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Who's in contention for Team GB?

With Team GB’s golfing line up to be announced on July 11, we look at the players in contention for a seat on the flight to Rio.

28 April 2016 2 minute read Who's in contention for Team GB?
Jamie Spence will lead the team in Rio. Rui Vieira/PA Archive 
   

Golf returns to the Olympics for the first time in 112 years this summer, so getting a place in Team GB will be a huge milestone for the UK’s cream of the crop.

Sixty golfers will compete in the games, including the world’s top 15 players – men and women – with each country limited to no more than four players. The remaining 30 spots will go the highest-ranked players from countries that don’t already have two golfers qualified.

So who’s in contention for Team GB?

Jamie Spence – Team Leader

The two-time European Tour winner will be going to Rio as Team Leader. This is a non-playing role. The 50-year-old will be there as mentor, manager and motivator. He’ll also be in charge of everything from ordering the clothing to sorting accreditation.


Almost definitely going…

Talks have already been held with both Justin Rose and Masters winner Danny Willet. The two are by far the highest ranked British stars and look set to be on the plane to Rio.


Danny Willet's rise up the rankings has been extraordinary. Two years ago, he just made the top 50. Now he currently stands at 9th in the world after his success at Augusta. Rose, on the other hand, has been an ever-present in the top 10 since 2012.
   

Danny Willet will need to get used to signing autographs if he brings home the gold. Martin Rickett/PA Wire
Danny Willet will need to get used to signing autographs if he brings home the gold. Martin Rickett/PA Wire
  
For the women, Charley Hull and Catriona Matthew look set to go. Charley Hull has been slowly making her way up the rankings list, and currently stands at 25th. The 20-year-old only turned pro in 2013 and won her first professional title at the Lalla Meryem Cup at the age of 17. She is one to watch.

Catriona Matthews, like Justin Rose, is much more experienced. Her first victory was back in 1998 at the McDonald's WPGA Championship on the Ladies European Tour. Hopefully, the balance of youth and experience will work well for Team GB.
   
Charley Hull is one to watch in Brazil. Jon Buckle/PA Wire
Charley Hull is one to watch in Brazil. Jon Buckle/PA Wire
   

Outside chances of going…

While these teams look almost set in stone, there are a few challengers that could yet make their way to Rio.


Paul Casey has stated that he wants to push for a place on Team GB. Currently ranked 24th, he feels he can make the top 15 by July 11. He recently told reporters: “It would be so cool to get an Olympic medal, let alone a gold medal. I'm all up for that. I'm a massive fan of watching legends, going back to the Daley Thompson days.”

For the women, both Holly Clyburn and Melissa Reid could have an outside chance. Holly Clyburn’s hopes suffered a big hit with her collapse at the Australian Open in February, which saw her share the halfway lead on eight under with fellow Olympic hopeful Catriona Matthew. But in the third round she shot a six-over 78 to drop to two under.

Melissa Reid’s journey has been a bumpy one, with a close family bereavement making her revaluate what the sport meant to her. She was a graduate of the Sir Clive Woodward's British Olympic Association project, but lately has gone for a more relaxed approach to the game. This resulted in a recent win at the Turkish Airlines Ladies Open, so don’t rule her out just yet.

Not going with Team GB…

Rory McIlroy will be at the Olympics – but not with Team GB. The Northern Irishman will be representing Ireland at the Olympics having played for them at amateur level.

He said: “I remembered all the times I represented Ireland as an amateur. I have played for Ireland my whole life and there’s no reason to change that now. It’s just a continuation of what I’ve done.”
   

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