The International Golf Federation (IGF) has reacted indignantly and with complete incomprehension to the decision of the Dutch National Olympic Committee (NOCNSF ) not to include golfers Joost Luiten, Darius van Driel and Dewi Weber in the Oranje team for the Olympic Games in Paris in August due to their alleged lack of competitiveness and medal prospects.
“Unfair and Unneccessary” – International Golf Federation Offers Statement to Dutch Olympics Discussion
This was “unfair” and “unnecessary”; “extensive arguments and data” from the Dutch Golf Federation had been overlooked, according to the IGF: “Dewi Weber, Joost Luiten and Darius Van Driel all earned the right to compete in the Olympic golf competition at Paris 2024 based on their impressive play over the two-year qualifying period. However, the NOC*NSF created an additional – and, in the opinion of the IGF, unnecessary – criterion that prevented the selection of these three qualified athletes,” it said in a statement.
And further: “The IGF is confident that the data and supporting information provided to the NOC*NSF by the Netherlands Golf Federation clearly demonstrated how these three athletes all have the ability to contend for a top-eight finish in the Olympic golf competition.”
If the withdrawal remains, Anne van Dahm will be the only one playing for golf medals for Oranje.The men’s tournament at Le Golf National will take place from 1 to 4 August, while the women’s tournament will be held from 7 to 10 August.