always see Justin Rose as a gold medalist. And the first one at that!

Too bad the Olympics has become so much about big money. It had to happen but it is sad. The Olympics were supposed to be amatuers, not a show for highly paid professional athletes.

If I were DJ I wouldn't want my drug testing in the hands of the IOC either.

Best to keep it in-house.

Mmm.. thinknthe US sulk after this one would be most people’s favourite..

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2011/nov/16/usa-ussr-olympic-basketball-1972

Which "people", you mean comrades, lol? Just a bit of a footnote on your cherished moment.....

*(asterisk ; )

"The Olympics strictly prohibited any involvement of professional athletes at the time. The Soviet Union and other Eastern Bloc countries used that rule to their advantage, listing all their top players as soldiers or workers, which allowed them to breach the amateur rules. Western experts classified these athletes as professionals.[1] On the other hand, leading American players were unable to play in the Olympics as they were officially professional and played in the NBA. That disadvantage hadn't prevented the Americans from winning the first seven Olympic basketball tournaments without a single defeat.[2][3]"

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1972_Olympic_Men's_Basketball_Final

Team event is the answer regardless of whether it is pro or amateur. A couple different events, mixed men and women and different scoring formats as well.

My wife just finished reading a good book on that! It's nice to have a gentle glow on the other side of the bed in the dark, even if it is her new "Nook". ;-)

Ah but 'Mericans don't come out of the womb with skates on.

I think the Olympics would be a big deal for someone like Tiger who would have a chance for the “Golden Slam”, all 4 majors and an Olympic gold in a career. That’s become a thing in tennis. Until a guy has all 4 majors I don’t think the Olympics are a primary goal. I’m sure if you told Rory he would win the Masters but never the Olympics he would say “Deal!”.

My wife suggests the analogy isn't far off, lol, but enough of that! Let's just say our girls were apparently carrying large baskets of fruit.

Really shouldn't come on here at lunch.

Anyone not in America really.. ?

Glad someone got the point of the thread. Although a little tumble down the stairs a week before would have been more subtle.

lets see who else isn’t keen on IOC testing protocol..

I’m using this opportunity to declare that I too have decided not to compete in the Olympics this year.