Page 66 - GBC summer 2016

On October 9, 2009, the Interna- tional Olympic Committee re-intro- duced golf to the Olympic program, beginning this summer with the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. With that announcement, the Olympic dream for Canadian golf was reborn.
The Olympic golf dream was a historical footnote for more than a century. In 1904, Canadian George S. Lyon won the Olympic golf com- petition that earned him a gold medal and the majestic Olympic golf trophy (seen in photo above). After a 112-year absence, golf returns to the Olympic program and thanks to George, Canada’s four member team – two men and two women – head to Rio to defend Canada’s title!
I have always believed in the power of heroes. I think about Mike Weir winning the 2003 Masters and the impact that it had on golf in this country. It not only spurred a generation of young talents, but it connected Canadians, both golfers and non-golfers alike, to a new sport hero.
The Olympics will showcase 10,500 athletes from 206 countries competing over 17 days of competi- tion, August 5-21, in 306 medal events. The Games represent the pinnacle of sport—an opportunity to showcase golf on the biggest and
The Parting Shot
The Legacy of Olympism
brightest stage. New Canadians and non-golfers may not feel a connec- tion to golf, but they embrace the Olympics.
Showcasing golf on the Olympic stage will have an impact on the growth of the game world-wide. Despite golf’s standing as the most participated sport in Canada, the impact of the Olympic movement will be felt at golf facilities across the country.
I envision parents watching 18- year old Brooke Henderson compete for her country; young, humble, and immensely talented. I think of the power of heroes—a young boy or girl watching Brooke, Alena Sharp, Graham DeLaet, or David Hearn competing, and then asking mom or dad if they can try golf.
The Olympic impact isn’t sim- ply rooted in new participants. It can be measured this summer through excitement and engage- ment at the club level for events like Olympic viewing parties or tournaments. It is an opportunity for facilities to welcome parents and
youngsters from the community to sample junior golf activities like CN Future Links, Take A Kid To The Course or Golf in Schools. It is about casual or avid golfers taking part in charity golf, registering for club and recreational leagues or simply playing a few more rounds in 2016.
The Olympic movement celebrates values that are important to Canadian golf—gender equality, inclusiveness, education, sustain- ability, and access to sport. For two weeks in August, the power of the Olympics will connect billions of people through an intense and emotional sport experience. Excel- lence will be celebrated but the true legacy of that experience will live on through the depth of grassroots participation and recreational golf for the years that follow.
66Golf Business Canada
Scott Simmons
Scott is the Chief Executive Officer of Golf Canada. You can follow Scott on Twitter @golfcanadaguy or he can be reached at ssimmons@golfcanada.ca or (905) 849-9700.