Olympic confusion

After R&A chief Peter Dawson implied that Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy might be spared the difficult choice of which country he’d represent in the 2016 Olympics due to a Charter regulation, reports surfaced on Tuesday saying that McIlroy would almost certainly represent Ireland. However, it appears Dawson may have misinterpreted the Olympic regulation, according to BBC Sport: (continue reading…)

Greg Norman: he just wants to share his knowledge, damn it.

Two-time major champion and World Golf Hall of Fame member Greg Norman is to assist the China Golf Association (CGA) in the run-up to the 2016 Olympic Games, it was announced today.  (continue reading…)

“They’re going to make you do what!?”

In a move designed to placate critics of its current anti-doping regime, the International Tennis Federation (ITF) has approved the immediate introduction of so-called “biological passport” programmes on each of the sport’s major professional tours.

The announcement, arriving as it does a mere three weeks after NBA commissioner David Stern reiterated his commitment to blood testing, only furthers golf’s isolation from the mainstream of world sport. (continue reading…)

Guys, this is a tough one...what a headache

Rory McIlroy has always answered questions to the press as honestly as possible — one of his most endearing qualities. However, there is one sensitive issue that the 23-year-old from Northern Ireland has avoided giving a straight answer: With golf’s re-entrance to the Olympics in 2016, will he represent Ireland or Great Britain? (continue reading…)

Hanse's design will weave its way between dunes... and high-rise apartment blocks.

Architects’ architect Gil Hanse has been commissioned to design the venue for golf’s return to the Olympic Games in 2016.

Famed for his diligent and ecologically-sensitive approach to course design, Hanse – whose bid was strengthened by the cooperation of LPGA legend Amy Alcott – was selected ahead of several high-profile candidates, including Gary Player, Peter Thompson, Jack Nicla (continue reading…)

Golf returns to the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, but there’s one tiny problem — the city doesn’t have a course that can host the competition…yet. Organizers are asking architects interested in designing the golf course for the Games to submit proposals by the end of this month, with a winner to be decided by Christmas, according to the AP: (continue reading…)