Excitement always builds up in the days and weeks leading up to the Olympic Games, but this year golf enthusiasts have something to look forward to when watching the Olympics. The 2016 Rio Summer Olympics marks the return of the beloved sport.
Golf was a Part of Past Summer Olympics
Golf wasn't always excluded from the Summer Olympic Games. In fact, it used to be a part of two of the Summer Olympic Games.
Both the 1900 and 1904 Olympic Summer Games had athletes that competed in golf events. In the 1900 Olympic Summer Games there were events for women's golf and men's golf. The 1904 Summer Olympic Games only had events for men's golf and men's team golf events.
It was determined that golf would no longer be considered an Olympic sport after the 1904. That led to over 100 years without the sport being included until this year.
The Return of Golf to the Summer Olympic Games
For many years, there was talk about bringing golf events back to the Summer Olympics. Unfortunately, there is an entire process involved with introducing a game back into the event lineup for the Olympic Games.
In 2009, the process to reintroduce golf to the Olympic Games began and in October a vote was taken. The International Olympic Committee, or IOC, successfully voted to reintroduce golf events to the Summer Olympic Games starting with the 2016 Rio Olympics.
How the Game is Structured for the Olympics
Eligible participants in the Olympic Games will be determined by their rankings. The rankings are determined by the International Golf Federation, or IGF. All players that are ranked in the top 15 will be invited to participate in the Olympic Games. This is regardless of what country they represent.
Once the top 15 have been invited, the next 45 players will be eligible for participation. A player will be invited if they are part of the 45 players only if the country they represent does not have two players representing them.
Prepare for the Olympic Games by Taking in a Round of Golf
The Olympic Summer Games may only be open to professional golfers, but that doesn't mean you can't prepare for the event. Have fun and take in a round of golf at Edinburgh USA. We have a championship golf course that will help you feel as if you are an Olympic athlete taking part in the games.
If you are just starting out in the golf world, we have junior and adult golf lessons. Our experienced instructors will help you learn everything from the basic rules of golf to how to properly swing the golf club.
Call us today to schedule a tee time or sign up for one of our golf lessons at our on-site learning center.
Edinburgh USA is a 18 hole Championship Golf Course located just outside of Minneapolis, MN. Book a tee time online at Edinburgh USA.
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