U.S. Golfers Ebullient About Sport's Olympic Future

(ATR)U.S. golf stars believe the game is on the right trajectory to continue beyond Tokyo 2020.

That's despite the backlash facing the game in the wake of the 20 or so tour pros who have pulled out of the Rio Olympic Tournament.

The U.S. golf foursome of Bubba Watson, Patrick Reed, Matt Kuchar and Rickie Fowler were asked at a news conference on Tuesday to make their pitch as to why golf belongs in the Games long-term.

"It’s unfortunate funny circumstances this year have led to guys not participating," Kuchar said. "I think the event is going to go off great – I think certainly there will be guys writing about it and thanks a lot to Rickie’s help," he joked about his younger teammate Fowler, who has been the most patriotic U.S. golfer and one of the most fervent supporters of the game at the Games.

"I think golf is going to be a winner – it’s a global game," said the 38-year-old Kuchar. "It’s played by so many people around the world. I think after this year’s event, I imagine it's going to be a big success and an easy one to keep in the rotation and continue after 2020."

The IOC will determine whether golf will remain in the Olympic program beyond Tokyo 2020 at the IOC session in Lima, Peru in 2017.

Two-time Masters champion Watson said he is thrilled to represent his country as golf returns to the Olympic fold for the first time in 112 years.

"We’re representing the United States and playing in the greatest sporting event every four years," Watson said. "Every sport comes together at one event – it’s not just golf this week, it’s all these events and it’s very exciting."

Reed, who only found himself among the U.S. squad following the withdrawals of Dustin Johnson and Jordan Spieth, said he is relishing being an Olympian.

"This is a new experience – I think with the time that I’ve been here and seeing what of it means to some of the other athletes, not just the United States, this is a special opportunity," Reed said.

"Growing up all we ever dreamed about was the majors, because golf was never a part of it," Reed said of the Olympic Games. "I remember when I was little watching the Olympics and wishing I had the chance to play for a gold medal. Now that we actually have this opportunity, it’s awesome.

Reed added "having golf back in the Olympics is only going to help the game grow".

Fowler said he has enjoyed his time staying at the Olympic Village, making friends with divers and sharing good times with new colleagues watching swimming on TV.

"I’ve had a very warm welcome from fellow U.S. athletes and other athletes around the village thanking me for being here," Fowler said. "The experience is cool."

Kuchar continued to state his case for golf at the Games, referencing a swimming icon.

"Michael Phelps, the greatest Olympian of all-time – it’s cool that he is a golf junkie," Kuchar said of Phelps, who has been known to play a round or two.

"It speaks volumes about our sport to have that guy love the game of golf like he does."

Written by Brian Pinelliin Rio de Janeiro

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