Golf: A success or failure at the Olympic Games? | CNN

Golf: A success or failure at the Olympic Games?

By Matias Grez
2 minute read
Updated 12:46 PM EDT, Fri May 13, 2016
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Will golf be a success in the Olympic Games?
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Story highlights

Golf reintroduced to Olympics for first time in 112 years

Many skeptical about sport's first inclusion since 1904

Several leading players already withdrawn

CNN  — 

A cloud of controversy has seemed to follow golf ever since it was announced the sport would be reintroduced to the Olympics at Rio 2016.

How would the course construction affect local land owners and wildlife? How will it fit into an already hectic calender? How seriously will the sport’s top players take it?

A number of leading golfers, including major winner Adam Scott, have already decided to pull out of the Games.

Where Spieth and McIlroy will go for gold

But there are still several leading figures in the sport who believe its reintroduction after 112 years is merited.

“Golf made an incredible pledge at the time, back in 2009,” Christophe Dubi, Olympic Games Executive Director, said of the sport’s bid.

“They presented all the added value golf could bring to the Olympic Games and when it came to reviewing the program and deciding the sports for the Rio Games, we came to the conclusion that golf would be a formidable opportunity.”

Masters green or Olympic Gold: Which would Rory pick?

Canadian Ben Lyons was the last to receive a gold medal for the sport at the 1904 Missouri Games, and it remains to be seen whether golf will leave a lasting Olympic legacy or disappear into obscurity for another century.

Is golf a welcome addition to the Olympic Games? Have your say on CNN Sport’s Facebook page

Rio 2016 is 100 days away but this spectator at the city's Olympic golf course couldn't give a hoot.
Owl in one? —
Rio 2016 is 100 days away but this spectator at the city's Olympic golf course couldn't give a hoot.
Buda Mendes/Getty
Rio has been hosting a series of test events to get ready for the Games, despite a maelstrom of political and economic upheaval gripping Brazil.
Sprint finish —
Rio has been hosting a series of test events to get ready for the Games, despite a maelstrom of political and economic upheaval gripping Brazil.
Buda Mendes/Getty
President Dilma Rousseff, facing impeachment proceedings, has still made appearances at Olympic venues. She opened the aquatics venue earlier in April.
Treading water —
President Dilma Rousseff, facing impeachment proceedings, has still made appearances at Olympic venues. She opened the aquatics venue earlier in April.
Buda Mendes/Getty
International Olympic Committee inspectors say Rio's venues are 98 percent complete, with just over three months to go. This is the aquatics venue from the outside.
Almost ready —
International Olympic Committee inspectors say Rio's venues are 98 percent complete, with just over three months to go. This is the aquatics venue from the outside.
Yasuyoshi Chiba/AFP/Getty
This, believe it or not, will be the whitewater venue for canoe slalom during the Olympics. Until then, it's a great place to take a dip.
Swimming room only —
This, believe it or not, will be the whitewater venue for canoe slalom during the Olympics. Until then, it's a great place to take a dip.
Yasuyoshi Chiba/AFP/Getty
Some of Rio's venues promise spectacular views during the Games.
Ocean blue —
Some of Rio's venues promise spectacular views during the Games.
Buda Mendes/Getty
The city's Sugarloaf Mountain is never far from view during outdoor events like the marathon, race walking, and road cycling.
Iconic backdrop —
The city's Sugarloaf Mountain is never far from view during outdoor events like the marathon, race walking, and road cycling.
Buda Mendes/Getty
Members of Brazil's military police at the marina which will be home to Olympic sailing events. Water pollution at this venue and security concerns are just two of the issues Rio organizers face.
Keeping watch —
Members of Brazil's military police at the marina which will be home to Olympic sailing events. Water pollution at this venue and security concerns are just two of the issues Rio organizers face.
Buda Mendes/Getty
Test events in Rio have, in the main, gone smoothly. However, some venues experienced power outages. Shooting events will be held here.
Gunning for gold —
Test events in Rio have, in the main, gone smoothly. However, some venues experienced power outages. Shooting events will be held here.
Matthew Stockman/Getty
Where London 2012 adopted blue and hot pink as its colours, many Rio events will boast a greener tinge as seen at the artistic gymnastics venue.
Going green —
Where London 2012 adopted blue and hot pink as its colours, many Rio events will boast a greener tinge as seen at the artistic gymnastics venue.
Matthew Stockman/Getty
The greenest of all venues might be golf. While some leading pros are opting to skip Rio, the rest will take part in the first Olympic golf tournament since 1904.
Back in the swing —
The greenest of all venues might be golf. While some leading pros are opting to skip Rio, the rest will take part in the first Olympic golf tournament since 1904.
Buda Mendes/Getty
Inside Carioca Arena 3 at Rio's main Olympic Park, where fencing and taekwondo will take place.
X factor —
Inside Carioca Arena 3 at Rio's main Olympic Park, where fencing and taekwondo will take place.
Matthew Stockman/Getty
Giovane Gavio, a retired volleyball star, was the first Brazilian to take a leg of this year's Olympic torch relay during a lighting ceremony in Greece this month.
Journey begins —
Giovane Gavio, a retired volleyball star, was the first Brazilian to take a leg of this year's Olympic torch relay during a lighting ceremony in Greece this month.
Milos Bicanski/Getty
Mexican Paralympic swimmer Luis Armando Andrade Guillen at a Rio test event last week. There are 133 days until the Rio Paralympics begin.
In at the deep end? —
Mexican Paralympic swimmer Luis Armando Andrade Guillen at a Rio test event last week. There are 133 days until the Rio Paralympics begin.
Buda Mendes/Getty
Rio 2016 Olympics: Around the venues with 100 days to go