I have a confession to make. I don’t have a real job. I get up early, read the paper, do the crossword, write some junk, make a few calls and answer a couple of e-mails. I basically get paid to do the same thing as the average college student. Go figure.
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But, my weird schedule allows me a lot of free time in the afternoon to screw around, go play golf or maybe even watch some TV. Right now, I’m watching the Olympics on one of the 19 channels that seem to carry coverage nonstop. You probably don’t know this (because you have a real job), but they show all the odd sports during the middle of the day. Those of us with the tube on constantly know the latest results from tae kwon do, badminton, women’s water polo, men’s handball and rhythmic gymnastics (the dancing thing with pretty girls waving long ribbons around). I bet you’re jealous that you’re missing history-making athletic stuff like this!
But, watching this crap … er, I mean outstanding sporting competition … got me thinking about all the discussion about the idea of golf becoming an Olympic sport. Supporters say the idea would put golf in a worldwide spotlight and make it more interesting and accessible to kids in Botswana or East Timor or wherever. Just imagine some small child watching the Olympic golf championship on their tiny black-and-white TV in Belarus and thinking, “Some day, I want to be just like Tiger or Phil. I only wish I had some clubs, a golf course within 1,000 miles or any clue about how to start playing. Oh, and I also wish I had some food and that people weren’t shooting at me.”
I have this to say to those who argue that golf should be in the Olympics: It’s a stupid idea.
Do we need to internationalize the sport? Damned near every PGA Tour event features players from 20 or more different nations.
Do we lack an international championship platform? Gee, we only have the Ryder Cup, President’s Cup, Solheim Cup, Walker Cup, World Golf Championships, etc., etc., etc.
Does golf need to promote itself in places where there aren’t any courses? Ask that kid in Belarus.
Does the Olympics need yet another sport where jaded millionaire professionals get to pretend they’re amateurs for a few days? LeBron James and Kobe Bryant pretty much have that covered.
So, enough with the debate about making golf an Olympic sport. Let’s fix the sport at here at home before we worry about adding another dumb event to an already endless list of dumb Olympic events.
Now, I’m going to kick back and watch some real Olympic competition: BMX bike racing!