Golf Chief Worried About State of Rio 2016 Preparations

(ATR) International Golf Federation president Peter Dawson has voiced serious concerns about the progress of preparations for the Rio 2016 course.

He told reporters at St Andrews in Scotland that construction of the Reserva de Marapendi venue was behind schedule and that the planned 2015 test event may be out of the question because of the tight timetable for completion.

"We are not satisfied. I was down there just recently and, while the design of the course looks really good, the progress with the construction is not where we want it to be," he was quoted by Reuters.

The IOC Coordination Commission for Rio 2016 said there was "not a moment to lose" on Friday following a three-day inspection visit that evaluated all aspects of Games planning and preparations.

Dawson noted that the meetings last week in Rio had triggered a revision of the construction plan for the golf course "to increase manpower and facilities, designed to bring the project back on track".

"There have been so many revisionsto the plan it's quite hard to say how far behind they are but I think we are going to struggle to get a test event a year before the Games," he said. "I'm not writing that off completely but we have to recognise that might be difficult.

"However, I still think it will be ready in time for the Olympics."

Noting that other international sports federations had expressed similar concerns about the slow pace of progress on their venues, Dawson added: "Let me say that golf is not on its own here.

"We are new to the Olympic Games, so maybe this is normal. However, I think it's particularly disappointing given how long ago we got in amongst this and got things started. I wouldn't say I'm disturbed at this point and I'd much rather we were further ahead and that is concerning."

Written by Mark Bisson.

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