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With one swing, Adilson da Silva of Brazil put golf back into the Olympics for the first time in 112 years.The lone Brazilian in the 60-man field was chosen to hit the opening tee shot at Olympic Golf Course in a proud moment for the sport. His drive went right down the middle of the fairway, and da Silva smiled and removed his cap to wave at the crowd.
The grandstand was filled with more golf officials than fans.Not since 1904 in St. Louis has an Olympic medal been awarded in golf. The sport has come under scrutiny because six of the top 10 players in the world chose not to play.
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International Golf Federation Peter Dawson turned and flashed two thumbs up when the first group teed off. He called it a long journey and then added, “or the beginning of a new one.”
