Canadian golf team nominated for Rio 2016
OAKVILLE — On Tuesday, the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) and Golf Canada named the four athletes nominated to represent Team Canada in golf at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games from August 5 to 21.
The four athletes selected are: Graham DeLaet and David Hearn in the men’s event as well as Brooke Hendersonand Alena Sharp in the women’s event. The men’s team will be coached by Derek Ingram while Tristan Mullally will coach the women’s team.
Download hi-resolution team photos
The athletes earned their spots on the Canadian Olympic Golf Team based on their standing in the respective men’s and women’s world golf rankings as of July 11, 2016.
The field for the 2016 Olympic golf competition will include 60 women and 60 men competing over 72 holes of stroke play in a men’s individual event (August 11-14) and a women’s individual event (August 17-20). Golf makes a historic return to the Olympic Games for the first time in 112 years, dating back to when Canadian George S. Lyon won gold for Canada at St. Louis 1904.
At Rio 2016, Canada expects to field a team of approximately 315 athletes.
Golf Canada is the National Sport Federation and governing body for golf in Canada representing close to 310,000 golfers at more than 1,400 member clubs across the country. A proud member of the Canadian Olympic Committee, Golf Canada’s mission is to grow participation, excellence and passion in the sport while upholding the integrity and traditions of the game. By investing in the growth of the sport and introducing more participants of all ages to the game, our goal is to be relevant to and respected by all Canadian golf enthusiasts from coast to coast. For more information about what Golf Canada is doing to support golf in your community, visit www.golfcanada.ca.
QUOTES
“I am incredibly proud that we will have Canada’s top golfers teeing it up in Rio. We have all seen their extraordinary talent on their respective professional tours and I’m sure we can expect the same focus and determination in Rio. Congratulations to all those who made it onto the team.”
Curt Harnett, Rio 2016 Team Canada Chef de Mission
“We are very excited about golf’s return to the Olympic Games for the first time since Canadian George S. Lyon won gold in 1904 and I think the composition of our men’s and women’s teams make them very well positioned to be successful in Rio. David and Graham have both challenged for titles on the PGA Tour and have the talent to compete for a medal. On the womens’ side, Brooke has elevated her game to become one of the world’s top players and Alena has played the best golf of her career in the months and weeks leading up to the Games.”
Jeff Thompson, Golf Canada Chief Sport Officer
“This is the first time in over a hundred years that golf is back in the Olympics, and I am honoured to be representing Canada in Rio. I will be playing for millions of people from my country to defend the gold medal. It’s going to be really special.”
Graham DeLaet, Rio 2016 athlete
“Playing in the Olympics on Team Canada has been a big goal of mine since the original announcement a few years ago. I’m glad that it is finally here and I am looking forward to representing my country on the world-class stage that is the Olympic Games.”
David Hearn, Rio 2016 athlete
“I’m so excited to get to Rio and represent Canada in the Olympic Games. I feel so fortunate to have qualified for the team and I know the support from back home will be incredible.”
Brooke Henderson, Rio 2016 athlete
“I can’t imagine a greater thrill in sports than representing my country at the Olympic Games. I’m having one of my best seasons ever on the LPGA Tour and the timing couldn’t be better for me to take my game to Rio.”
Alena Sharp, Rio 2016 athlete
“I am so happy to learn which Canadian golfers have been named to Team Canada for golf’s return to the Olympic Games. I join all Canadians, especially the young golfers who will be emulating their heroes at clubs across the country, in wishing our golf team all the best in Rio.”
The Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities
The golf team which will represent Canada at Rio 2016 includes:
Athletes:
| First | Last | Hometown | Event |
| Graham | DeLaet | Weyburn, SK | Men’s Individual |
| David | Hearn | Brantford, ON | Men’s Individual |
| Brooke | Henderson | Smiths Falls, ON | Women’s Individual |
| Alena | Sharp | Hamilton, ON | Women’s Individual |
Coaches:
| Position | First | Last | Hometown |
| Men’s Coach | Derek | Ingram | Winnipeg, MB |
| Women’s Coach | Tristan | Mullally | Straffan, Ireland |
Prior to being named to the final Canadian Rio 2016 Team, all nominations are subject to approval by the Canadian Olympic Committee’s Team Selection Committee following its receipt of nominations by all National Sport Federations.