Adam Scott has been iffy from the start about representing Australia in the Olympic Games in August, and now he has made it official, saying he definitely will not be in Rio de Janeiro in August.
He has been joined by Louis Oosthuizen of South Africa, who also said he will pass on the Games, which will hold golf competition for the first time since 1904 in St. Louis. Earlier, Vijay Singh of Fiji said he would not play in Rio.
“My decision has been taken as a result of an extremely busy playing schedule around the time of the Olympics and other commitments, both personal and professional,” Scott said in a statement.
“I have informed the Australian team captain and relevant authorities, who are understanding of my position and I wish the Australian Olympic team the very best of luck in Rio.”
Scott and top-ranked Jason Day figured to give the Aussies and Captain Ian Baker-Finch perhaps the best two-man men’s tandem in Rio.
That leaves Marc Leishman, Marcus Fraser and Matt Jones to compete
for the second spot on the Australian team. It is possible for a country to have as many as four players, if all are in the top 15 of the World Golf Rankings.
Scott’s decision was ripped by Dawn Fraser, who won eight medals, including three golds, for Australia in women’s swimming in 1956, 1960 and 1964.
“Very sorry to hear that Adam Scott cannot fit it into his schedule to play for Australia at the Olympics,” Fraser wrote on Facebook. “Well done Adam great to put your country on hold so that you can fulfill your own schedule. How much money do you want in life? Not showing much for your country.
“I guess working three jobs a week to secure my place as an Olympic swimmer has giver (sic) me the strength to say what I feel about sporstmen (sic) and women that do this. Well done Adam may you enjoy your sport and the money you earn gives you great pleasure. I am still trying to survive at 78 years old but a very proud Australian.”
While Scott has maintained all along that he might not play in the Olympics, Oosthuizen’s decision was something of a surprise.
“I have always represented South Africa with pride so didn’t make my decision without a great deal of thought,” said Oosthuizen, who cited family and schedule issues. “I would like to wish our golfers and all other athletes competing in Brazil all the very best for success.”
As for the Americans, Jordan Spieth, Lexi Thompson, Bubba Watson and Stacy Lewis all have said they are excited about competing in the Games.
