Question

Golf has returned to the Olympic Games. In its first games back in the 2016 Rio games, many of the biggest name PGA Tour players did not compete or participate in the Olympics. What are some options that golf officials could pursue in order to make the Olympic Games more attractive to draw the biggest names in golf?

When considering this the scenario and question, develop a plan to encourage golfers to pursue a medal at the Olympic Games. Answer the following questions as part of developing your plan. This case study will require additional individual research concerning Olympic golf.

1. Why were golfer's not interested in the Olympic Games? Was it location, prestige, timing, etc.

2. Considering the answers (issues) to question 1, what are two strategies to resolve those issues?

3. What type of policy could be implemented that encourages, punishes, and/or rewards golfers that pursue the Olympics? How would the PGA implement and govern such a policy?

4. How and why would this policy be effective?

Answer 1

1.      Why was a golfer’s not interested in the Olympic Games? Was it location, prestige, timing, etc.

The golfers were not interested in Olympic games because they feel the exclusivity of the game is lost if it is treated as another game in the Olympics. The top players are not interested in being a part of the event. 5 of the top 14 ranking players did not participate in the game citing Zika virus and fears associated with the ailment. Some players mentioned Olympics was not a priority for them. Most golfers feel that Olympic is a circus and a big exhibition, they feel it’s an elitist sport which does not need to part of the Olympics. They also feel the format introduced for competing in the Olympics is not as required. Another reason cited is the Olympic is followed by important golf Ryder cup where normally the US and Europe battle out for the prestigious title.

           

2.      Considering the answers (issues) to question one, what are two strategies to resolve those issues?

The strategy to resolve the conflict and to encourage lead players participating in the Olympics would be as follows:

·         Hosting the Olympics in a city or region which is considered less dangerous and more safe for the athletes like next 2020 is being held in Japan. The players cited fear of Zika is a prime reason not to participate in the Rio games in 2016.

·         The second issue of timing of the Olympics can be adjusted to avoid the event conflicting with other major golfing events like the Ryder Cup, PGA Championship, British open etc.

To sum it up the participation and involvement of golfers can be improved in the Olympics by giving them a safe and conducive environment clubbed with a suitable timing to ensure the full participation and involvement of the golfers.

3.      What type of policy could be implemented that encourages, punishes, and/or rewards golfers that pursue the Olympics? How would the PGA implement and govern such a policy?

A policy giving rewards:

The golf at the Olympics for world players can be made an internationally acclaimed event. The event can be having huge international awards and the winners would be entitled to many financial and other benefits.

Further many big companies would be encouraged to sponsor the event and encourage their brand ambassadors to participate in the event. The big brands would be encouraged to ensure the participation of the golfers. The countries which the golfer represent will have to push their participation in Olympics or face flak for the entire Olympic contingent.

Penalties for not participating:

The players who are free and do not represent their country without any specific valid reasons. The country athletes would be barred from participating in any games.

Participating in Olympics is a matter of pride no golfer would like his countrymen to be punished because of his fault.

The PGA can implement these by rewarding the successful players and the winners and punishing the countries who do not encourage participation by barring their participation in other events.

4.      How and why would this policy be effective?

The policy would be effective as winning a gold medal for the country and also being part of the Olympics is a matter of prestige. The participation would be rewarded with high financial gains.

The punishment of not allowing another country from participating in the Olympics will be a heavy price to pay for the country. The golfers will be forced to participate or face the wrath of the national media and public.