23 Apr 2021 | Professional golf |
Olympics: Scott out, Leish in
by Mark Hayes
Adam Scott has opted out of the Olympic Games in Tokyo, but Marc Leishman it seems is raring to go.
Scott’s manager Johan Elliot confirmed to Golf Channel this morning that the Queenslander had withdrawn his name from consideration because of family commitments.
“With the world being the way it is, Adam is gone 4-5 weeks at a time this year during his playing blocks,” Elliot said.
“With three young children at home, this time in the schedule will be devoted to family. It is pretty much the only time up until October when he has a chance to see them for a stretch of time and not only a few days/a week.”
The men’s Olympic golf competition is scheduled to start on 29 July at Kasumigaseki Country Club, north of Tokyo.
Scott had been second on the Australian men’s qualification list, behind Cam Smith but only narrowly in front of Leishman. The combination of Smith and Leishman is currently playing in the team event, the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, on the PGA Tour.
When asked after his round today about the prospect of playing in the Olympics, Leishman was plainly eager.
“I’m excited. It was a goal of mine,” Leishman said.
“I wasn't able to play the last Olympics (in Rio in 2016) because (with my wife) Audrey, we were trying to get pregnant when all that other stuff (Zika virus) was happening.
“Hopefully I can play well enough to get myself on to the team.
“Obviously Matt Jones is snapping at my heels. I know I'll need to play good until June 20, but I want to play well past that, and I'm excited.
“It would be nice to team up with this fella (Smith) again.”
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