On Monday World Golf Hall of Famer Gary Player released a letter addressing the Olympic withdrawal of top golfers. He sent the statement via Twitter, shortly after news broke that world number 20 Charl Schwartzel had joined Louis Oosthuizen in opting out of the 2016 summer Olympics.
‘I am sad and disappointed that several top players have withdrawn from the Olympic Games in Rio. Not just South Africans,’ Player began. ‘I would have given anything to play in the Olympics. South Africa had a great team, but now obviously, it will not be as good.’
The nine-time major champion put South Africa on the map in professional golf and continues to give his time for the betterment of the game. Last week he teamed up with the PGA Tour Champions for #AskGary – a chance for any fans to send questions to The Black Knight and get video answers.
#AskGary pic.twitter.com/5RaNBdPhP3
— PGA TOUR Champions (@ChampionsTour) April 20, 2016
This week he could only express unhappiness at the Olympic withdrawal of two of SA’s best three competitors.
‘Much of my life has been spent growing the game worldwide no matter who plays and who doesn’t. Not just me, The Big Three traveled promoting the game everywhere for not a lot of money. Players today make so much and should be giving back. The Olympics is one way they can do that since there is no prize money,’ said Player.
He and other senior professionals come from a time when giving back was part of the job, but nowadays players opt for tournaments based on appearance fees and minimized schedules.
Both the European and PGA Tours host events across the globe and touring has become more taxing but, as Player pointed out, The Olympics comes around every four years and is the pinnacle in sports.
‘The Olympics will undoubtedly grow the game worldwide no matter who plays and who doesn’t. All top players should think carefully about this,’ he said. ‘Golf is one of the most popular sports in the world and our best players should be showcased on the biggest stage.’
Player, an icon for both Schwartzel and Oosthuizen, has been put in a difficult position as the captain of a weaker team headed to The Olympics.
My thoughts on players withdrawing from the Olympic Games… pic.twitter.com/nI5S5k5unq
— Gary Player (@garyplayer) April 25, 2016
Gary Player’s full letter below:
I am sad and disappointed that several top players have withdrawn from the Olympic Games in Rio. Not just South Africans. I would have given anything to play in the Olympics. South Africa had a great team, but now obviously, it will not be as good.
Players withdrawing hurt the game of golf. I was sorry to hear that Louis Oosthuizen and Charl Schwartzel have withdrawn their names from consideration. They have been playing outstanding golf lately. This certainly impacts South Africa’s chances to win a gold medal. No doubt they would have made our team even stronger.
There are a few other South Africans right on the bubble of qualifying. Jaco van Zyl and George Coetzee need to play well in the next couple of months to earn spot. Our goal was and still is to win a golf medal in golf, and show the world that South Africa is one of the best golfing nations on the planet.
Much of my life has been spent growing the game worldwide no matter who plays and who doesn’t. Not just me, The Big Three traveled promoting the game everywhere for not a lot of money. Players today make so much and should be giving back. The Olympics is one way they can do that since there is no prize money.
The Olympics will undoubtedly grow the game worldwide no matter who plays and who doesn’t. All top players should think carefully about this. It is only once every four years! Many people fought tooth and nail for decades to get golf bacon the Olympic Games, a true worldwide effort. Golf is one of the most popular sports in the world and our best players should be showcased on the biggest stage in sports. Luckily, we will still have four more years to make sure the best players see this importance and commit to play in Tokyo, Japan.
I agree with the International Golf Federation and understand the challenges players face in terms of scheduling this summer. It is regrettable to see some leading players not participate in this summer’s Games. It is indeed a spectacular celebration of sport, and very exciting golf is back once again. It will be a time that no living professional golfer has ever experienced. I will be there. Walking in the arena with the South African team during the Opening Ceremony will be incredible. I cannot wait to represent my country with pride.
