The course at Reserva de Marapendi in the main Olympic Cluster of Barra de Tijuca has been a source of major concern over slow progress, with several major delays primarily due to environmental concerns and a subsequent legal challenge.

However, organisers have insisted that the course is near completion and will be ready for the test event, stating that the grass planting process has concluded and all that remains is for it to fully grow.

Speaking here today, Rio 2016 Director of Communications Mario Andrada insisted that the construction phase of the course is now finalised, and barring some very unseasonal weather, preparations will be completed well in time.

"Now the grass needs to grow," he added.

"But it's easy in Brazil because there's plenty of sunlight." 

Rory McIlroy is set to be one of the golfers taking part at Rio 2016 ©Getty Images



Over recent years major concerns have been raised over construction at the venue, with the prospects of the course being ready in time for the test event having been described as "improbable" last May by International Golf Federation vice-president Ty Votaw.

But as a consequence of the progress, there have been "no discussions" over the event potentially being delayed, with the official Rio 2016 calendar revealing that it will take place in November, in Barra.

It would make the golf one of the 21 test events due to be held in the next year as the country prepares to host the first Olympic Games in South America.

In November environmentalists' attempts to halt the development of the golf course were rejected by a judge from the host nation, and Andrada also confirmed that a group of protesters were still opposing the construction, believing that it is damaging the local nature reserve.

Organisers estimate that the protesters number between 30 to 50 people and that they have held "relevant discussions" with them over issues that have been raised, with the possibility of minor modifications to the course remaining.

Rio 2016 have also stated that they believe that they are progressing with things in the right manner to solve the concerns of the protesters, reflected by an independent specialist having been appointed to provide assistance.

"We are pretty confident we're doing the right thing from an environmental perspective," Andrada, a former journalist before taking up his post, insisted here today.

"There is a legal discussion still going on."

Golf is set to make its return to the Olympics in 2016 after an absence of 112 years.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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