Greg Norman says Australians should make Rio Olympics a priority in 2016

Adam Scott has hardly been bubbling over with enthusiasm for golf at the Olympics. At the other end of the spectrum, his childhood idol Greg Norman says selecting the right team stands as one of the most pressing concerns for Australian golf heading into the New Year.

For the first time since 1904, golf will be played at an Olympic Games when the field tees off in Brazil in August. Given the form and quality of Australia’s men’s and women’s players, it stands as a legitimate gold medal chance on both sides of the draw.

Jordan Spieth, America’s world No.1, has declared he will play and treat it like a fifth major, a far cry from Scott’s suggestion that it would be little more than an exhibition event.Perhaps the enthusiasm of Norman can help convince Scott and Jason Day that it’s a tournament worth building their seasons around. Having Spieth involved ups the ante instantly, just for starters, while Day has made more positive noises about taking part.

Norman has praised the current generation of Australian players and views Rio as a golden chance to  make some history.

“The next most important thing as far as I’m concerned is who does Australia put in the Olympics, what team? It’s really important because right now we have a statement to make,” Norman told Channel Seven.
“Wouldn’t it be cool, really cool, if Australia got a gold medal at the Olympics. That would be fantastic for this country. We definitely have the players to do it.”

The world golf rankings (up until July 11) determine the entry of players, with the top 15 men and women earning automatic invites. After that, invites are worked downwards through the rankings until each competing country has two entrants.

Day and Scott are the clear front runners on the men’s side, with Minjee Lee and Karrie Webb the two outstanding candidates for the women. All four would be in medal calculations if they are in form.