The recent withdrawals of top golfers from the Games in Rio will lead to the end of Olympic golf said IOC member Barry Maister to Newstalk ZB New Zealand today.

“I think its appalling” he said. “I don’t think the sport should be allowed to continue in the games in this scenario. Once they’ve got in they have got to deliver. Second or third rate players is so far from the Olympic ideal or thr expectations of the Olympic movement. The Olympics is about the best, and they pledged the best. Quite frankly any sport that cannot deliver its best athletes in my view should not be there”.

Also today Adidas sought assurances from World No 1 Jason Day and US Open Champion Dustin Johnson, whom they sponsor, that they will compete in Rio.