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 "Everyone is saying Adam's decision weakens the team and all of
the negatives but, while we are sending a team to represent
Australia, it is an individual event," Baker-Finch told the Sydney
Morning Herald.
"I don't think people realize that Adam is not letting anyone down.
It's his decision and he's entitled to make it. I am disappointed he
won't be with us but I totally understand his position."
Scott, the No. 7-ranked player in the world, announced he would skip
the Olympics due to "other commitments, both personal and
professional."
That decision has brought wide-ranging criticism, from Gary Player,
Jack Nicklaus and others in the golf community who see it as
damaging the sport's image as it returns to the Olympics for the
first time in more than 100 years, to fellow athletes including
Australian gold medal swimmer Dawn Fraser, who took to Facebook to
blast Scott's decision.
 Following Scott's announcement, South African golfers Louis
Oosthuizen and Charl Schwartzel each pulled out of the Olympics, as
did Fiji's Vijay Singh.
Scott cited his busy playing schedule and other commitments, and
many believe the Zika virus also played a role. Baker-Finch added
that the format may well have contributed to it as well.
Baker-Finch is the Australian team captain for the Olympics, but the
format is based on individual play. Each country is allowed up to
two players until the limit of 60 is reached, with the exception
being countries with players ranked within the top 15 on July 11 can
field up to four players.
[to top of second column] |
"I think it will make them think about making it a team competition.
I'd even love to see it as a mixed team even - that would be
awesome," Baker-Finch told the newspaper.
Another coming to Scott's defense? Top-ranked countryman Jason Day,
who does intend to play in Brazil.
"It hasn't been in the Olympics for 112 years so, for us, your
career is pretty much based on how many majors you win and how many
tournaments you win," he told the Sydney Morning Herald.
"For me personally, I'm looking forward to the challenge of trying
to win a medal ... it would be a really, really fantastic honor to
be able to win a gold medal or any medal at the Olympics."
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