6 Reasons To Become A Golf Fan In 2016

In an eight-week stretch this summer, sports fans will be treated to The Open Championship, PGA Championship, golf in the Olympic Games, FedEx Cup playoffs and Ryder Cup. If you’ve been on the fence in years past, 2016 is the year to become a golf fan. Let’s just say it’s not your grandfather’s game anymore. Here’s why:

1. 200,000-Plus Spectators

PGA.com / Via pga.com

You thought MLB, MLS and NFL have raucous crowds? During a round of the PGA TOUR’s Waste Management Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, a total of 201,003 spectators were shouting from the top of their lungs. Wait, what?!? Yes, the par-3 16th hole has been dubbed the “loudest hole in golf.” Beer cans were launched onto the green from the stadium surrounding the hole when a robot knocked in a hole-in-one earlier in the week.

2. Golf’s Return to the Olympics

Rio 2016 / Via rio2016.com

It’s been 112 years since golf was an Olympic sport, but that will change this summer in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. A new 18-hole golf course designed by American Gil Hanse will feature a men’s tournament Aug. 11-14 and a women’s tournament Aug. 17-20. The 72-hole stroke play format includes 60 male and female players qualifying for each. Who's your pick to win gold?

3. Fab Four

WE ARE GOLF / Via wearegolf.org

Jordan Spieth, Rickie Fowler (pictured), Jason Day and Rory McIlroy. Between the four, they have seven majors and 46 PGA TOUR wins. Spieth pulled in $22 million in PGA TOUR earnings for the 2015 season (a new record) along with endorsements such as AT&T, Coca-Cola, Rolex and Under Armour. While Fowler doesn’t have a major under his belt, he’s been knockin’ on the door for quite some time. The GoPro addict has a brand new tattoo on his arm and represents exciting, fun and cool brands such as Cobra / Puma and RedBull. Day broke through in last year’s PGA Championship and will defend his title at Baltusrol just weeks before the Olympics Games. McIlory is returning from injury and has ground to make up on the other three stars.

4. Ryder Cup Revenge

Ryder Cup / Via rydercup.com

In late September, the Ryder Cup returns to American soil and Team USA has a lot to prove. The 2014 event in Gleneagles, Scotland was a gut-wrenching loss for the Americans, but our young guns (Spieth, Fowler) are ready to win the cup back. USA! USA!

5. Hottest Athletes

Golf Digest / Via GolfDigest.com

Some say LPGA players are the hottest athletes in the world. In addition, these ladies are incredibly talented! Not only can they drive the ball over 250 yards (Lexi Thompson averages more than 290), but they look pretty good while doing it. Our list of the hottest players includes Beatriz Recari Eransus, Belen Mozo, Michelle Wie (pictured) and Cheyenne Woods (yes, Tiger’s niece). Don’t recognize a name? GOOGLE!

6. Topgolf in Your Neighborhood

Topgolf / Via topgolf.com

You’ve heard people talk about it but may have only nodded and pretended like you’ve been before. Topgolf provides a whole new way to enjoy the sport. Beyond watching golf on TV and following professional players on social media, the game is actually a lot of fun and even better when you have beer, food, music and friends to enjoy it with! By the end of 2016, Topgolf will have more than 30 locations across the U.S. so look out for one opening in your neck-of-the-woods.