Tom Watson on why golf doesn’t fit the Olympic formula

Tom Watson on why golf doesn't fit the Olympic formula

After 112 years, golf is again an Olympic sport but it has caused quite a stir and opinion within the sport remains heavily divided. 

Several of golf’s biggest names have been quick to criticise the sport’s best players for withdrawing from this summer’s Olympic Games in Rio but Tom Watson has waded in with a different take on the matter.

The 66-year-old has criticised the tournament’s governing body for letting professional golfers take part as a pose to amateurs.

The eight time major-winner also told Today’s Golfer that golf doesn’t fit the Olympics’ traditional formula.

“I am old school,” said Waston.

“I think the Olympic Games should be based on sports for track and field. I don’t think golf fits that formula.

“I see the benefits of having golf in the Olympics but one of the most disappointing things that happened in the Olympics was when they included the professionals.

“They need to go back a couple of steps because it should be an amateur event.

“That would be the right thing to do for the Olympics.”