Nicklaus and Sorenstam back return for golf at Olympics

Jack Nicklaus and Annika Sorenstam have joined the campaign to put golf back into the Olympics.

The International Golf Federation today named Nicklaus and Sorenstam as Global Ambassadors in support of the bid.

The International Olympic Committee will vote in Copenhagen next October on whether to add two new sports to the 2016 Olympic Games. The last time golf was on the programme was 1904.

"As a player and now a course designer, I have seen the game of golf enjoy tremendous growth worldwide - and we are seeing the game introduced and grow in new countries and markets every day," said Nicklaus.

"Golf truly embodies the Olympic spirit - with a foundation built upon honour, integrity, dignity and sportsmanship.

"I believe with its inclusion, golf can strengthen the Olympic movement throughout the world. At the same time, it can have a tremendous impact on the growth of golf - where it is a developing sport. I'm pleased to lend my support to the cause."

Sorenstam, who retired as a player last week, stated: "It is an honour and privilege to take an active role in assisting golf's bid to become an Olympic sport.

"Now, as I step aside from competitive golf, a major objective of mine is to help grow the game around the world - and I can think of no better way to grow it than through the Olympics."