Date: August 09, 2016
Author: Mark Hayes

Olympic countdown: three days to go


Excitement is building around the Australian camp as golf’s Olympic return looms large.

With less than three days until golf’s 112-year hiatus ends, the men’s component of the Australian team is on board and in full preparation mode.

Australian team assistant leader Brad James, who has been in Rio for a week, said the excitement levels had gone through the roof as players, caddies and other team members arrived in the host city.

Men’steam members Marcus Fraser and Scott Hend arrived in Brazil today and the smiles barely left their faces.

It’s great to see what happens when the guys get their gear and pull on the team uniform it’s almost surreal, James said.

To have `Finchy (team leader Ian Baker-Finch) here and co-ordinating everything with the athletes now is sensational there’s a real buzz around the place.

Former Open champion Baker-Finch has led some lengthy scouting sessions around the Olympic golf course, even spending time with course designer Gil Hanse to learn more of any potential secrets.

The course is in very good condition and looks very similar to the Australian Sandbelt courses although not as firm, Baker-Finch reported.

It has Zoysia f&aposways and Paspalum greens that are running about 10.5 on the stimpmeter.
It’s a great looking course and I know the boys are excited about it all.