Justin Rose Wins Olympic Gold In Golf: Your Reactions

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I'm busy penning some observations about the scene after the golf, which certainly was different than any I've seen.

In the meantime I'd love to hear how the golf came off, how tense did it feel, was the network coverage of note in any way and whether you heard of anyone seeing golf in a different light due to the way things played out.

Fire away!

Day 3 Wrap 2016 Olympic Men's Golf: Following A Dream Script

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Without some notable young stars, Olympic men's golf was in danger of not producing a strong leaderboard.

With a limited field, brought up in the rear by players outside the top 150 in the world, a runaway was always a possible.

With a golf course that only eight people had played one time, grown in by a crew that knew nothing about golf a year ago and in a city whose inhabitants didn't want or need a course, the venue could have interfered with the proceedings in unforeseen anyway.

Oh, and we're in Rio, where we're not supposed to flush toilet paper.

Yet in spite of all those obstacles, the first draft turned in by the script doctors is a doozy.

As I lay out for GolfDigest.com, God Save The Queen should be played around 4:30 as Justin Rose tries to stiff upper lip it and mercifully fails. But the best golfer on the planet right now figures to have a say in the matter, while a zany cast of character actors and old stars make cameos.

A breeze will be present but not like days one and three. Oh and everyone show up a half-hour earlier. The telecast window is adjusted accordingly, and NBC is also planning on carrying the conclusion live on the network.

The final round groupings and tee times.

We are in for a grand finish Sunday in the 2016 Olympic Golf men's competition between two combatants who have played together in Ryder Cup competition put on a grand show Saturday, writes PA's Phil Casey.

Alistair Tait at Golfweek.com calls it a dream duel.

In early voting I see most of you think Stenson will prevail.

Bob Harig on Justin Rose's best round of the year Saturday, and why the Englishman hasn't been his usual self after what looked was going to be a huge year. 

"I think the only thing that's held me back really from winning this year has been injury. It's been a little bit of a slow year for me,'' Rose said. "I haven't been able to be up to my normal speed in terms of practice. Probably since Doral (in March), I've been struggling, to be honest with you. It's nice to be through that.

Mike McCallister notes that Rose merely has the pole position with his one stroke lead, and adds other notes from the day.

Alan Shipnuck at golf.com seizes on Rose's lesson learned from attending gymnastics this week.

This increased focus has an unlikely origin: women’s gymnastics. Rose, whose wife Kate is a former gymnast, attended a meet earlier in the week and was blown away by the commotion on the floor, with so many disciplines happening simultaneously. "They have literally their body on the line if something goes wrong yet the level of distraction around them is incredible," Rose said. "It kind of made me realize that I could do a better job of sort of tunneling in and forgetting some of the distractions that can be out there on the golf course. That's one that I tried to use this week."

Bubba Watson cost himself a shot with a drop-kick putt that he believes will make him a legend. Particularly if he loses out on a medal by one, as I note at GolfDigest.com

You can see the putt here at Golfweek.com 

Sergio took himself out of medal contention barring a miracle, but still is having fun.

 On the ratings front, golf made NBC's Thursday Olympic ratings release.

Golf Channel averaged 386,000 viewers for its live coverage of the full first-round (6:30 a.m.-3:13 p.m. ET) of the first day of Olympic golf since 1904 – a 543% increase from the same time period during the 2012 London Games. In addition, the network averaged 515,000 viewers for the afternoon window (noon-3:13 p.m. ET), up 287% from 2012.  

No greed goes unpunished files: the Olympic rating wasn't enough to boost John Deere Classic ratings, which drew fall-style numbers according to Sports TV Ratings. I still can't believe the tour scheduled an event this week. Sure hope John Deere gets a makeup date.

The Olympics also impacted the U.S. Senior Open Thursday, which drew an average of 53,000 viewers over five hours.

The course setup on Saturday was pretty difficult, with quite possibly the worst looking and playing hole location I've seen on a major stage. Particularly given the size and quality of the 17th green complex created by Gil Hanse and friends.

Other head scratchers on the course setup defied the forecasted wind direction and gave the appearance of having been decided days ago: trying to make the par-4 3rd driveable into the wind, a back left pin on the long par-3 14th when the wind was coming out of the left, and the par-3 17th's goofy looking location. 

Thankfully the forecast does not call for strong winds. Hopefully they've been saving the best setup for last.

Photo Caption Contest: McConaughey Meets Finchem

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As I wrote for GolfDigest.com, Matthew McConaughey visited the Olympic golf course and followed Rickie Fowler.

Big day here in Rio!

All right, all right...

More importantly, MM got some face time with TF, as evidenced by this Chris Condon photo on the IGF Flickr page. While this looks like a showdown, it was a long and friendly conversation (especially with MM in a Presidents Cup jacket). But I don't know what was said...you?

Mens Olympic Golf: Day One Recap And Links

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From the Rio perspective I’m not sure the opening day of Olympic golf could have gone much better. It was fitting that the opening tee shot was watched mostly by some passionate fans and the dignitaries who ushered golf into the Games. These are people who have dealt for years with no shortage of naysaying, general whining, petty bickering and some deserved criticism.

It was also impressive to see just about every significant leader from the five families on hand, as well as those who may be retired but who contributed to the golf-in-the-Games push like former European Tour Chief George O’Grady. (I detailed the scene and some of the names for GolfDigest.com here.)

Anyone with a sense of the many meetings, conversations and politicking undertaken by these folks had to  congratulate all involved for getting us to a very special morning. Furthermore, as players continue to offer their praise for the Games experience, these leaders can proudly say they created something that has evolved  into a life-changing few weeks for 120 golfers and their assorted families and countries.

Even more heartening was how quickly the course filled up with over 6,000 energetic, eager and curious spectators who were greeted by live music, interactive hitting bays and putting greens, and the chance to take a photo under the Olympic rings. Considering how difficult Rio is to traverse, the attendance was admirable and merely getting all of the volunteers in place was a minor miracle (a few told me some wise soul made a Wednesday night call to employ Uber to ensure early attendance at a tough venue to reach).

From Adilson da Silva’s perfect opening tee shot, to the sight of original Olympic advocates Padraig Harrington and Matteo Manassero in group two, the kickoff was a dream mix of capturing Olympic spirit and getting the business of sport underway. Afterwords, the emotions of a special day in his golf career came pouring out, writes Alistair Tait for Golfweek.

As for the competition, the surprising on-site energy apparently didn’t quite translate to television based on the reactions I heard. From the press center, the television images I saw were very crisp while the golf course showed the world that nature-based design can look and play well on a grand stage. However, the combination of a nine-hour telecast with only sixty players on day one of Olympic Broadcasting’s first foray into golf was no doubt imperfect, though most of you who wrote said it was not the telecast you took issue with. Instead, it was the stroke play format when set against the other Olympic competitions you’re watching.

(Brief interlude here for those who think this week’s PGA Tour event carries as much significance as the Olympic competition, short of Zach Johnson tackling Steve Stricker as he’s about to tap in for the win and doing it in the name of promoting the pro wrestling career he's always dreamed of starting, no one in 2 years, 5 years or 10 years will remember who won the 2016 John Deere Classic.)

I know we said we’d grin and bear two weeks in Rio without format talk until after the Games, but having just returned from watching the fast-paced, tidy badminton pool play and hearing your comments that stroke play fell flat on television, we mustn’t let even the most magnificent Sunday result distract from the idea that golf can sustain a long and fun Olympic run with a revised format in 2020. 

For now though, outside of the non-Kuchar Americans struggling (who I wrote about for Golf Digest), the magnificent play in tough winds Thursday should be the focus.

Here goes...

Steve DiMeglio of USA Today on the opening day fun and surprises. Doug Ferguson says it was a day full of surprises, indeed.

But Henrik Stenson looms large after a 66 in the toughest winds, Jay Coffin notes.

Alex Miceli on the morning wave definitely getting less wind, but they still faced enough difficulty.

Coffin wrote about first round leader Marcus Fraser from Australia, who posted 63 thanks to perfect course conditioning, but by no means calm conditions.

G.C. Digital with key stats from day one,  a miracle considering the expected scoring and stat issues.

First grouping member and Canadian Graham DeLaet overcame first tee nerves and the weight of lingering chip yips to post an opening 66. Great stuff from Bob Harig on DeLaet’s honor of going first out

I wrote about Bubba's amazingly positive reviews of all things Rio, golf course and maintenance. Shoot, he even didn't have much issue with his 73.

Photos from the IGF's official photographers Stan Badz and Chris Condon.

And in case you are wondering why golf might look extra great to the IOC, consider that a boxer tried to assault a housekeeper and still got to fight a match, a sailor is battling a serious Guanabara Bay infection, while one of the key pools for water polo and sychronized swimming has turned green.

Or, in Ryan Lochte's case, turned his bleach hair green.

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

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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:


Masters champion Danny Willett meets the media and covers his ears.


The approach to the shortish par-9th, which bears a resemblance to the 13th at Fraserburgh.


Gil Hanse offering advice to team USA when asked, including Rickie Fowler and caddie Joe Skovron.

The divot replacement mix matches the shading of the Zeon Zoysia fairways:

The rings in front of the clubhouse:


View from the grandstand looking down on 18 green.


Three members of Team USA showing off their gear.

Video: Gil Hanse On Olympic Course Bunkering And Sands

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As I noted in this week's Golf World, uniformity will not be a word you'll hear this week at the Olympic Golf Course, one already little known to players and adding another local knowledge element: different sands.

Gil Hanse explains in this exclusive to GeoffShackelford.com why the sand shades and textures are different throughout the course, something unique to the site incorporated both for sustainability, cost savings and rewarding those skillful enough to do their homework. Let the howling begin!

We also discuss how the sandbelt style of bunkering came about.

Greetings From The Barra Media Village 1 Resort & Rooms

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You know, $2000 for nine days of lodging just doesn't go as far as it used to.

Somehow I made it to the swank Barra Media Village 1, taking almost as long from LAX to Sao Paolo as it took to get from Sao Paolo to this premier media residence.

Rio 2016 left out one small bit of info when I prepaid a year ago: a surprise roommate with another to come for our little two bedroom "villa".

The chain-smoking roommate #1 is a swell chap and all, but apparently has some Alaskan Malamute in his genes based on the shedding he's done the first four days while using my shower instead of his. (I didn't ask for an explanation, though it wasn't because of the hot water supplied in mine, that I can confirm!)

But at least he complained to housekeeping to get me my very own towel so I didn't have to use the only one in the villa and go to bed with his smoker essence!

True fact movie buffs, the kitchen design in this "villa" was inspired by Hannibal Lector's cell in Manhunter (you know, the Michael Mann masterpiece starring Bryan Cox). Movie history in Rio!

Well on that note, I'm going to squeeze in some sleep and finally see the Olympic Golf Course in completed form tomorrow. Thoughts and insights are to be shared on Morning Drive and Live From should my bus drivers choose the mission of delivering us to the place we hope to go!

#growingthegame #growingthegame #growingthegame #growingthegame #growingthegame #growingthegame #growingthegame #growingthegame #growingthegame

A Few Fun Final Olympic Golf Course Preview Stories & Visuals

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As we have arrived at week one of Olympic golf in Rio, a few final course and Games-related content pieces are worth a look.

John Clarke of the New York Times wrote last month about the Zeon Zoysia making its international debut this week. It started from a small amount transported on an airplane by David Doguet, owner of Bladerunner Farms and is a promising turfgrass going forward for certain regions of the world looking for faster, firmer and tougher turf.

Zeon Zoysia requires less water, fertilizer, nitrogen and pesticide than most other types of golf turf, Doguet said. Perhaps most important, he said, it can endure Rio’s poor soil and water quality and meets the strict environmental regulations that prohibit the use of chemical fertilizers and weed killers on the course, which is on a nature preserve.

The story also includes a couple of slideshows worth checking out.

Gil Hanse has posted a guest course review at GolfNow!

Golf Digest writers discuss their visit to Rio and impressions of the course. Esquire's David Granger is also in the mix, and the aerials are fun to watch as well:


They also provided this quick preview video of golf's (quick) Olympic history.

Best of all is this 360 degree tour of the property and course, which will, for those viewing this week, give a great sense of where the holes sit. Gil Hanse narrates.

And Quartz has put together these DigitalGlobe sequential aerial shots of multiple venues, including Olympic Park, beach volleyball and the golf course in all stages. Really fun stuff if you've been watching the Games.

Click on the link above to see the transformation in action, this is just the final overhead:

Groupings: Rounds 1 & 2 Men's Olympic Golf

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I don't see much deep hidden meaning in these groupings. I do like that there are some nice name groups and great opportunities for solid players from smaller countries.

 

Video: Hanse Discusses Rio Olympic Course Finishing Holes

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An exclusive to GeoffShackelford.com, architect Gil Hanse discussed with me about the finishing holes as we look at his renderings. Tomorrow he'll explain why you're going to see different colors of sand through the property and the look of the bunker style. (Thanks to Sean Gilroy for the crack editing work!)

As I have with all the previous flyovers, I encourage a look at Golf Digest's drone shots sponsored by Adobe. They really are a pleasure to watch, as narrated by Hanse.

The 16th hole flyover and Hanse's final rendering.

The 17th hole flyover and Hanse's final rendering.

The 18th hole flyover and Hanse's final rendering.