After this year’s Paris Olympics, the legacy of Golf is undeniably under question – is there one?

When hearing mention of the Olympics, it can be easily predicted that thoughts wander to sports such as running, swimming and gymnastics. These activities are considered to be the classics, the originals. In truth, the oldest Olympic sports include running, long jump and equestrian events.

However, with there being 32 sports in the recent Paris 2024 programme, many events go unnoticed.

With new additions being made every year and more obscure sports such as breakdancing taking the spotlight, others shrink further into the shadows and therefore aren’t presented for long periods.

Golf is an example of one of these underrated events- having been shown briefly on television screens and, to some degree, dismissed. This is excused with the opinions that it consumes a large period of time and may no be as thrilling as a 100-metre sprint; but many would favour spending their time watching 18 holes than a run that is over in seconds.

Focusing on golf, Justin Rose won the men’s gold medal at the 2016 Brazil games. Following this, the 2020 Tokyo games was one lacking any medals for Great Britain. 

Countries such as the United States and China are keenly associated with their triumph within golf; Great Britain doesn’t come to mind when approaching this topic.

This year, Team GB’s competitors were indeed not the stars of any live broadcasting, but they did play successfully.

Reaching the podium with pride this year, Tommy Fleetwood claimed silver. Charlie Hull just missed bronze and placed fourth. Overall, the performance within golf was respectable and rose above that of Great Britain’s achievement in other sports.

Yet, still, those at home are met with short updates and as a result, dedicated athletes don’t receive the praise they have worked hard for and simply deserve. It is because of us that the legacy of golf is limited.

A legacy is a long-lasting impact a particular event has. Although this year’s achievement in golf may not impact you, it does relate to others across the world. The efforts made by players strive to leave a mark and make a difference for the game as a whole.

Every triumph team Great Britain revel in grows the legacy of golf off the back of the Olympics. Every piece of metal dedicated to the sport. Every glimpse of a putt or drive on the silver screen. 

Simply every second dedicated to the promotion of the sport nurtures its legacy.

So yes. Golf does indeed have a legacy corresponding to the Olympics. But what this entails is up to the individual analysing it. In this case, it’s up to you.