Els backs golf's Olympic bid

Els: Olympic ambition

I really hope I'm still around if and when golf is introduced. I know some critics say that the Olympic Games are for amateurs and that golf shouldn't be included, but that's a pretty thin argument.

Ernie Els
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Three-time major winner Ernie Els has thrown his weight behind golf's bid to become part of the Olympic Games.

Golf is one of a number of sports bidding to secure Olympic status for the 2016 games and will do battle with baseball, karate, roller sports, rugby sevens, softball and squash for the two spots on offer.

Phil Mickelson recently made clear his support for the idea of golf rejoining the Olympic movement, insisting it would be a massive boost to the growth of the sport, and world number seven Els has now echoed his sentiments.

"Watching some of the opening ceremony it got me thinking how amazing it would be to represent your country at the Olympic Games," the South African told his website.

"How good must that feel? I mean, seeing the looks on the faces of guys like (tennis stars Rafael) Nadal and (Roger) Federer, you could see what it meant to them.

"I really hope I'm still around if and when golf is introduced. I know some critics say that the Olympic Games are for amateurs and that golf shouldn't be included, but that's a pretty thin argument. (American basketball star) Kobe Bryant is there and what does he earn... maybe 40million a year? Last time I checked, Nadal and Federer weren't exactly playing for peanuts either!

"And besides, all the top runners earn big money now. So if money and amateur status are the only arguments against getting golf in the Olympics... well, like I say, there is no argument.

"They could have a men's and women's golf event and maybe take the two top players off the world rankings. Personally, I'd jump at the chance."

Els would be 46 if, as the sport hopes, it becomes an Olympic discipline again in 2016.

Mickelson, also currently 38 like Els, recently stated that "having golf as an Olympic sport is exponentially more important to the game of golf than the majors".