Chia: Olympic golf will be a success

Malaysia's Danny Chia is confident that golf will make a successful return to the Olympics despite the absence of a number of top players from the men's field.
The top-four ranked players in the world – Jason Day, Dustin Johnson, Jordan Spieth, and Rory McIlroy – have all withdrawn from the event citing concerns over the Zika virus, with a number of other players also not making the trip to Rio.
After more than a 100 years on the sidelines of the sporting showpiece, there are fears that golf's return to the Olympics will be short lived as a result of the long list of absentees. However, Chia believes that the event will prove to be a hit.
“It’s a shame that golf will return to the Olympics after 112 years without the world’s top four stars and several other top players,” Chia told The Star.
“But in golf you can’t really look at it that way. There are still many world-class players in the 60-man field. They all want to win a medal badly for their country, including me.
“So, I think the golf competition is going to be a big success in Rio. I’m very proud to be part of it."
While others may be worried about Zika, the 43-year-old Chia is not bothered by the small threat posed by the mosquito-borne virus.
“It is not as if they are having a World War 3 there, right?” he added.
Chia is joined in the men's field by compatriot Gavin Kyle Green, while Michelle Koh and Kelly Tan will represent Malaysia in the ladies competition.
Latest
-
News
Phil Mickelson on Tiger’s latest surgery: ‘I feel bad because golf should be a game of a lifetime’
Mickelson admitted he was saddened by the news of Woods’ latest back surgery.
-
News
Rory McIlroy makes brilliant start to fog-affected Abu Dhabi Championship
McIlroy has a remarkable record in Abu Dhabi with four second-place finishes.
-
News
Rory McIlroy shines in Abu Dhabi to take first-round lead following flawless 64
McIlroy has a remarkable record in Abu Dhabi with four second-place finishes, three thirds and a fifth in his last nine starts, but has never won.
-
News
Justin Thomas on end of Ralph Lauren deal: ‘They moved on so that’s what I’m doing as well’
Justin Thomas said he was upset by...
-
News
My last win feels a long time ago – Rory McIlroy aiming to start year on a high
McIlroy has not tasted victory since November 2019.
-
News
Rory McIlroy insists Justin Thomas will ‘try to be better’ after homophobic slur
World number three Thomas was heard using a derogatory word towards himself after missing a par putt in Hawaii.
-
News
Rory McIlroy sad to miss Conor McGregor fight
Rory McIlroy has been to UFC star Conor Mcgregor’s last three fights but will miss Saturday’s clash due to European Tour commitments.
-
News
Rory McIlroy backs Tiger Woods to make quick recovery from latest back surgery
McIlroy expects the American to be fit for the Masters in April.
-
News
Tiger Woods focusing on return to PGA Tour after undergoing fifth back operation
The 45-year-old will miss the Farmers Insurance Open and the Genesis Invitational.
-
News
Lee Westwood resumes bid for record-equalling 11th Ryder Cup appearance
The 47-year-old occupied one of the automatic places in the team before the golf was stopped due to Covid-19.