Golf is "expected to retain its Olympic status ... until 2024 at least," according to Ewan Murray of THE GUARDIAN. The game this past August in Rio made its return to the Olympic program for the first time since 1904, but it had not been promised a spot past the '20 Tokyo Games. A source at the IOC said that it "would be 'very surprising' if golf is not afforded an extended run" in the Games. The IOC "meets early next year for a standard review and to announce what sports will feature in the 2024 Games." Olympic golf "was boosted by a thrilling gold-medal chase" between Justin Rose and Henrik Stenson (THEGUARDIAN.com, 11/21). GOLFWEEK.com's Kevin Casey noted fears of the game's "quick burnout from the Olympics ... were stoked when dozens (mainly male) golfers dropped out ahead of the Games in Rio, mostly due to the perceived threat of the Zika virus." However, golf "rebounded with a strong opening salvo" with the Rose-Stenson duel and an "enviable follow-up with Inbee Park taking gold on the women's side." Both Rory McIlroy and Jordan Spieth, who opted not to play in Rio, "had kind words for golf's return to the Olympics in the aftermath" (GOLFWEEK.com, 11/21).
