Fun and games await spectators at golf's return to the Olympic Games
The Olympic Golf Course will include a fan experience area where spectators can test their skills on interactive technology and visit a golfing history exhibition
Rio 2016's Olympic Golf Course in Barra da Tijuca as seen from above (Photo: Getty Images/Matthew Stockman)
The last time golf made an appearance at the Olympic Games, in 1904, Rio de Janeiro was still Brazil's capital. To mark the sport's return 112 years later, fans in Rio will be encouraged to test their own golfing prowess with cutting-edge equipment and take on special challenges at the entrance to Rio 2016's new golf course.
The golf fan experience will feature three inflatable coaching nets where local coaches will offer free 10-minute lessons. At two golf simulators there will be competitions to see which fans send the ball nearest to the pin and record the longest drive. A six-hole putting course will test spectators' short game with a 10-metre putt challenge.
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Spectators will also be able to take a stroll down golfing history with the SWING! exhibition on display at the course. A walk through the exhibition's “six holes” will present the evolution of the sport through equipment, previous champions and its unique Olympic story.
Spectators at the Rio 2016 golf events will be able to test their skills using the latest technologies
In the spirit of Olympic competition, there will also be a quiz to test what visitors have learnt from from everything on offer at the course.
The men's golf competition at Rio 2016 will run from 11 to 14 August and the women's from 17 to 20 August.
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Olympic Golf Course wins environmental protection award
American magazine Golf Digest has presented the Olympic Golf Course with the Green Star Award 2016. Given to courses that surpass all others in protecting the environment, this is the first time the award has been presented to a course outside of the USA. According to the magazine, the Olympic Course, designed by Gil Hanse, won the award for having been built in accordance with strict environmental parameters.
