Fay: Change Olympic Golf To Include Match Play

David Fay uses his Golf Digest column on the end of PGA Championship match play (which he does not miss) to advocate a change in the 2016 Olympic golf format to include a match play component built loosely on the Western Amateur format.

Happy 4th, Ty!

But the IOC is also committed to sports that have multiple disciplines and events, whether they be track and field, swimming, gymnastics, tennis--or golf. And the IOC takes seriously its credo of Citius, Altius, Fortius: Faster, Higher, Stronger.

As a first step to expanding golf's presence, here's a tweak for the International Golf Federation and the IOC to consider: Amend the 2016 format, for men and women, as follows, all of which can be accommodated in five days:

First three days: Play the 72 holes of stroke play, with the final day consisting of 36 holes (acknowledging the importance of speed of play and stamina, Citius and Fortius). Gold, silver and bronze medals will be awarded.

Day 4: Match play for the low four individuals (18 holes), based on the stroke-play results.

Day 5: 36-hole match for the gold and silver medals, and a 36-hole consolation match for the bronze medal for the semi-final losers.

He also makes a key point for those who say winning an Olympic Gold still won't compare to a major:

Winning one individual gold medal representing one's country is an athletic accomplishment of the highest level. Winning two individual gold medals: rarefied air.