Why is golf not an olympic sport?

Question

Golf seems to be the perfect sport for the olympics. Golf is played in just about every country and many countrys have powerful golfers. It would add a sport to the olympics that people actually enjoy watching. They could even incorperate it into the fedex cup for every 4th year. Honestly, how hard would it be to reschedule a few tournaments every 4th year to make room for one of the most exciting golf competitions. I think it would be great.

Answer 1

Golf was previously included as an Olympic sport twice, in 1900 and 1904. As golf's worldwide popularity has grown in the last 10 or 15 years, so have the requests to reinstate the game as an Olympic sport.

Here are some major issues that will keep golf out of the 2008 Games:

First, while it's gaining momentum in other countries, golf is still a very "elite" sport in China (and some other countries). With typical rounds costing $100 or more, golf is not an option for many Chinese workers, where the average income is about $2,000 a year. Without much support from the Chinese organizers, there's no way golf would be included.

Second, as an article from ESPN puts it, "The biggest obstacle facing golf is that the IOC has changed the focus of the Games from amateurs to professionals; it believes this generates better TV ratings. Some in the IOC want to kick out baseball because the major leagues won't allow its players to participate (the Games take place during baseball season). The irony is that the event that gets the best TV ratings -- gymnastics -- has nothing but amateurs. When golf goes before the IOC one of the first questions will be, 'Can you guarantee us Tiger Woods or Phil Mickelson?' The answer will be no."

Finally, IF golf were to make it, what format would they use? Some are suggesting a 72-hole stroke-play event in which three players represent each country. Just as in the 100-meter dash, the medals would be awarded for individual performance and not to a team. But there are several other formats that could be considered, and until most of the people pushing for the sports' inclusion can stand united behind one common format, don't hold your breath.

Answer 2

good question

bring it up with sport fanatics at

www.sportsfanboards.com

Answer 3

because golf is a year around sport...other sports are seasonal which is why they have winter and summer olympics..the main reason they do basketball in the summer games is the season is in mid form by the time the winter olympics is staged

Answer 4

LOL since when the h**l was golf "enjoyable" to watch? such a waste of land.

Answer 5

there's too much going on in a given season.  Four majors, the FedEx Cup playoffs, the Ryder/Presidents Cup... golf doesn't need to be an Olympic sport.  

Answer 6

thats a good question.. i wouldn't mind seein in the olympics. Maybe because they have the ryder cup?