Jack backs golf's Olympic bid

Nicklaus: Global Ambassador

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Jack Nicklaus and Annika Sorenstam have thrown their weight behind the bid to have golf reinstated as an Olympic sport.

The duo have been named by the International Golf Federation as Global Ambassadors in support of the campaign.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) will convene in Copenhagen next October to vote on whether to add two new sports to the Olympic roster for the 2016 Games.

Golf was last included in the Olympics in 1904 and Nicklaus - who holds the record of most major wins with 18 - is delighted to do his bit to try and get it restored.

"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," Nicklaus stated.

"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."

For her part, Sorenstam, who retired as a player last week, added: "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."