Page 15 - GBC Fall Eng 2016

LESLEY MCMaHon
General Manager, Balmoral Golf Course, Red Deer, Alberta
“Golf in the Olympics is long overdue and it is exciting to have the sport on this stage. How it will impact the Canadian golf industry will depend on how it is presented by the golf broadcasts and general sports media.
“I think there will be two market segments watching Olympic golf coverage: the current golfer, and the potential golfer. If Olympic golf is presented exactly like a regular tournament I am not sure that will translate into new golfers.
“If time is spent explaining the game to viewers worldwide who have never been exposed to nor had any previous interest in the game, then Olympic golf could create new interest and therefore new golfers. Simple things like what par is, why different clubs are used in different situations, or why the ball has dimples, might seem oversimplified but we take for granted that people know this information.
“As an industry, we are always trying to get more people into the game, so if we can use this platform to inform potential players about golf and to explain why so many of us love the game that’s significant.”
JEFF MinGaY
Canadian Golf Course Architect, Owner of Mingay Golf Course Design Ltd.
“I hate to sound cynical, but I don’t foresee Olympic golf having a big impact on the game worldwide. It’s really just another professional tournament with a weaker field. And, professional golf is played almost everywhere throughout the world already.
“The men’s field for the Olympics isn’t going to be very strong because of the limitations on the number of players from each country. Now we’re seeing some big name golfers pulling out of the competition, which will inevitably take away from the attention given to the event during the Olympics. That will lessen the potential for any big worldwide impact people are hoping for.
“That said, the best possible outcomes might include a growing interest in the game in Rio, and, in turn, Brazil – which has huge potential – but only if the Olympic course lives up to its post-Olympic commitment to sincerely become an inclusive facility that promotes the game and provides genuine opportunities to participate and learn golf.
“Time will tell if this transpires, and Brazil doesn’t have that kind of track record. Again, not to be cynical, but if a market develops, you’re more likely to see a high-price resort and a $300 US green fee before a First Tee-like facility in Rio. Emerging nations could, on the other hand, be eligible for golf-specific funding that can be aimed at promoting and growing the game in those countries now that golf is an Olympic sport.
“I’m hopeful that I’m wrong about the Olympics potential for the game. In the end I do hope it’s huge.”
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