Australian golf captain Ian Baker-Finch slams critics of golf’s place in the Olympics

AUSTRALIAN Olympic golf captain Ian Baker-Finch has fired back at critics who believe the game lacks credibility as an Olympic sport.

AUSTRALIAN Olympic golf captain Ian Baker-Finch has defended Marc Leishman’s decision to withdraw from Rio contention and fired back at critics of golf’s place in the Olympics.

After Adam Scott’s decision to not play in Rio in August, Leishman became the second Australian golfer to announce he would not seek selection due to concerns about the Zika virus and its potential impact on his wife.

Audrey Leishman almost died last year after suffering toxic shock syndrome and the 32-year-old golfer said he was not prepared to take the risk of picking up the Zika virus and passing it on to his wife.

“Since (last year) Audrey has been prone to infection and is far removed from 100 per cent recovery of her immune system,” Leishman said.

“We have consulted with Audrey’s physician and due to her ongoing recovery from toxic shock and potential risks associated with the transmission of the Zika virus, it was a difficult yet easy decision not to participate.

“I missed playing in the 2015 Masters tournament to be at her side when she was originally stricken and I cannot risk placing her health in jeopardy.

“The Masters and the Olympics are the two biggest tournaments to which a golfer can be invited; however, my family will always come before golf.”

Leishman said he hoped Australians would understand and most did. But his withdrawal still saw some ill-informed critics on social media question his commitment, and golf’s place at the Olympics.

Baker-Finch said he “emphatically” backed the call of Leishman.

“Given his rightful dedication to his wife and young family, I’d have been surprised had he made any other decision actually,” Baker-Finch told Golf Australia.

“His statement was heartfelt and said it all … I think any criticism of his decision just isn’t warranted.”

The Australian captain said using the family-based decisions of Scott and Leishman as evidence of players are not keen to play for their country at the Olympics is wrong.

“I note that some have been critical of golf’s role within the Olympic family and questioned the eagerness of the players,” he said.

“But that’s not the case. We have our two top women champing at the bit to get there and the world No.1 male (Jason Day) already has his bags half-packed, he’s that keen.

“And I’ve spoken to the next handful of guys who are closest in line to qualifying and they’re all really keen if they get that chance.

“We have had two guys, both for totally justifiable family reasons, opt out. That doesn’t diminish what it means to our country for golf to be in the Games.

“All the players I’ve spoken to about the opportunity can’t wait to get there and I promise you’ll see exactly how much it means to them once we arrive in Brazil.”

Marcus Fraser is now the leading candidate to win selection alongside Day.