Votaw Updates IGF Delegates on Olympic Golf Movement; Picks Up Killer Frequent Flyer Miles

From a press release sent out by the USGA:

Votaw Updates IGF Delegates on Olympic Golf Movement, Garners Support During World Amateur Team Championship

ADELAIDE, Australia (October 16, 2008) – The International Golf Federation Olympic Committee continues its efforts to add golf to the 2016 Olympic Games and is seeking constituent support along the way.

Last week during the World Amateur Team Championships in Adelaide, Australia, PGA TOUR executive Ty Votaw, as Executive Director of the IGF Olympic Committee, provided a progress report to IGF delegates from more than 70 countries as well as the 18-member International Golf Federation Administrative Committee. Votaw also sought assistance from the delegates, suggesting they interact with members of the International Olympic Committee from their respective countries, voice their support of the Olympic golf movement and reinforce the virtues of the game as a potential Olympic sport.

And don't forget: what a great retirement gig it would be for Peter Dawson and David Fay!

During the course of Votaw’s visit, member organizations pledged their support through future efforts as well as financial backing over the next 12 months to help defray costs of the bid. The IOC will determine in October 2009 whether to add no more than two of seven sports under consideration for the 2016 Games: golf, baseball, karate, roller sports, rugby sevens, softball and squash.

“The IGF effort to promote Olympic golf will benefit significantly by maximizing the exposure it receives,” said Peter Dawson, Chief Executive of The R&A and co-secretary of the IGF. “The World Amateur Team Championships presented an ideal forum to discuss the efforts and associated issues, and to seek backing from an international base of constituents. Ty provided vital information and was able to garner much valuable support.”

As well as a lifetime's worth of miles on Qantas!

“Considering we have just 12 months to solidify our case for golf’s immediate future as an Olympic sport, we need to make the most of every opportunity that presents itself,” said David Fay, Executive Director of the United States Golf Association and co-secretary of the IGF. “This was definitely time well spent with a valuable audience that can help to make a difference in our Olympic bid.” 

"And might I add, as a connoisseur of miles, one wonderful trip for Joan and I to pad our miles."

And you think I can't find the positive in any story?