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Why has golf been re-introduced to the Olympics after more than a century-long absence?

Daxton Swanton

Golf, a sport that has been played for centuries, was once a staple in the Olympics. However, it was removed after the 1904 Games and failed to find its way back to the world's largest sporting event until the Rio Games in 2016. So, why has it taken over a century to re-introduce golf to the Olympics?

The answer to that question lies in the evolution of the sport, the current state of the game, and the Olympic Games' commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Firstly, golf has gone through significant changes since its inclusion in the Olympics. Golf courses have increased in size, equipment has evolved, and the way golf is played has become more strategic. These advancements eventually led to a divide between traditionalists and modernists, with traditionalists favouring a more conservative approach to the game and modernists championing a daring, high-risk style of play.

This divide has, in turn, made it challenging for golf federations to agree on the format of an Olympic golf event. However, the emergence of new players in the sport, especially from Asia and Africa, has made golf more accessible to a global audience.

On the sustainability front, Golf has suffered in the past due to environmental issues and a perception of being a sport reserved for only the elites. However, the sport has taken a more proactive approach in recent years, with many courses becoming environmentally friendly and golf courses embracing more diverse audiences.

In addition to these issues, the Olympic Games have also evolved. The IOC has been actively trying to make the Games more inclusive, reflecting the diversity of today's world and the ever-changing needs of fans. This paved the way for the inclusion of new sports, such as skateboarding, surfing, and karate, in the Tokyo Olympics 2020.

The inclusion of golf in the Olympics is also an attempt to reinvigorate interest in the sport among young people and create a platform for up-and-coming talent. The decision to introduce golf back into the Olympics was due to a partnership between the International Golf Federation and the International Olympic Committee, with both organisations recognising the potential impact that golf could have on the Olympics.

All in all, the reintroduction of golf into the Olympics after more than a century-long absence is a combination of several factors, such as the evolution of the sport, the commitment to diversity, and sustainability and the Olympic Games' changing needs. With the world watching, golf's inclusion has provided a unique opportunity for the sport to showcase its talent while encouraging inclusivity, diversity and unified international spirit.