The Spanish golf does not despise the Olympics

Golf live this August and more than 100 years after his return to the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, an historic event and an opportunity for the sport that has nevertheless been compromised by the heavy casualties, absences that do not affect the Spanish team led by Sergio Garcia.

After in the 1900 and 1904 editions of golf from enjoying their Olympic status it has been required 112 years to return. IOC meeting in Copenhagen in 2009 agreed to return golf. Rio will crown new champions in the sport after Americans Charles Sands and Margaret Abbott and Canadian George Lyon for more than a century.

However, the Olympic spirit has failed to catch on among the best in the world in this sport, with many important low for fear of Zika and the tight schedule as the main reasons. Jason Day, Dustin Johnson, Jordan Spieth, Rory McIlroy, Adam Scott and South African staff officers are the most notable absentees.

It is not the case of the Spanish team, who came with his best classified, Sergio Garcia and Rafael Cabrera-Bello, as sixes and nine Olympic ranking, and Carlota Ciganda (20th) and Azahara Muñoz (23rd), in the women. In the men's tournament, both come to direct River last 'big' of the year, the PGA Championship.

Baltusrol best feelings took the canary after the castellonense managed to not make the cut. However, Borriol is in good shape, regulate this season especially important appointments, as in the recent US Open and British Open, each with fifth places.


With 29 titles under his belt and settled among the top 10 golfers in the world, Sergio is aware of the historical moment we live in Rio de Janeiro. Likewise, Cabrera Bello wants to seize the opportunity, perhaps unique, to shine as Olympic. The canary has on his side a great mood and so time.

And the Las Palmas has given the big jump this year, disputing first four appointments 'Grand Slam' and looking into the eyes of the best golfers on the planet. currently fourth in the Race to Dubai European Tour, Cabrera Bello shone, among other tournaments in the World Cup match-play Austin, where he earned his debut in the Masters.

In the women's tournament, Spain will be represented by Carlota Ciganda and Azahara Muñoz, out of the pools and sabedoras the maximum level that meets the appointment but willing to fight the occasion. The second ended in the 'Top 20' of the recent 'British Open' while Ciganda was 31st in a performance from less to more confidently ideal to get to Rio.

The pamplonesa has under his belt with a victory in the LETAS three circuit on the Ladies European Tour, one on the LPGA and a great role in the victory of the European team in the Solheim Cup 2013. On the other hand, two Solheim Cup (2011 and 2013) stores in its curriculum Azahara Muñoz, plus the Madrid Ladies Masters 2009, two wins in the French Open and two at the American circuit.

The return of golf to the Games will be hosted by the route of the Marapendi Reserve, built 'on purpose' and located west of Rio in Barra de Tijuca. The game format is known as 'stroke play', the traditional four-day tournament with 18 holes to find a champion who needs fewer strokes.

FILE.

--SEDE: Olympic Golf Reserve Marapendi.

--FECHAS: From 11 to 14 August (men's tournament) and 17 to 20 (female).

--Participation SPANISH: Sergio Garcia, Rafael Cabrera-Bello, Carlota Ciganda and Azahara Muñoz.