Tour News

First Vijay Singh, now Adam Scott, skipping Olympics in Rio

Published

10 years ago

Apr 20, 2016

Adam Scott will not be representing Australia at the Rio 2016 Summer Olympics, according to statement the 35 year old issued on Tuesday.

“My decision has been taken as a result of an extremely busy playing schedule around the time of the Olympics and other commitments, both personal and professional,” Scott said.

Scott has indicated concern regarding the jam-packed summer of golf, likely more of a concern for the Australian as he pursues major glory than the Zika virus.

ESPN’s Bob Harig wrote about the scheduling issues.

“The International Olympic Committee announced in 2009 that golf would be part of the Olympics in 2016, but the game’s various governing bodies and major championship leaders still faced scheduling issues that have The Open, the PGA Championship and the men’s Olympic golf tournament played over a five-week stretch. The PGA Tour’s FedEx Cup playoffs begin just two weeks after the Olympic event.”

Most top players have given lip-service to the honor of playing for country at the Olympics, but none can be too pleased about what’s being jammed into five weeks. We’re now averaging one Olympic defection a week over the past two weeks, have Singh and Scott started a trend?

Update: 4/21: Per the AP’s Doug Ferguson, Louis Oosthuizen has also stated he won’t be playing in the Olympics, saying in a release: “I have always represented South Africa with pride, so I didn’t make my decision without a great deal of thought.”

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Ben Alberstadt

Ben Alberstadt is the Editor-in-Chief at GolfWRX, where he’s led editorial direction and gear coverage since 2018. He first joined the site as a freelance writer in 2012 after years spent working in pro shops and bag rooms at both public and private golf courses, experiences that laid the foundation for his deep knowledge of equipment and all facets of this maddening game. Based in Philadelphia, Ben’s byline has also appeared on PGATour.com, Bleacher Report...and across numerous PGA DFS and fantasy golf platforms. Off the course, Ben is a committed cat rescuer and, of course, a passionate Philadelphia sports fan. Follow him on Instagram @benalberstadt.

17 Comments

Tiger Woodz

May 19, 2016 at 3:36 pm

I agree it has to do with the drug testing.

Reply Report comment
Brian

Apr 24, 2016 at 4:33 pm

Probably has everything to do with Olympic drug testing.

Reply Report comment
- Boone
  
  May 2, 2016 at 8:19 pm
  
  Its interesting that there was an article on how Adam has gone back to basics and a new ball and hitting the longest drives of his life and then opting out of the Olympics with the more stringent PED testing. This months Golf Digest undercover pro said “don’t get me started on the differences of how golf stars are drug tested.” Just a Hmmmm moment.
  Vijay already caught taking Deer Antler spray which was banned at the time.
  
  Reply Report comment
B

Apr 21, 2016 at 10:08 am

This should be an amateur thing. The pro circuit is at the peak of their season during this time and they have obligations to sponsors and tournaments that have to be met. Let the no names make a name for themselves. It will give an opportunity for the amateurs to see where their games actually are and give them a taste of the international stage.

Reply Report comment
CJ

Apr 20, 2016 at 5:11 pm

Make Olympic golf an amateur event, similar to boxing. Every tournament presently is an international competition. Majors are what professionals live for. Let the amateurs have this.

Reply Report comment
Dodde

Apr 20, 2016 at 4:44 pm

The true: No pay, no play!

Reply Report comment
David

Apr 20, 2016 at 4:14 pm

The Brazil Olympics are the most corrupt in Olympic history. Anyone who attends should be ashamed of themselves. Bravo for Adam and Vijay to make the correct decision. Fortunately the Zika virus provides camouflage for the real reason they are skipping the event.

I truly hope that the USA sends ZERO professionals to compete.

Reply Report comment
- MarkB A
  
  Apr 23, 2016 at 2:23 pm
  
  They are both correct to bail. Brazil is a disaster and is getting worse. All the Olympic events are a huge corrupt money grab and the IOC is also totally corrupt. Zika is hugely hyped as a danger – another money grab for a vaccine or other govt money. The crime in Brazil is off the charts. the Olympic is for amateurs too. The whole NBA players in the Olympics was stupid.
  
  Reply Report comment
Tim C

Apr 20, 2016 at 2:54 pm

There’s a guy called Jason day inside the top 34 I believe. Oh wait yah he’s number 1 in the world!

Reply Report comment
- Andrew Prezioso
  
  Apr 20, 2016 at 6:28 pm
  
  Leishman is the best option Australia has to replace Scott, as Day is a near-lock to be there. We have edited the story to clarify that. Thanks!
  
  Reply Report comment
slider

Apr 20, 2016 at 2:09 pm

i know day had an 80 at harbor town in round 3 but isnt he still number 1?

Reply Report comment
KingFish26

Apr 20, 2016 at 1:41 pm

I am glad I am not the only person thinking…Isn’t Jason Day Aussie? lol

Reply Report comment
andrew

Apr 20, 2016 at 1:40 pm

“With Scott, ranked No. 7 in the Official World Golf Rankings, out of the picture, Marc Leishman (No. 34) is the top-ranked Australian golfer.”

I think the word ‘next’ is missing from that sentence, unless Jason Day has gained US citizenship, to which I say “Welcome!”.

Reply Report comment
eric

Apr 20, 2016 at 1:38 pm

With scott out of the picture, Marc is the top ranked Aussie golfer?? Jason Day disagrees

Reply Report comment
GBR

Apr 20, 2016 at 1:38 pm

“Marc Leishman (No. 34) is the top-ranked Australian golfer.”

Oh, you know except for the (literally) #1 ranked golfer in the WORLD who just so happens to be Australian.

Reply Report comment
Kirbyvol

Apr 20, 2016 at 1:29 pm

LOL!!! That makes ZERO sense to me.

Reply Report comment
Jam

Apr 20, 2016 at 1:21 pm

Honestly makes sense to me. It’s an exhibition where you have to get 1st, 2nd, or 3rd.

Reply Report comment

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