Harrington, Pettersen, Wie, Manassero confirmed for Copenhagen
Copenhagen, Denmark (October 5, 2009) – The International Golf Federation has announced that professional golfers Padraig Harrington of Ireland, Suzann Pettersen of Norway and Michelle Wie of the United States, as well as 16-year-old (British) Amateur Champion Matteo Manassero of Italy, will participate in the final presentation before the International Olympic Committee membership on Friday, October 9 during the IOC’s 121st Session.
The four golfers will join Ty Votaw, Executive Director of the IGF Olympic Golf Committee, which has coordinated golf’s Olympic bid, and Peter Dawson, chief executive of The R&A and joint secretary of the IGF. Golf and rugby sevens, the two sports recommended for the 2016 Olympic Programme by the IOC Executive Board, will present their final case to the full IOC membership before it votes that same day on whether to accept one, both or neither sport.
“We have demonstrated to the IOC Executive Board throughout the evaluation process that golf’s bid to become an Olympic sport has received unprecedented support from both amateur and professional golf organisations around the world and leading international players,” Votaw said. “Now, we must reaffirm this support before the full IOC membership and we couldn’t be more pleased than to have Padraig, Suzann, Matteo and Michelle help to communicate this support during our final presentation.”
In June, when the IGF presented to the IOC Executive Board in Lausanne, Switzerland, Votaw and Dawson were joined by Global Ambassador Annika Sorenstam, 2010 European Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie, PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem and LPGA of Japan President and World Golf Hall of Fame member Hisako “Chako” Higuchi.
Leading up to Friday’s vote, golf and rugby sevens emerged from a year-long evaluation that included formal presentations by seven candidate sports, the submission of a Detailed Questionnaire and responses to questions raised by both the IOC Programme Commission and the IOC Executive Board. The IOC Executive Board announced its recommendation of golf and rugby sevens following a meeting in Berlin, Germany on August 13.
On Friday, October 2, the IOC selected Rio de Janeiro as the host city for the 2016 Olympic Games.
Rising European Tour star earns second straight win; moves to No. 11 in Official World Golf Rankings
Carlsbad, Calif. (July 13, 2009) – Martin Kaymer became the first player in 19 years to enter Open Championship week following back-to-back wins on the European Tour, carding a final-round 69 to capture the Barclay's Scottish Open and capitalize on the momentum of his win at the Open de France ALSTOM. The victory, already the fourth on the European Tour for the 24-year-old Kaymer, puts him within a fraction of a point of cracking the top-10 in the Official World Golf Rankings. He will contend for an improbable third straight victory at the 2009 Open Championship starting Thursday at Turnberry.
"Martin is an excellent competitor who is proving to be one of the best young players in the world," said Chuck Presto, TaylorMade-adidas Golf's senior vice president of sports marketing. "His performance in winning back-to-back European Tour events validates that he is not only talented, but determined to succeed on golf's largest stages. We're thrilled for Martin and look forward to watching his bid for a third straight victory, at the Open Championship."
Olazabal will undoubtedly command attention as he attempts to ensure a 22nd Open appearance. The two-time Masters winner has played in the last two Championships at Turnberry, finishing tied 38th in 1994 and tied 16th in 1986 meaning that, should he qualify, he will have the advantage of being one of the more experienced players over the Ailsa Course.
In addition, Barassie will host two former Ryder Cup competitors, Sweden’s Per-Ulrik Johansson and Phillip Price of Wales. Johansson, the first Swede to play in the biennial team event on two occasions — he was on the winning side in both 1995 and 1997 –, has played in nine Open Championships, though his last appearance was at St Andrews in 2000.
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