Adam Scott slams Olympics inclusion

• Adam Scott slams golf’s inclusion in the 2016 Olympics
• Olympic medal ‘not going to define my career,’ said the Aussie
• Likely to be selected alongside compatriot Jason Day

Adam Scott has become the first high-profile golfer to slam the sport’s inclusion in the 2016 Olympic Games, saying it’s nothing he’s ever aspired to do.

Golf returns to the Olympic scene next summer in Rio de Janeiro after a 112-year absence and, despite being a likely competitor in the Games alongside fellow Australian Jason Day, Adam Scott admitted he’s barely interested in the prospect of trying to win a gold medal for his country.

“ doesn’t need to be in the Olympics,” Scott told Reuters during the Wells Fargo Championship. “Whether I win an Olympic medal or not is not going to define my career or change whether I’ve fulfilled my career.

“It’s nothing I’ve ever aspired to do and I don’t think I ever will” – Adam Scott

“It’s nothing I’ve ever aspired to do and I don’t think I ever will. It’s all about the four majors, and I think that’s the way it should stay for golf.”

It’s clear that the issue of golf in the Olympics is dividing some of the finest players in the sport, with 14-time major winner Tiger Woods recently speaking out highly in favour of its inclusion.

“ very important,” said Woods ahead of the Players Championship. “It’s something that’s different for us. When it got introduced, guys were kind of on the fence about it, but certainly I think it’s swaying in the direction of guys all wanting to play in it.

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“Guys want to solidify themselves, play for not only their country but also have a chance to do something that hasn’t been done in a very long time: win a medal in golf.”

While Woods revealed he’d be doing everything he could to be one of the USA’s likely four players, Adam Scott said that for him, 2016 will be a year like any other, with the focus primarily on the four majors.

“I’m not planning my schedule around playing the Olympics,” he said. “I’m planning my schedule around playing majors the best I can.

“If I can fit going to the Olympics into that, it might be a bit of fun, then lucky me if I qualify. But if not, I’m not going to miss it, that’s for sure, and I’ll enjoy watching .”

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Adam Scott also referred to the tournament as an ‘exhibition’ event, underlining the difference between how golfers will view Rio compared to, for example, a track athlete, for whom the Olympics is the highlight of their careers.

“Most of the athletes at the Olympics probably have trained four years specifically to peak at this one event. It’s the pinnacle of their sport.

“They get one crack at their big thing every four years. They have put their life on hold for this event and it’s so important to them, and I feel it’s their time.”

Adam Scott on the Olympics :: Your thoughts

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