Though Adam Scott has long maintained that Olympic golf is sort of silly, it's nevertheless notable that Scott formally removed himself from consideration for the Australian team on Tuesday.
"My decision has been taken as a result of an extremely busy playing schedule around the time of the Olympics and other commitments, both personal and professional," Scott said in a statement.
"I have informed the Australian team captain and relevant authorities, who are understanding of my position and I wish the Australian Olympic team the very best of luck in Rio."
Scott likely would have easily qualified along with world No. 1 Jason Day. Now it looks like either Marc Leishman, Marcus Fraser or Matt Jones will be in line.
This has to be a blow to the International Golf Federation (IGF) given that, earlier this year, its executive director, Antony Scanlon, noted that players would almost definitely be in Rio de Janiero, Brazil, even though the 2016 Olympics is right after two majors and just before the FedEx Cup Playoffs.
"They are going to be there [in Rio de Janeiro]," Scanlon told ESPN. "Any athlete who qualifies will be there. They see the significance of this event to golf and for the opportunity this presents them. There are benefits to be gained from participation and winning a medal. For a starter, there is a television audience of 3.6 billion. They don't normally get that every weekend!"
So much for that!
