- Slug: Sports–Olympics Golf Valley Ties, 1,100 words.
- Photo available.
By Scott Sandulli
Cronkite News
PARIS – When the summer sun beats down on the desert, saguaro shadows extend further and further in a way that transcends the backdrop of nature. Over 5,000 miles across the Atlantic, at the world’s most extraordinary gathering of competition, the Arizona aroma holds firm on the stage of Olympic golf. With the sports world focused on the Paris Games, the Arizona fairways serve as the approach to the greens of Le Golf National as several Valley stalwarts cross the pond in pursuit of gold.
“Everyone that competes in the Olympics talks about what a special experience it is,” Arizona State men’s golf coach Matt Thurmond said. “Playing for their country, being around the very best athletes in all these different sports in the same place. What an incredible experience.”
Returning to the slate of Olympic sports for the third time since a century-long hiatus ended in 2016, the golf event boasts some of the world’s top swingers in a star-studded field. Rather than a selection committee, players are awarded a tee time based on the International Golf Federation’s world rankings published on June 17. Continue reading “Known names on Valley golf scene, including Jon Rahm, Xander Schauffele, in mix at Paris Olympics”