Golf is voted into the Olympic Games

Golf’s re-appointment to the Olympic Games has been confirmed today, following a vote by the International Olympic Committee.

As a result, the sport will be included in the 2016 and 2020 Summer Games.

Rugby sevens also received the backing of the IOC members but it is the decision to reinstate golf after a more than 100-year absence from the quadrennial Games that has garnered the most attention.

World No.1 Tiger Woods has already indicated his determination to add an Olympic gold medal to his many achievements and, speaking from the Presidents Cup in San Francisco, he said: “There are millions of young golfers worldwide who would be proud to represent their country and it would be an honour for anyone who plays this game to become an Olympian.”

European Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie added: “I am so delighted to hear that golf has been approved to be in the Olympics in 2016. I am proud to have been a part of the process and it is a credit to everyone who has leant their support to this process.

“I have made my support very clear and I think this is a very significant moment for the game of golf and all of the players who are lucky enough to compete in the 2016 Olympic Games will be part of a truly unique experience.”

American phenom Michelle Wie was part of the delegation that submitted golf’s final bid ahead of the vote in Copenhagen and she said: “I can dream about being an Olympian, and I can dream of doing something not even Tiger or Ernie has ever done, that is to make the putt to win the gold medal.”

It was announced last week that the 2016 Olympic Games will take place in Rio de Janeiro.

Bryce Ritchie is the Editor of bunkered and, in addition to leading on content and strategy, oversees all aspects of the brand. The first full-time journalist employed by bunkered, he joined the company in 2001 and has been editor since 2009. A member of Balfron Golfing Society, he currently plays off nine and once got a lesson from Justin Thomas’ dad.

Editor of bunkered