Park says games won't see Rio-style golf pull-outs

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February 28, 2017 11:41 AM

Park, who won women's gold as golf returned to the Games after a 112-year absence, said Tokyo should see a better turn-out.

Park In-Bee plays in the HSBC Women's Champions tournament in Singapore last year

Olympic golf champion Park In-Bee on Tuesday said she didnt expect Tokyo 2020 to be hit by serial withdrawals, after a number of top mens players skipped the Rio Games last year.

Park, who won women's gold as golf returned to the Games after a 112-year absence, said Tokyo should see a better turn-out after a successful competition in Rio.

While nine of the top 10 female golfers turned up, the men's competition had only four of the top 10, with Jason Day, Jordan Spieth and Rory McIlroy among the stars to stay away. Some players cited fears over the mosquito-borne Zika virus.

"I think everybody was just kind of new to the Olympics, and especially as a golfer... they kind of didn't know what it would be like," Park told reporters ahead of the HSBC Women's Champions in Singapore.

"The next Olympics, I am pretty sure there is going to be so many more golfers (wanting) to compete," the 17-time LPGA winner said.

"Obviously being a Major champion goes for one year, until that next championship opens the next year. But obviously Olympic (champion) goes for four years, until they have another Olympic champion."

The Tokyo 2020 golf competition has already become embroiled in controversy because the course chosen to host it doesn't allow women as full members.

Kasumigaseki Country Club in Saitama has postponed a review of its membership policy, despite coming under severe pressure over the issue.

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