Olympic Golf? Rogge Off!

I'd always imagined it was just a joke, but apparently the golfing authorities are deadly serious in their intent to have golf included from the 2016 Olympics.

Showing a lack of imagination that, sadly, we have come to expect from these bodies, their "plan" is to run a 72 hole strokeplay Olympic golf tournament. So... just like 99% of all pro golf events.... how stimulating.

Putting aside my own personal feelings (apathy at best), we should consider this logically, and ask ourselves what golf would add to the Olympics.

As mentioned above, it will be a "standard" 72 hole event. Therefore... adds nothing.

Will a gold medal be the pinnacle of a golfer's career, its cachet greater than a major? I think not, therefore... adds nothing.

Will the top players from each country definitely play? Well, there's no prize money, and the Olympics fall in a congested period in the pro golf calendar -US PGA, Fedex / Race to Dubai (or whatever succeeds them), and the Ryder Cup all clash with the Olympic calendar. It's hard to imagine all the top players sacrificing success in these events for a dubious bauble, which means the field quality will likely be lower than the Majors, TPC, and WGC. Therefore... adds nothing.

If golf is to be included, then please let it be different from the average tour event. My suggestion - each country enters a "pair", playing alternate shot, with a two round stroke play qualifier providing eight teams for a knockout phase.

If only it were tomorrow.... Mickelson and Woods representing the USA. Now that would be worth watching.