GOLF: The International Golf Federation has announced the qualification system for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, where the sport will make its return for the first time since St Louis 1904.
Qualification is based on world rankings and if the Olympic cut-off was this week Australia would be represented by four players and have the men’s gold medal favourite.
Based on the qualification criteria and this week’s rankings world No.1 Adam Scott and world No.6 Jason Day would contest the men’s tournament. Karrie Webb, the world No.7, and Minjie Lee, ranked 72nd, would be Australia's representatives in the women's tournament.
In both the men's and women's events, 60 players will compete in a 72-hole stroke play format for the medals. Nations can qualify up to four players if they are ranked in the top 15 in the world. For all other nations they can have a maximum of two players per event. As is common for the Olympic Games the host nation is guaranteed one place for men and women, and allocations will be made to ensure a representative from each continent.
Based on this week’s rankings and the number of top American golfers, reigning British Open champion Phil Mickelson would miss out. He is ranked 13th in the world but he is ranked 6th best American.
There will be plenty of movement in the rankings and plenty of time for more Australians to put themselves in contention between now and the countdown deadline on July 11 2016.
Australia was not represented when golf was played at the Olympic Games in 1900 and 1904, so the athletes who make the 2016 Australian Olympic Team will be making history. The men’s tournament is scheduled to start on August 11 (Day 6) and the women on August 17 (Day 12).
Rugby Sevens is the other new addition to the 2016 competition schedule, with Australia hoping to qualify and push for the medals in both the men’s and women’s tournaments.
Australia will be represented by two golfers and a women’s rugby sevens team at the Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing, China next month. Learn more about the Australian Youth Olympic Games team here>>>
AOC
