Golf returns to the Olympics for the first time in 112 years, but some of its top competitors turned down the opportunity to play. Citing concerns for their wives and families due to the Zika virus, the top four of the world's best golfers decided to sit out of the games, including Jason Day, Dustin Johnson, Jordan Spieth, and Rory McIlroy.
Most have expressed regret that they will not be able to represent their country in Rio, but Rory McIlroy, the four-time major winner and Irish native, has remained unapologetic in his decision to sit the Games out.
“I don’t feel like I’ve let the game down at all. I didn’t get into golf to try to grow the game. I got into golf to win championships and win majors. All of a sudden you get to this point and there is a responsibility on you to grow the game and I get that. But at the same time that’s not the reason I got into golf. I got into golf to win.” -Rory McIlroy
Oh Rory, do you think Michael Phelps and Simone Biles are simply at the Olympics to "grow the game" or their sport? What about Aly Raisman, coming back to the Olympics for a second time seeking redemption for "losing" an all-around bronze medal at the 2012 Games?
Despite the atmosphere surrounding golf's return to the Olympic Games, Bubba Watson and Rickie Fowler, ranked number six and number seven in the world, respectively, will still take their spots on the US men's Olympic golf team, while Patrick Reed and Matt Kuchar complete the US Team in lieu of Spieth and Johnson.
Bubba Watson has embraced the Olympic experience, exuding excitement for not only representing golf for the United States, but also for the Games as a whole. During his time in Rio, Bubba has been very involved, interacting with other athletes, attending multiple events, and posing for pictures.
"It's absolutely amazing. What a privilege and honor that golf is in the Olympics and to be a part of this. Right or wrong, it's hard for me to focus on golf because of the fact that it's just a dream of a lifetime to be associated with these great athletes.''-Bubba Watso
I think Watson is on to something here. The Olympics is an experience unlike any other and an honor for the individual, but it also is about more than just the athlete. Medal ceremony after medal ceremony, superhuman athletes are humbled and moved to tears at the sound of their country's national anthem and the chance to represent that country. An opportunity to compete in the summer games for the first time since 1904 is something golfers should consider an honor, not an inconvenience to an already busy schedule. Because for the first time in their career, they are able to represent something bigger than just themselves.
