Golf Holding Optimism for Rio Ahead of British Open

(ATR) The International Golf Federation is showing confidence in the Rio 2016 course and the field of players who will attend ahead of next week’s British Open.

IGF executive director Antony Scanlon tells Around the Rings he is not concerned about the possibility of top players foregoing the Olympics to focus on their regular tournament schedules.

"We’re sure the top players will be there if they qualify," Scanlon told ATR.

He also says progress is being made on building the course, as two holes are now grassed.

For players, the road to Rio begins at the British Open. Considered one of the world’s most prestigious tournaments, players there will begin receiving points toward Olympic qualification.

The top 15 golfers in the final rankings before the Olympics will receive Rio berths, as will the top two golfers from each country. No more than 60 golfers will be invited total, and no more than four can come from the same country.

Player reactions to the possibility of playing in 2016 have been "all very positive," says Scanlon, with two-time major champion

Rory McIlroy showing "a lot of enthusiasm."

McIlroy announced he will compete on behalf of Ireland last month.

The Open begins next Thursday at Royal Liverpool Golf Club in Merseyside, England.

Written by Nick Devlin

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