Dawson Cracks: Zika "Over-reaction" By Male Golfers

James Corrigan of The Telegraph sums up the first sign of irritation by International Golf Federation officials at male golfers who are passing on Rio.

He writes:

Dawson offered his “understanding”, but his frustration was clear. More than anyone, the former R&A chief executive made golf’s case to the International Olympic Committee and it is interesting that the 2009 bid was backed by all the top players of the day, including Tiger Woods. Each of the current top four had earlier expressed their support to this Olympic tournament with Spieth declaring he was going to treat it “like a fifth major”. However, despite the Zika danger, those words seem extremely hollow now with the game fighting for its credibility as an Olympic sport.

Frankly I'm amazed it took this long for some pushback or skepticism from the top Olympic golf officials, particularly those who have spent so much time backing the bid, vision and effort to globalize the sport.

Ewan Murray of The Guardian noted Dawson's punchier line.

In response to a subsequent question over how susceptible golfers may be to Zika, which is transmitted via mosquitos, Dawson replied with more than a touch of sarcasm: “I take great heart from the fact we haven’t lost a greenkeeper yet.”