Wednesday 17 August 2016 07:45, UK
Justin Rose says golf must become a permanent fixture at the Olympics, after he claimed gold at Rio.
Golf will be part of the 2020 Games in Tokyo, but after the negative build up to Rio with many golfers opting against participating at the event, including world No 1 Jason Day and four-time Major winner Rory McIlroy, the future beyond that is uncertain.
However, Rose insists the competitors did everything they could to secure the sport's position at the Olympics for a little while longer.
"Having won it now I would love to see golf have a great legacy in the Olympics and carry on," Rose told Sky Sports News HQ.
"I hope it can be like the tennis. You saw the emotion that Andy Murray showed and how much it meant to him. I can only hope that it follows in their footsteps."
Rose said participation in Rio made him appreciate other sports and sportsmen.
"It was great to fly home with some of the Team GB guys. I think that's what has really hit home for me, you are part of a much wider network then your own individual sport."
His success has captured the sporting world's imagination with the likes of Wayne Rooney and Luis Figo congratulating the golfer.
"I'm still trying to catch up with all my messages," added Rose. "I've met Wayne and he's always been very complimentary and he loves his golf, but someone like Luis Figo I didn't know he was a golfer. It just shows what a huge reach the Olympics has.
"I imagine that wouldn't have happened for me winning a Major championship, but for some reason the Olympics captures everyone's imagination."
After a thrilling performance that saw Rose and Stenson carding three birdies in the first five holes, Rose looks forward to four years of bragging rights.
"That's the unique thing about the Olympics you have to wait another four years," Rose said. "The Olympics is something special.
"People want to compare the Olympics to a Major, but I don't think you can. They need to exist in totally separate worlds. This is right up there with anything I've achieved in my sport."
