More Greetings From Rio: Olympic Fever May Be Setting In!

Had their been any present, the Olympic spirit lightbulb might have gone off for many golf fans today at the Rio venue after seeing splashes of team colors dotting the links-meets-sandbelt property.

With team entourages and some caddies in matching colors, the vistas at the course—accented by the bright 2016 color palette—let us know this could only be one event: the Olympic Games.

The only thing better? Teammates preparing for a competition that included an actual team component they were strategizing and bonding for. And…spectators.

We’ll table the team and format matter until after the Games (though Sergio has mentioned it this week notes Rex Hoggard. And we'll hope the sell-out for tickets Sunday means we’ll have a nice crowd for the medal round. Though with smaller crowds we will hear from the fans of certain countries. The course's well-preserved native areas will be handed off to the people of Rio in good shape. So there is that.

Also of note is the increasing excitement of players and caddies who are getting swept up in the Olympic spirit by attending other events and soaking up the thrill of being here. A visit to the massive and well-conceived Olympic Park means experiencing an epic concentration of energy from the many venues and party scene, which is highlighted by a pop-up disco and concert stage. I took in a captivating and loud Team Handball game featuring the home country, who fell after a valiant (and briefly bloody) comback effort.

Team USA’s Rickie Fowler, Bubba Watson and Matt Kuchar practiced together under the watchful eye of dignitaries like course designer Gil Hanse, the IGF’s Ty Votaw (who did more work than anyone alive to get golf here), PGA Tour COO Jay Monahan and Kuchar’s wife Sybi. Various rules officials from the USGA, PGA Tour, European Tour and R&A were also out walking for pre-tournament recon studies.

All three Americans were striking the ball beautifully and seemed to be genuinely thrilled to be here, as are their caddies. But it was Watson whose nifty punch, run and jab shots around the greens stood out almost as much as his unusually chipper mood. A happy Bubba is a dangerous Bubba. Issue a flood watch if they are playing the anthem for him Sunday evening.

A few things worth clicking on...

If you saw me on with Rich Lerner today, you know he set up this somewhat accidental but absolutely mesmerizing piece with Sandy Tatum on the 1936 Games. Ony viewable in the States.

Bob Harig of ESPN.com on how the design turned out in the eyes of the folks who picked Gil Hanse.

Alex Miceli of Golfweek on Team USA living the good life as Olympians, soaking up the atmosphere and appearing relaxed at their Tuesday press conference.

James Corrigan on Ireland's Seamus Power.

Doug Ferguson on Padraig Harrington seeing Olympic golf as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Emiliano Grillo had an emotional reunion with his clubs. We can all understand. G.C. Digital reports.

Rickie Fowler is surprised at the fuss over his haircut, reports Steve DiMeglio. He's also making sure to mae the stay-at-home golfers, notes Rex Hoggard.

Team USA united in their praise of the course design, writes Jay Coffin.

A nice slideshow of the practice round with images by Chris Condon and Stan Badz.

A few favorite shots from Tuesday’s practice round staring with the tee setup featuring an Omega clock and simple Rio 2016 signage.

The par-3 8th: