OCI Statement on Graeme McDowell’s unavailability for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games
23 June 2016 – Dublin, Ireland: The Olympic Council of Ireland respects the decision taken by Graeme McDowell to make himself unavailable for consideration for the Irish Olympic Golf Team.
It is important to re-emphasise that Graeme’s decision was taken for personal reasons as Rio 2016 is a matter of weeks before the birth of his, and his wife Kristin Stape’s, second child.
This now presents a significant opportunity for another talented Irish golfer to represent his country and participate in golf’s historic return to the Olympic Games after a 112-year absence.
In particular, we are very fortunate to have a global star in Pádraig Harrington who is now in contention for automatic selection for Rio 2016. Three time major champion Harrington commented:
“Based on the current ranking points I am next in line for automatic selection to the Irish Olympic Team for Rio 2016. I will work very hard over the next few weeks to achieve this selection as it would be a huge honour for me to represent Ireland at the Olympic Games, having played an active role in golf’s bid to be re-included in the Olympic Games programme.”
The Irish Golf Team will be announced in mid-July.
