Implications of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics Postponement For Golf

The postponement of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics would no doubt have a telling effect on the golf calendar. As a result of this shift, several golf games would no longer go on as scheduled. The decision to postpone the Olympic games is quite understandable considering the widescale spread of the coronavirus pandemic. Still, it was a heartbreaking announcement for a long list of athletes who have been making preparations towards the games.

Golf professionals will still be relieved that they have a long line of events to partake in during the year. A year postponement of the Olympic Games gives the authorities a grand opportunity to make subtle changes to the year’s calendar.

Unlike what was the situation in the Rio 2016 Olympics, many sports enthusiasts were looking forward to the golf competition in the 2020 Olympics. People who skipped it some four years ago given the prevailing Zika virus at the time would now admit they lost a lot. Rory Mcllroy was one individual who publicly admitted he missed an opportunity and was in line to represent Ireland in this summer’s edition of the tournament.

There was always this potential for a hectic schedule once the golf calendar resumes with the likelihood that some players were going to pass up the Tokyo showpiece.

Talking about skipping the Olympic games, Dustin Johnson just before the coronavirus pandemic took hold of things in the United States had said he was passing up the games owing to the tight schedule. Brooks Koepka, on the other hand, was yet to reach a final conclusion. There was always that likelihood that a host of other players would have gone along that line as well.

Thus far, an astonishing nine PGA Tour events has been cancelled because of the damage dealt by the coronavirus pandemic. Two Majors comprising of the Masters and PGA Championship have also been suspended.

If golf is able to resume in time, in June, an admittedly optimistic timeline, it would unroll four major championships at a time. These championships include the WGC-FedEx St. Jude and a potential three FedEx Cup playoff events. Another tournament in line is the Ryder Cup.

Written by: Roland Arum