Golf’s Return to the Games: Two Weeks of Olympic Competition, Lasting Legacy

Background

Golf's return to the Olympic Games in 2016 after more than a century presented a unique set of challenges and opportunities, particularly in selecting and building an appropriate venue in Rio de Janeiro.

Initial Challenges

In 2009, Rio de Janeiro had only two golf courses, Gavea Golf and Country Club and Itanhangá Golf Club, neither of which were suitable for the Olympic Games due to various logistical and topographical issues. This necessitated the construction of a new golf course.

Selection of the Site

The chosen site was the Marapendi Natural Reserve in Barra da Tijuca, a location close to other Olympic venues and the planned Olympic Village. The property was owned by Pasquale Mauro, who had previously planned to build a golf course there.

Architect Selection

The Rio 2016 Golf Advisory Committee, consisting of notable figures such as Peter Dawson and Rio’s mayor Eduardo Paes, evaluated several renowned golf course architects. Gil Hanse, with his partner Jim Wagner and consultant Amy Alcott, was ultimately selected for his commitment to move to Brazil and oversee the project.

Construction Challenges

The construction faced numerous obstacles, including bureaucratic red tape, environmental protests, and logistical issues related to building in Brazil. Despite these challenges, construction began, and the team, led by superintendent Neil Cleverly, managed to shape the course using the sand-based topography to their advantage.

Project Completion

Through perseverance and innovative problem-solving, the team successfully completed the course. The property’s natural features, such as its 20-foot elevation difference and sand base, facilitated a quicker construction process than initially anticipated. The course was essentially finished a year before the Olympics, showcasing a green, lush, and beautiful venue ready for international competition.

Conclusion

The successful construction of the Olympic Golf Course in Rio stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts of the international golfing community and local stakeholders, leaving a lasting legacy for golf in the Olympics.