Brazilian da Silva to hit opening tee shot at Olympics

RIO DE JANEIRO - The first Olympic golf shot in 112 years will be hit by the lone Brazilian in the men's field.

The International Golf Federation tapped into what few Olympic roots it has Monday by selecting Adilson da Silva to be the first to tee off Thursday when golf returns to the Olympic program for the first time since 1904.

Brazil was guaranteed at least one player as the host nation, though da Silva qualified on his own through the world ranking.

The IGF did not stop there.

Joining da Silva in the opening threesome will be Graham DeLaet of Canada, which IGF President Peter Dawson referred to as the defending champion at the Olympics. George Lyon of Canada won the gold medal at the St.…