“There Have Been Some Half Lame Excuses For Not Going” Nordqvist On Olympics
Anna Nordqvist's Thoughts On The Olympics - "There Have Been Some Half Lame Excuses For Not Going"
The Olympics starts in just under a month's time, with a number of high profile names deciding to skip the games in Tokyo.
"There Have Been Some Half Lame Excuses For Not Going" Nordqvist On Olympics
The Olympics is the pinnacle for any athlete and, after golf's return at the 2016 Rio games, all eyes will now be drawn to Tokyo later this month.
With the games being held every four years, a number of players have decided not to participate, with Sweden's Anna Nordqvist believing there have been "a number of half lame excuses for not going."
The 34-year-old, who finished in a tie for 11th in 2016, went on to say: "I know how much the Olympics means for so many sports and I know how hard they try to make it there.
"For someone to go 'oh no, I'm not going to go,' I just don't get it. I think if it continues like this then golf is going to be looked upon as one of the sports that might not be considered to be in the Olympics, because if not all the best players are going, or don't really care about it, then what's the point of it even being there.
"I don't think there's a greater honour as an athlete, than playing in the Olympics. I'm 34-years-old so I don't know how many (chances) left I'll be playing.
Get the top Black Friday deals right in your inbox: Sign up now!
The hottest deals and product recommendations during deals season straight to your inbox plus all the best game-changing tips, in-depth features and the latest news and insights around the game.
"But after having a great experience in Rio, it's one of the coolest things you'll ever do as an athlete and to be a two-time Olympian is definitely something that I would look back on in my career and be very proud of."
Japan has seen a new wave of infections hit in April, with cases continuing to rise. Of the 2,180 new Covid cases reported on Wednesday, 920 were in Tokyo.
Related: Tokyo Olympics To Be Held Without Fans Amid Covid-19 Emergency
Although a number of male Tour players are set to skip the games, including two-time Major champion, Dustin Johnson, the women's entry sheet is crammed full of Major champions, including Nelly Korda, Inbee Park, Lexi Thompson and Lydia Ko.
Matt joined Golf Monthly in February 2021 covering weekend news, before also transitioning to equipment and testing. After freelancing for Golf Monthly and The PGA for 18 months, he was offered a full-time position at the company in October 2022 and continues to cover weekend news and social media, as well as help look after Golf Monthly’s many buyers’ guides and equipment reviews.
Taking up the game when he was just seven years of age, Matt made it into his county squad just a year later and continues to play the game at a high standard, with a handicap of around 2-4. To date, his best round came in 2016, where he shot a six-under-par 66 having been seven-under through nine holes. He currently plays at Witney Lakes in Oxfordshire and his favourite player is Rory McIlroy, despite nearly being struck by his second shot at the 17th during the 2015 BMW PGA Championship.
Matt’s current What’s In The Bag?
Driver: Honma TW747, 8.75°
Fairway Wood: TaylorMade Rocketballz Stage 2, 15°, 19°
Hybrid: Adams Super Hybrid, 22°
Irons: Mizuno MP54, 5-PW
Wedges: Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 Tour Satin, 50°, 56°, 60°
Putter: Cleveland TFI 2135 Satin Cero
Ball: Titleist Pro V1x
-
The Three Most Confusing Rules In Golf And How To Interpret Them
At times, golf’s rules can be complex and confusing. Here we look at three of the most confusing rules in golf and give you the info you need to understand them.
By Fergus Bisset Published
-
There's A Growing Divide Between Club Members And Nomadic Golfers When It Comes To Handicapping... And I'm Concerned About It
Some golfers believe competition play should be a pre-requisite to achieving a ‘valid’ handicap, while others feel you should be able to submit a card whenever you want
By Nick Bonfield Published
-
Rory McIlroy Gym Routine... Revealed!
In this Rory McIlroy Gym Routine article we discover how the Northern Irishman keeps himself so fit
By Neil Tappin Published
-
What Is Tiger Woods' Net Worth?
Tiger Woods became the first billion dollar athlete in 2009
By Elliott Heath Last updated
-
The Masters Live Stream: How To Watch The Major
Here are all the details on how you can watch the Major wherever you are in the world.
By Sam Tremlett Published
-
Five Outsiders Who Could Win The Masters
We consider five players who might surprise the favourites and claim victory at Augusta
By Fergus Bisset Published
-
Who Is Tiger Woods’ Girlfriend?
Find out more on who the American professional golfer is going out with here.
By Matt Cradock Last updated
-
Bermuda Championship Golf Betting Tips 2021
Who is the GM Tipster backing to win this week in Bermuda?
By Jeremy Chapman Published
-
Jeff Winther Claims Maiden European Tour Title
Jeff Winther Claims Maiden European Tour Title
By Matt Cradock Published
-
Fredrik Andersson Hed Passes Away Following Battle With Cancer
Fredrik Andersson Hed Passes Away Following Battle With Cancer
By Matt Cradock Published