GOLF: Marc Leishman and Cameron Smith begin their quest for Olympic history, at Kasumigaseki Country Club in northern Tokyo tomorrow, where they will tee it up in the men's golf competition at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
They are chasing the first-ever Australian golf medals in an Olympics, and they are both excited at the medal prospect and Olympic experience.
“Growing up you really never think that you're going to wear the Olympic uniform with the coat of arms on it,” said Queenslander Smith, ranked No. 28 in the world. “It's pretty special. I mean, it's just going to be an awesome experience.”
Both Smith and Victorian born Leishman grew up watching the Games on television; in particular Australia’s remarkable swimmers, like the great Ian Thorpe and Grant Hackett.
Leishman, who makes his Olympic debut at 37, looks upon the Games endeavour as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
“I mean, this is only once every four years. In my lifetime there's only going to be probably another, not too many gold medallists. As a golfer, I think we didn't grow up thinking we would have a chance to win a medal, so I think as time goes on, this is going to get bigger and bigger and bigger. But this is a big deal. I mean, I think it would be, if it wasn't equal to a major, it would be a very, very, very close second.”
Smith, 27, is bursting with pride this week, “The green and gold, the coat of arms on the chest just hits a little bit different,” he said. “I mean, it's always nice to play for something bigger than just yourself every week.”
Leishman is first away tomorrow at 9.40am AEST with Japanese superstar and Masters champion Hideki Matsuyama and Corey Conners of Canada. Smith tees off at 11.10am with Viktor Hovland of Norway and South African Garrick Higo.
The men’s competition, at Kasumigaseki Country Club, is contested over 72 holes over four rounds of stroke play.
The women’s competition begins next Wednesday, with Perth’s Hannah Green and Minjee Lee competing for Australia.
Martin Blake
