Golfers get involved

RIO DE JANEIRO: Golf’s return to the Olympic Games has received plenty of attention over the last few months, thanks to the disdain that most of the best players in the world showed the sporting extravaganza.

But, over the past few days, those who made it to Rio have been taking a very active role in the Games. Far from keeping to themselves, Sergio Garcia of Spain, Henrik Stenson of Sweden and American Rickie Fowler have all been getting into the spirit of things.

Stenson, the Open champion, joined in the partisan Opening Ceremony, and was central to the Swedish procession, posting several pictures on social media.

Garcia was a very interested spectator at the swimming on Saturday, lending support to his compatriots, but also soaking in the football-like atmosphere. Fowler, meanwhile, is part of an American team that has planned their details to the finest iota.

The golfers were expected to book in to fancy hotels, away from the village, but Fowler is in with the rest of Team USA, loving every part of the team dynamic.

Starting on Thursday, the men will take to the Olympic Course in Barra, where, if the gusts that saw the rowing and tennis suspended yesterday return, the links track will show its teeth.

One man will become the first golfing Olympic champion in 112 years. That is worth coming to this part of the world for. – Lungani Zama