Good news, golf in 2016

"I think it's going to start right away," PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem said about the game's growth shortly after learning the sport would return to the Olympics at the 2016 Summer Games in Rio de Janeiro. "When you consider that over 100 countries will now invest in the sport to grow the game, it will catapult the level of growth, particularly in Asia, Eastern Europe and South America. Golf in the Olympics is going to strengthen the image and texture of the game.
"It is going to be more recognized as a truly athletic endeavor."

Golf was last played in the Olympics at the 1904 St. Louis Games, where Canada's George Lyon took the gold as only men competed. Women last played golf in the 1900 Games in Paris, where Margaret Abbott of the USA won the gold medal.

Back then, less than a handful of countries competed in golf. Finchem predicts that in 2016 about 30 countries will be represented in a 72-hole stroke-play tournament for 60 men and 60 women.
If golf stays in the Olympics — it was reinstated for 2016 and 2020 — John Strawn, president of the course design firm Arthur Hills/Steve Forrest and Associates, expects the game's growth to continue for years.

"The real impact here is that governments in China and India will now spend significant funds on the development of golfers, just as they spend on the development of gymnasts and field hockey players," he said. "In China, the creations of golf practice facilities alone — not to mention golf courses — will run into the billions of dollars."

The entire golf industry will be affected by the growth.

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