Page 14 - GBC Fall Eng 2016

MikE WHan
Commissioner, LPGA Tour
“The IOC might hate for me to say it, but I look at the Olympics like it’s another LPGA Tour event. A good chunk of that field is going to our players. I already am probably the biggest believer in global golf. I think the women’s game is completely borderless now.
“We televise in 175 countries and I always say the best thing about the Olympics is people who might not normally see your sport will get introduced or reintroduced to it. There’s the potential for a big connection to newcomers in countries that might not otherwise be exposed to the game. And yes, that potential is massive.”
LoRiE kanE
LPGA Tour, Canadian Golf Hall of Fame
“With where sports are on the food chain relating to government funding, I often wondered why the budget for synchronized swimming is close to $3 million annually and golf is less than $1 million. The reason for that discrepancy is there is nothing to gauge us off of, and in our country, as in most, the Olympics is the measure. It’s the barometer.
“I am sure Golf Canada is hoping for the best, but I’m not sure out of the gate we are going to see much change from this first go around in Rio. I doubt we are going to see all kinds of new people coming to the sport from it right away. I hope it sparks interest in people around the world who have never been exposed to golf. I think we missed the boat by going with a 72-hole event, and in not having the men and women play together.
“I do think the Olympics have the potential to grow the women’s game more so than the men’s. It can be a shot in the arm for women’s sport, and golf has always been a sport of the masses, but once we peak women’s interest, if the Olympics does, how do we keep them in the game? That’s important for the leaders of the sport. Retention in that segment has been difficult.
“Will the Olympics help increase interest in countries where golf has never been before? Possibly. I keep hearing Jack Nicklaus saying we need to bring golf back to the family. Well, mothers determine what their kids get involved with in a traditional family.
“Until we find a way to get Mom to the golf course and make it viable for her to play with her kids, then have Dad involved, in our country, I don’t think we’re going to see much more growth. Hopefully the Olympics can add to the interest level with Moms – and Dads.”
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Golf Business Canada
JoHn SoLHEiM
Chairman & CEO, PING
“We look at golf in the Olympics as one of the many positive oppor- tunities to bring greater awareness to the sport to help fuel its growth.
“In the short term, measuring the impact may not be immediately clear, but assuming a successful return in Rio, we’ll begin to see the effects over the next few years as countries elevate their commitment to the sport.”