Golf In The Olympics?

There has been some discussion about whether or not golf should be in the Olympics or not. It is one of the sports up for entry into the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janerio.Here's my take:

There is no doubt that Golf should be an Olympic sport. Frankly, I am surprised it is not. It is one of the most popular sports in the world to be not in the Olympics. It is an international game, something that holds back sports like American Football from entry.

I think the question should be more of who gets to go to the Olympics? In my opinion, it should the amateurs. The Olympics are about amateur competition, those who dedicate themselves for four years to make big in the Olympics, one shot to make history, or wait four years.

Yes, sports such as Basketball, Soccer, Baseball, and Hockey use their professional athletes for Olympic competition, but golf is a sport that prides itself on its amateur athletes. Competitions such as the British Amateur, and U.S. Amateur are some of the most prestigious in the game and provide reasons for some athletes to continue as amateurs. 

The IOC (International Olympic Committee) has made it clear that if golf is going to become an Olympic sport, the best of the best will have to compete. Which is wrong, in my opinion.

The Olympics to me, are about watching on t.v. cheering for people whom who have never heard of before. Relative unknowns earning their fifteen minutes of fame, with professional golfers in the Olympics, perhaps there are some amateurs who might earn that fifteen minutes. 

If the Olympics does use professional athletes, some changes from conventional play should be made. The Olympic Golf tournament should be a sort of team game, like the Ryder Cup, something that requires a different strategy and teamwork for athletes representing their country. This would prove who is the best golf country, rather than which country has the best individual.

I don't have any suggestions for a sort of game type, whether it be match play, alternate shot or the like, but if the Olympic committee chooses to go with a team game, any game type will be exciting for the viewer.

Golf the perfect Olympic sport, emphasizing fair play and gentlemanly conduct. There is no doubt that the addition if golf into the Olympics would be a great move for the IOC.