Inverness, USA … The uncertainty Patrick Reed expressed in not knowing whether to tee-up in the Rio Olympics clearly has not been helped by the United States Golf Association (USGA) electing not to appoint a captain to manage both the men’s and women’s golf teams.
See earlier story:- http://www.golfbytourmiss.com/2016/07/patrick-reed-replaces-dustin-johnson-on-usa-olympic-games-golf-team/
It would seem every other nation sending more than one player to Rio appointed a captain to manage team affairs ball with the exception of America.
Ireland’s team captain, Paul McGinley was appointed by the Golfing Union of Ireland while Australia’s team leader, Ian Baker-Finch was voted by Golf Australia to lead the sides, and it has been Ireland and Australia hit hardest by the withdrawals with Dustin Johnson overnight pulling the plug in travelling to Brazil.
No disrespect to the Irish team of Padraig Harrington and Seamus Power or the Aussie duo of Scott Hend and Marcus Fraser but between Ireland and Australia they’re lost their six strongest players citing concerns for the Zika virus and/or scheduling problems.
Patrick Reed expresses Olympic Games uncertainty after shooting a round of 67 on day three of the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open.
It was McGinley who asked the question seconds after learning Reed was now doubtful if he would take his place in Rio. Minutes earlier McGinley, working the weekend with SKY Sports, was praising Reed over his very USA patriotic comments at a pre-Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open press conference last Wednesday here at Castle Stuart.
“What Patrick said to the media on Wednesday was fabulous and it’s just what the Olympic golf movement wanted to here,” said McGinley.
“I saw first hand at the Ryder Cup at Gleneagles two years ago just how passionate he was for his country and that’s who you want representing your country in Brazil.”
But then McGinley, and the many media who gathered around Reed post his Scottish Open third round of 67, were clearly taken by surprise Reed was now thinking of changing his mind.
Away from the many electronic recording devices, Reed spoke in being the team’s first reserve and not being included in any pre-Games meetings that advised those expected to compete of all the arrangements in place in Rio including where the team will be accommodated and simple questions such as how far is it to the Olympic Games golf course and if the team members will get the proud opportunity to march behind the USA flag at the Opening Ceremony which they will.
“I’ve been told nothing yet since DJ (Dustin Johnson) announced he’s not going,” said Reed.
“I don’t know whether I’m officially in the team or whether someone can still go past me or what.
“I don’t know what to expect down in Brazil. I was kept out of the USA team meetings given I was a reserve so I’m really in the dark as I don’t have a clue what I need to do or at this stage who I can speak to who will answer my questions.”
It’s for this reason McGinley commented: “Now there’s your story line. Why didn’t the USA appoint a captain for their golf sides?”
And more importantly who can Reed turn to within the US Olympic movement to discuss his concerns?
Answer: Apparently, no-one!
