Olympics Golf: The Official Discussion Thread (merged)

[tbowles411]

:taunt: @ Fowler. His legs are weak from that Olympic booty.

 

You just coined a phrase.

 

I like it.

 

Though from personal experience, British women aren't exactly known for "booty." :cheesy:

[tbowles411]

Without Teddy Scott, Bubba is lost.

He needs him out there. Definitely.

[2bGood]

Does anyone else think the announcers are trying a little too hard to pump Olympic golf, and trying to create excitement that is just not really there?

 

Would you prefer they try to make the event less exciting?

 

At times the announcers are just over-doing it - trying way too hard to convince their viewing audience that (1) the golf course is better than it really is, (2) that the golf being played is better than it really is, and (3) that playing in the Olympics is the most important event in these player's lifetime (which is what was claimed that Justin Rose said).

 

In fairness Bubba said he would rather win gold here than get a major, and Justin has been very vocal about wanting to win a gold medal as part of his golfing legacy and has placed this event along side the majors. Wether it is true or not, many of the golfers that showed up have claimed the event is important to them in a very significant way.

 

Lets face it, it has been 100+ years since someone won gold in golf, and the way this event went, it could be 100 more so who ever wins will have done something very unique.

[avrag]

People like to criticize.

"No excitement in the first few days."

Same as in sailing.

 

And my favourite: "It should have been a team event."

Can somebody try and explain the logic behind this obsession?

There are team sports and individual sports. Golf is an individual sport.

There is also no team event in the shotput, or in javelin throwing, or in cycling (at least on the road), or in pistol or rifle shooting. In general, there are no team events in individual sports, aside from the relay races in athletics and swimming, but those have a tradition all of their own. And there is no team event in tennis, only doubles, which also is something that happens year round in every tournament. So why on earth should the return of golf to the Olympics, of all sports, be a team event?

But yes, the field should have been made up differently, 120 players, top 100 qualified, with a max of 4 per nation like in many other sports, in which three or four countries account for most world class participants (like speed skating or cross country skiing in the Winter Olympics). The spots, which become free because of that, should be filled by qualifiers from certain tournaments, amateurs among them and by the number one players of those countries who do not have top players. And there should have been a cut. This would have made more sense in my view.

[2bGood]

People like to criticize.

"No excitement in the first few days."

Same as in sailing.

 

And my favourite: "It should have been a team event."

Can somebody try and explain the logic behind this obsession?

There are team sports and individual sports. Golf is an individual sport.

There is also no team event in the shotput, or in javelin throwing, or in cycling (at least on the road), or in pistol or rifle shooting. In general, there are no team events in individual sports, aside from the relay races in athletics and swimming, but those have a tradition all of their own. And there is no team event in tennis, only doubles, which also is something that happens year round in every tournament. So why on earth should the return of golf to the Olympics, of all sports, be a team event?

But yes, the field should have been made up differently, 120 players, top 100 qualified, with a max of 4 per nation like in many other sports, in which three or four countries account for most world class participants (like speed skating or cross country skiing in the Winter Olympics). The spots, which become free because of that, should be filled by qualifiers from certain tournaments, amateurs among them and by the number one players of those countries who do not have top players. And there should have been a cut. This would have made more sense in my view.

 

Good points. I do think however a match play format would have been great. Maybe next time.

[hdr_ric]

Anyone want to predict what this course will look like next year at this time?

 

I'll hazard a guess that within 5 years, it will have been plowed under by the billionaire developer who owns it (and who owns those god-awful ugly high rise condos/Olympic village that we are forced to look at) and turned into even more eyesore ugly high rise condos.

[golfgirlrobin]

Golf has never been solely an individual sport. There have been team events, and various scoring methods, used throughout the modern era. The point of those who would like to see a different format is that making it just like every other weekly tour event makes it feel like every other weekly tour event. Maybe when, unlike swimming or gymnastics, the Olympics isn't the pinnacle of your sport, you need to try a little harder to create some drama for the casual fan.

 

"Same as in sailing." Yep, and just like sailing, the only people who will watch will be people who already love the sport.

[Rangeballz]

And the US is off to an indifferent start...Bubba appears lost, Kuch back-dooring his way to a 69, Reed showing the faintest glimmer of form, and Dick Fowler is obviously gassed from trolling for snatch the last 6 nights.

 

Here's hoping they get off to a better start tomorrow (or at least not 4 putt the first green - that's right, I'm talking to you, Fowler).

[carn9698]

I am enjoying it. Wind made it tricky. Top Aussie shot a great score.

[hdr_ric]

Julieta Granada on the GC morning drive carrying the flag for Paraguay in the Olympics... I thought the Olympics was supposed to be the best athletes in their respective sport from around the world? Shes only made 8 of 20 cuts on the LPGA tour this year, where is the excitment in that? Its nothing against her but if she is the best Paraguay has to offer then they just dont qualify for the games this year... She makes a nice living on the LPGA and is deserving of her status there but this is the Olympics and supposed to be next level top tier type golf.

 

Sadly, the Olympics have never really been the best athletes in the world at each sport - that just a bull squat NBC tagline. Otherwise, not all countries could "participate". They force some of the better ones from each sport to stay home. Golf, sadly, is no different.

[Brad Thor]

This competition is riveting and the scenery is mesmerizing. I'm really enjoying this historic moment.

 

 

Gold medal in the sarcasm competition, great job.

[bscinstnct]

Julieta Granada on the GC morning drive carrying the flag for Paraguay in the Olympics... I thought the Olympics was supposed to be the best athletes in their respective sport from around the world? Shes only made 8 of 20 cuts on the LPGA tour this year, where is the excitment in that? Its nothing against her but if she is the best Paraguay has to offer then they just dont qualify for the games this year... She makes a nice living on the LPGA and is deserving of her status there but this is the Olympics and supposed to be next level top tier type golf.

 

Sadly, the Olympics have never really been the best athletes in the world at each sport - that just a bull squat NBC tagline. Otherwise, not all countries could "participate". They force some of the better ones from each sport to stay home. Golf, sadly, is no different.

 

[mrt99]

And the US is off to an indifferent start...Bubba appears lost, Kuch back-dooring his way to a 69, Reed showing the faintest glimmer of form, and Dick Fowler is obviously gassed from trolling for snatch the last 6 nights.

 

I didn't watch much, but was delighted I got to hear Johnny Miller awkwardly (would you expect anything different from Johnny?) suggest that Rickie has been busy chasing tail since the Olympics started...

[cdnglf]

People like to criticize.

"No excitement in the first few days."

Same as in sailing.

 

And my favourite: "It should have been a team event."

Can somebody try and explain the logic behind this obsession?

There are team sports and individual sports. Golf is an individual sport.

There is also no team event in the shotput, or in javelin throwing, or in cycling (at least on the road), or in pistol or rifle shooting. In general, there are no team events in individual sports, aside from the relay races in athletics and swimming, but those have a tradition all of their own. And there is no team event in tennis, only doubles, which also is something that happens year round in every tournament. So why on earth should the return of golf to the Olympics, of all sports, be a team event?

But yes, the field should have been made up differently, 120 players, top 100 qualified, with a max of 4 per nation like in many other sports, in which three or four countries account for most world class participants (like speed skating or cross country skiing in the Winter Olympics). The spots, which become free because of that, should be filled by qualifiers from certain tournaments, amateurs among them and by the number one players of those countries who do not have top players. And there should have been a cut. This would have made more sense in my view.

 

 

Golf already already has more than enough 72 hole individual stroke play events - events that will always be better and more prestigious than the Olympics. So why not try something like 2-person teams? Teams also fit well with the nationalist bent of the Olympics.

 

While we don't see it that much of it at the professional level, there is plenty of team golf played world-wide.

 

Not sure where you got the idea that there a sport is either a team sport _or_ an individual sport. There are many, many sports that have both forms: swimming, track, XC skiing, speedskating (relay and pursuit), gymnastics, fencing, rowing, luge, tennis, biathlon, badminton...

[masegolf1978]

They told me to watch Olympic golf and an opposite field event broke out. Is this the Puerto Rico open?

[dlygrisse]

Would like to see 36 hole stroke play qualifier then take the top 32 for a match play event for the medals, with a 36 hole final match for the top 3.

[tbowles411]

Julieta Granada on the GC morning drive carrying the flag for Paraguay in the Olympics... I thought the Olympics was supposed to be the best athletes in their respective sport from around the world? Shes only made 8 of 20 cuts on the LPGA tour this year, where is the excitment in that? Its nothing against her but if she is the best Paraguay has to offer then they just dont qualify for the games this year... She makes a nice living on the LPGA and is deserving of her status there but this is the Olympics and supposed to be next level top tier type golf.

 

Sadly, the Olympics have never really been the best athletes in the world at each sport - that just a bull squat NBC tagline. Otherwise, not all countries could "participate". They force some of the better ones from each sport to stay home. Golf, sadly, is no different.

 

 

 

22 Olympic medals...and counting...

[tgtaggie]

Julieta Granada on the GC morning drive carrying the flag for Paraguay in the Olympics... I thought the Olympics was supposed to be the best athletes in their respective sport from around the world? Shes only made 8 of 20 cuts on the LPGA tour this year, where is the excitment in that? Its nothing against her but if she is the best Paraguay has to offer then they just dont qualify for the games this year... She makes a nice living on the LPGA and is deserving of her status there but this is the Olympics and supposed to be next level top tier type golf.

 

Sadly, the Olympics have never really been the best athletes in the world at each sport - that just a bull squat NBC tagline. Otherwise, not all countries could "participate". They force some of the better ones from each sport to stay home. Golf, sadly, is no different.

 

 

 

22 Olympic medals...and counting...

 

He beat Jack's record the other night lol

[Mookie91]

Problem with "playing for your Country" is you are playing for your Country. So Reed, Bubba and Fowler are all steaming piles right now and Phil Mickelson is clamoring to set up a committee to figure out how to win at Olympic golf. Here's an idea to US Olympic and Ryder Cup players, stop being spoiled, over marketed millionaires and go compete.

[Brad Thor]

Eddie!

[hdr_ric]

Julieta Granada on the GC morning drive carrying the flag for Paraguay in the Olympics... I thought the Olympics was supposed to be the best athletes in their respective sport from around the world? Shes only made 8 of 20 cuts on the LPGA tour this year, where is the excitment in that? Its nothing against her but if she is the best Paraguay has to offer then they just dont qualify for the games this year... She makes a nice living on the LPGA and is deserving of her status there but this is the Olympics and supposed to be next level top tier type golf.

 

Sadly, the Olympics have never really been the best athletes in the world at each sport - that just a bull squat NBC tagline. Otherwise, not all countries could "participate". They force some of the better ones from each sport to stay home. Golf, sadly, is no different.

 

 

Just for one example, Jessica Hardy is "one of" the best 100M breastrokers in the world, but she wasn't at this Olympics since the US can only bring a set number of swimmers to each event.

 

Ever heard of Eddie the Eagle??

 

Side note, has Lily apologized to that hot Russian chick yet for being a loudmouth, ill-informed american?

[tbowles411]

 

Side note, has Lily apologized to that hot Russian chick yet for being a loudmouth, ill-informed american?

No need. She let her swimming do her talking for her.

[Brad Thor]

Thats snow not sand mon! :taunt:

[soap1984]

Johnny doesn't sound too excited about being in Rio lol

 

Lol'ing at how NBC is trying to spin Rick's performance today. "Maybe he was out partying"- Roger Maltbie lol

 

He's been out partying since about February by the looks of things.

 

And Roger certainly knows what partying is all about.

 

Well he hasn't been practicing the right things then because I know a lot of guys who can go hard and show up the next day...and they are a lot older than Rick.

[Santiago Golf]

Would like to see 36 hole stroke play qualifier then take the top 32 for a match play event for the medals, with a 36 hole final match for the top 3.

 

 

They don't have time for that and that would be 7 rounds of golf, plus practice in a span of 6 days. These guys wouldn't have it.

 

Had a friend who played and won the state am, 8 rounds in four days plus practice. He was still feeling it 2 weeks later.

[bscinstnct]

Julieta Granada on the GC morning drive carrying the flag for Paraguay in the Olympics... I thought the Olympics was supposed to be the best athletes in their respective sport from around the world? Shes only made 8 of 20 cuts on the LPGA tour this year, where is the excitment in that? Its nothing against her but if she is the best Paraguay has to offer then they just dont qualify for the games this year... She makes a nice living on the LPGA and is deserving of her status there but this is the Olympics and supposed to be next level top tier type golf.

 

Sadly, the Olympics have never really been the best athletes in the world at each sport - that just a bull squat NBC tagline. Otherwise, not all countries could "participate". They force some of the better ones from each sport to stay home. Golf, sadly, is no different.

 

 

Just for one example, Jessica Hardy is "one of" the best 100M breastrokers in the world, but she wasn't at this Olympics since the US can only bring a set number of swimmers to each event.

 

Ever heard of Eddie the Eagle??

 

Side note, has Lily apologized to that hot Russian chick yet for being a loudmouth, ill-informed american?

 

"Hot Russian chick"

 

You seem to be riveted to the screen for the games. Good to see ; )

[Strike Force]

Hey Rory - you didn't miss anything by not watching golf at the Olympics.

[tommyrobson]

was not expecting Rickie to be second last, or Graham DeLaet to be second...

 

Interesting couple of days ahead!

[hdr_ric]

Julieta Granada on the GC morning drive carrying the flag for Paraguay in the Olympics... I thought the Olympics was supposed to be the best athletes in their respective sport from around the world? Shes only made 8 of 20 cuts on the LPGA tour this year, where is the excitment in that? Its nothing against her but if she is the best Paraguay has to offer then they just dont qualify for the games this year... She makes a nice living on the LPGA and is deserving of her status there but this is the Olympics and supposed to be next level top tier type golf.

 

Sadly, the Olympics have never really been the best athletes in the world at each sport - that just a bull squat NBC tagline. Otherwise, not all countries could "participate". They force some of the better ones from each sport to stay home. Golf, sadly, is no different.

 

 

Just for one example, Jessica Hardy is "one of" the best 100M breastrokers in the world, but she wasn't at this Olympics since the US can only bring a set number of swimmers to each event.

 

Ever heard of Eddie the Eagle??

 

Side note, has Lily apologized to that hot Russian chick yet for being a loudmouth, ill-informed american?

 

"Hot Russian chick"

 

You seem to be riveted to the screen for the games. Good to see ; )

 

As good as she looked on tv, there are some internet/social media pics of her that are even better. Well worth a Google search.

[ExTrumpet]

Anyone want to predict what this course will look like next year at this time?

 

Hopefully not as bad as Sarajevo...yes, those are bullet holes.