Thomas Bjorn has not ruled out representing Denmark in the 2016 Olympic Games after taking a one-shot lead on day two of the ISPS Handa World Cup of Golf in Melbourne.
Bjorn, 42 shot a second round three under par 68 to move to eight-under par in bright but testing conditions on the Royal Melbourne course.
The reigning Omega European Masters champion sandwiched five birdies in between first and last hole bogeys, and eight years after his last Royal Melbourne appearance when he missed the cut on the famed Dr. Alister McKenzie designed layout.
“There were a couple of instances today that really tested me as I three-putted the first but then after that I kind of patiently worked my way into the round,” he said.
Great Danish sailor Paul Elvstrom being presented with his Olympic Gold Medal at the 1952 Olympics.
“I didn’t play quite as good today on the front nine as I did on day one but on the back nine today, I played awesome despite three putting 14 and then got a bit unfortunate on the last.
“But then I just want to play 72 holes and I’m not really focussing on a score and more just enjoy playing a golf course that a lot of other people will find difficult.”
Golf returns to Olympics in 2016 and for a first occasion since 1904.
It is for this reason the International Federation of Tours has changed to World Cup format to mirror the intended format of competition in Rio de Janeiro.
When golf does return to the Olympics Bjorn will be 45 years of age however he has shown he has lost none of his competitive edge winning four of his 17 career European Tour victories since turning 40.
“I have always watched coverage of the Olympic Games and as a sportsman you want to be there,” said Bjorn.
“So it’s always been in my mind to compete in at least one Olympic Games, and that’s what I said to Thorbjorn (Olesen) at the start of the year how lucky he was to be 23 years of age and being at that ripe age to qualify for 2016 and 2020 Olympic Games, and maybe future Olympic Games if the IOC agree to allow golf to be a permanent sport.
“But then since turning 40 I have been playing some of the best golf of my career but then I also have to stay healthy and stay focused.”
And Bjorn singled out one of Denmark’s greatest-ever summer Olympians Paul Elvstrom who competed in eight Olympic Games from 1948 to 1988 winning four gold medals, and eight World Championships in eight different types of sail boats.
“What Paul Elvstrom achieved in sailing for Denmark was remarkable so to just tee up in Rio de Janiero representing Denmark in an Olympic Games would be incredible but, as I said, there is many more years before I can begin to think like that,” said Bjorn.
American Kevin Streelman birdied his opening four holes but then dropped three shots at the eight and ninth holes in a round of 68 to be in second place on seven under par.
“There is still a ton of golf to be player but today was a beautiful day and I was glad I was able to get around round in under par,” said Streelman.
Australia’s Jason Day (70) and Portugal’s Ricardo Santos (69) are tied in third place on four under par.
World No. 2 and reigning Masters champion, Adam Scott posted a 68 to be lying in a share of 21st place at one over par.
In the team event it is the defending American pair of Streelman and Matt Kuchar, who shot a second round 68, who lead by three shots with a 10-under par tally.
