Karrie Webb to be Aussie captain at Olympics

It should not come as a surprise that Australian golfing legend and World Golf Hall of Fame member Karrie Webb will be nominated as captain of the Australian team for the Paris Olympics in 2024.

Webb, a seven-time major winner, is possibly the first woman to captain both men and women at the Olympics. Previously there have been separate captains. She replaces Ian Baker-Finch who was captain in 2016 and 2020.

In addition Webb will also coach the Australian women’s team at the World Amateur Teams' Champs this year in Paris at the Olympic venue which will give a good heads up on the course.

“I couldn’t be more excited and I am very familiar with all the players who are likely to be in contention to play in Paris, and in some cases they are close friends of mine,” said Webb.

Golf Australia chief executive James Sutherland said: “Karrie is a hugely classy person and has always given back to golf, which makes her an obvious choice for the role in Paris and hopefully beyond.”

Webb has not been a person who sought the limelight. Humble and self effacing has always been her mantra.

This writer well remembers watching Webb and close rival Annika Sorenstam playing the 18th in the final round of the Australian Women’s Open many years ago at Royal Pines on the Gold Coast as well as watching her win at Royal Sydney. Great memories of one of the all time greats of women’s golf. — By Neville Idour.