Rory withdraws from Olympics

[Beezerk]

yeah, maybe he should just sit in the house all day. How many athletes have pulled out? It's a convenient excuse, he should have the balls to say he just doesn't fancy it.

100%

 

[Alex1975]

Prob an easy decision to make for Rory, i doubt he is bothered about it anyway, not the Kudos of a major.

i feel sorry for you reg athlete, who this is a once in a lifetime chance to be Olympic champ at their sport, arn't worth Millions and this is the pinnacle for them, etc.


I imagine some of the Russian T&F athletes might be secretly relieved

Agreed, pretty much exactly what the conversation in the office. For some its the bit one, a lifes work but not for golfers.

 

[Deleted member 15344]

the chances of catching the virus are extremely slim. The experts are predicting 3 cases for every 100,000 tourists. If you do catch it, the current medical advice is to use contraceptives for 8 weeks.

So the risk is still there ? Sorry it's not something I would risk just to play one golf event that IMO the pros aren't bothered aboutb

 

[njrose51]

I think the virus presents a very valid excuse, but also a very convenient excuse not to play in a tournament which (a) has no kudos. (b) no financial reward. (c) does not have an exciting format for the Pros. (d) interferes with the Majors and the Ryder Cup.

 

[Slab]

He's shown plenty mettle in the past traveling to Africa, Asia & Middle East etc with the Malaria risk... but I don't know if that show's he is prepared to take a risk for a weeks golf or if it shows he's being over cautious this time

 

[super hans]

I personally think the virus excuse takes the heat off which country he was going to represent.

If I recall correctly he wanted to represent Rep. of Ireland despite being British.

However, my mind might be playing tricks on me so apologies if i've got this wrong

 

[User62651]

I personally think the virus excuse takes the heat off which country he was going to represent.

If I recall correctly he wanted to represent Rep. of Ireland despite being British.

However, my mind might be playing tricks on me so apologies if i've got this wrong

Agree with this, could have proved awkward, golf like rugby treats all of Ireland as one but Olympic teams would normally follow UK/Eire political boundaries/citizenship. He didn't have an option to play for Northern Ireland in Olympics which would have been simplest. He was supporting them last night at Euro16.

 

[drdel]

A personal choice he's entitled to make. There's a real risk with so many people in close proximity there will be a spread to some extent.

 

[SwingsitlikeHogan]

A pity but the mistake was focussing on the top players for the olympics. Object was always to widen the support for the sport in countries where it wasn't big but would benefit from the exposure of it being an olympic sport (like Brazil).

Should always have been a team event in my opinion and not just another 72 hole strokeplay event.

Rugby 7s have got it right - sadly golf hasn't.

If it had to be in the Olympics - then hows about it is a four person Team event. All amateurs. UK junior boys champion, UK junior girls champion, UK ladies champion and UK male champion.

 

[pokerjoke]

:thup:

took the words out of my mouth.

I haven't got children and if it potentially risked my health, my partners or my future children why would it be worth it for 1 golfing event?

But the ones that are going to make the event a success?
If its that dangerous and it could be I'm no expert the whole Olympics should be cancelled.
Is it fair that some should go and some should not?
If it is 3 in 10,000 then that's 3 too many imo and should be cancelled,however it wont be because of the money that's been spent.

To a multi millionaire a medal is nothing to an athlete that has trained for years for very little financial gain[mostly] a medal is very special.

 

[Jates12]

yeah, maybe he should just sit in the house all day. How many athletes have pulled out? It's a convenient excuse, he should have the balls to say he just doesn't fancy it.

Youre an idiot.

The reason athletes havent pulled out is because this is the pinnacle of their sport and its worth the risk to them. Its not worth the risk to Rory so why take it?

Thats like me slagging you off for not putting a 100 pound bet on something thats 1/20, It might come in but its not worth it to lose 100 quid if it doesnt.

 

[londonlewis]

Exactly - how pathetic it is to be worried about a virus that could potentially harm his ability to father children - how selfish can one person

Exactly. What a selfish git.

 

[londonlewis]

Who actually lobbied for golf in the Olympics anyway?
Did anyone ask the players whether they wanted it?

I don't think the players should have a say.

The best example I know about including sports in the Olympics comes from 'The Death of a Gentleman' (cricket documentary about test cricket - genuinely recommend watching it).

During the documentary the explain that the major test nations (England, India and Australia) forced a vote against Cricket being in the Olympics. It then explains that China's current budget to promote cricket nationally is £13k. If it became an Olympic sport it would be in the millions.

Going back to golf - how many articles have been written about golf's dwindling numbers? Inclusion in the Olympics would mean bigger budgets for smaller nations / nations that don't really invest in golf. And it would get the golf back on terrestrial TV (albeit for a short moment).

I appreciate there is argument that a gold medal wouldn't be anywhere near the pinnacle of a pro golfers career. But then maybe the top professionals shouldn't play. Although does that diminish the calibre of the whole event?


Note: I've gone round in circles there, I know. Hope you all follow my train of thought. I suppose I see benefits and negatives to the whole thing!

 

[londonlewis]

If it had to be in the Olympics - then hows about it is a four person Team event. All amateurs. UK junior boys champion, UK junior girls champion, UK ladies champion and UK male champion.

That genuinely sounds great.
Only question is; could other countries produce teams like that as well?

 

[londonlewis]

If its that dangerous and it could be I'm no expert the whole Olympics should be cancelled.

I agree but I think too much money is involved and that doesn't bring out the best in human nature.

 

[guest100718]

Poor show from Rory. There shoukd be a penalty of some sort for refusing to go.

 

[Garush34]

Poor show from Rory. There shoukd be a penalty of some sort for refusing to go.

Why should there be? He and all other professional golfers are effectively self employed making their own schedule as they see fit. He shouldn't be penalised for that. If he decides not to play in any other event he doesn't get penalised.

 

[guest100718]

Because I say so

 

[Lord Tyrion]

In my head Pingu is now having a go at Rory. That image is helping me get through a dull afternoon.

 

[hovis]

I would say its a lame excuse for track and field but with golf your outdoor on a warm damp course withs lots of bushes and golfers for the mozzies to eat