Luis Rivero
6 minutes
This is the Golf Course where the Olympics of 2016 will be played! Located in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil "Campo Olimpico de Golfe". It is still in construction or better said, still on re-touching and finishing stages.
I decided to write about this on this Blog because it is actually a great thing for Golf right now. Starting with the fact that Golf hasn't been played in the Olympics since 1904 (at the Summer Olympics actually) and secondly because we actually have an "insider" who was able to play the Golf Course at a Test Event done a few weeks ago, our 1st TheGrint Professional Ambassador Daniel Stapff. He's still fighting for a place on the Brazilian Team to go to the Olympics, but we are very proud and happy that he was able to be one of the first Players in the World to play the Olympic Golf Course.
He, himself shared his experience on the Golf Course and everything that implied to be one of the first 9 Players to be there in Rio de Janeiro, as well as meeting the Course Designer Gil Hanse.
"Playing the Olympic Course in the beginning of March was an extraordinary experience! To have the privilege of being one of the first 9 players to play this course was incredible. Not only because this course will be forever in golf's history for being the one that got the sport back to the Olympic Games, but because that day was filled with great moments. Being able to hit great shots and make nice birdies in front of guys like Mike Davis, CEO of the USGA, and Peter Dawson, president of the IGF, was priceless. I also had the chance to play all the 18 holes of the course with Gil Hanse, the course architect, following our group, giving us tips about each hole, and even asking for advices and feedback on what I now consider one of the best courses I've ever played.
Honestly I was a little afraid of finding the course in bad conditions, considering the short period they had to build it and all the problems that were part of the process. However, I was amazed by the superb conditions of the fast greens, the true fairways, the tricky bunkers and the whole course in general. The thing I most enjoyed about the course was how Gil Hanse plays with your mind during the round. Many holes are so intimidating, with shots that you literally think that you have no space to miss at all and that the fairway is really tight. But after hitting the shot you find out you had much more space to work with. Also, you have to have such a good game plan to succeed there. Most of the holes are risk and reward, where conservative shots will lead to tougher approaches and riskier ones could lead to birdies and eagles but at the same time some big numbers. I think it will be a perfect test for the best players in the world and I hope to play in the Olympic Games this year and represent my country in what will be one of the most memorable golf competitions of our era!" Daniel Stapff.
He also shared a few Photos from this incredible Day at the Golf Course...
You can check out more Photos at Daniel's Facebook Page (here) or follow him on Instagram @DanielStapff
I believe this could help Golf grow much more and incentivize Kids nowadays to start playing the Game of Golf because it can certainly give them a chance to be an Olympic Athlete and maybe one day win an Olympic Medal, something some Kids never thought would have been able to do later on.
We are as excited as everyone else to watch and experience Golf back at the Olympics. We will keep you posted later on through our Social Media so Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @TheGrintGolf and Like us on Facebook as well!
Blog Written by: LadyGrinter
