Page 17 - GBC Fall Eng 2016

LoRnE RUBEnSTEin
Writer, Author, Member - Canadian Golf Hall of Fame
“The best outcome would obviously be if it encourages new players, particularly in areas of the world where the game hasn’t caught on and encourages the development of new courses.
“I would imagine they would have to be public courses because I’m not sure how much private investment you would have for new facilities for a small number of players, but some of these countries could get started through small courses or driving ranges.
“I think what nobody wants is the non-result, where it had no impact or no influence at all. And somewhere in between there is probably the truth. I think everything right now is just a guess as to what is going to happen.
“From a media standpoint, this can certainly add something new. The Olympics is the biggest, most watched sporting event in the world, and for that reason alone I think some of the best players in the world might possibly wind up regretting not going. I think the players who do go will have a memorable experience based on the nature of the Olympics.
“From that point of view, what might be underestimated is the emotional impact of the Games, of standing there, walking in with the country’s flag alongside your team, and perhaps standing on the podium to receive a medal. There is a bit of cloud over these Olympics, with the various political problems in Brazil, and because of the Zika virus, and even though the reports on the golf course are wonderful, no one really knows how it’s going to play. I think we’ll all be watching it and following very closely.
“I hope the Games can last. I hope the powers that be will see it’s worthwhile for all the reasons we always talk about – game of a lifetime, teaches good values, etc. I really do hope golf goes beyond 2020. I guess we’ll see.”
SEiZE THE MoMEnT
Golf has been granted an unprecedented opportunity. As an industry, it must be ready to seize this moment and capitalize on whatever returns the Olympics generates. The worldwide viewer- ship alone has the potential to be bigger than all of golf’s men’s and women’s majors this year and next year combined.
Think about that for a moment. Think about the potential exposure. The trouble is that golf might already be on the outside looking in to regain its status as an Olympic sport after 2020.
Withdrawals by some of the game’s top men’s players will not be held in high regard by the International Olympic Committee. Next year’s IOC vote will be solely based on how golf presents itself and how it is presented in Rio. A second chance might never come again.
This is a seminal moment in golf’s history. How it plays out could have repercussions for years or even decades to come – one way or the other.
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