CATRIONA Matthew hopes the absence of the world’s leading male players at the Rio Olympics will not damage golf’s future at the Games.
The return of golf to the Olympics this summer after an absence of 112 years has proved controversial, with numerous players — including the top four in the men’s world rankings — pulling out.
Concerns over the Zika virus and scheduling issues have been chief among the reasons for withdrawal, although world number four Rory McIlroy has suggested he was indifferent to the event anyway.
Consequently there are now questions over whether the sport has a long-term Olympic future — and that disappoints veteran Matthew, who along with Charley Hull will represent Great Britain in the women’s event in Brazil.
Matthew said: “Obviously they have given their reasons for not going — the Zika virus — and you have got to understand them. But it is disappointing.
“I think ladies’ golf will probably benefit a lot more than men’s golf — they get so much exposure already.
“For ladies’ golf to get in there and get much more media exposure and exposure to people who perhaps do not play golf, I think will be great. I just hope the men not going does not lead to golf coming out of the Olympics. The ladies are supporting it so hopefully they could stay in it.”
It has been quite a couple of weeks for Matthew. Her participation in the Olympics was officially confirmed last week and now she has been named one of Annika Sorenstam’s vice-captains for the European team at next year’s Solheim Cup.
Matthew has played in the biennial match against the US eight times, winning 19 points from 33 outings.
She will turn her attention to it in due course, with Rio now a more immediate concern.
She said: “Getting in the Olympics was a goal of mine and I am delighted about that. I cannot wait to get down there.
“I am looking forward to going down there and staying in the village, experiencing the whole thing. It is a fantastic honour.”
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