AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) — Sa pagbabalik ng golf sa Olympics sa Rio Games, higit pa sa gintong medalya ang makakamit ng tatanghaling kampeon.
May libre ring silang slots para sa lahat ng major championships sa 2017.
Ipinahayag nitong Lunes (Martes sa Manila) ng governing bodies for men’s and women’s golf ang pagbibigay ng ‘exemptions’ bilang insentibo sa Olympic champions.
Libreng makalalahok ang men’s winner sa Masters, U.S. Open, British Open at PGA Championship sa 2017, habang ang magwawagi sa women’s side ay awtomatikong makalalaro sa final major ng 2016, ang Evian Championship sa September, gayundin sa apat na major sa 2017: ang ANA Inspiration, Women’s PGA Championship, U.S. Women’s Open at Women’s British Open.
“Whether it’s someone that is in the top rankings in the world or someone who is a Cinderella story, in both ways it’s a positive,” sambit ni Pete Bevacqua, chief executive officer ng PGA of America.
May pagdududa ang ilang player sa kahalagahan ng Olympics higit sa majors o sa Ryder Cup.
Iginiit ni Billy Payne, chairman ng Augusta National at head ng 1996 Atlanta Olympics, na higit sa inaasahan ang kahalagahan ng Summer Games para sa isang atleta.
“There is nothing — nothing — more powerful than representing your country,” sambit ni Payne. “I suspect that you will see that take over and totally capture the enthusiasm of the players for golf.”