Representatives of the International Golf Federation (IGF) formally presented their case for golf to become an Olympic sport, starting with the 2016 Olympic Games, during a meeting with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Programme Commission at the IOC headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland.
Making the presentation were Peter Dawson, Chief Executive of The R&A and Joint Secretary of the IGF, and PGA Tour executive Ty Votaw, Executive Director of the IGF Olympic Golf Committee.
Among the key points highlighted were: golf’s worldwide participation and diversity; the sport’s economic and charitable impact; and its commitment to the youth of the world. Golf, it was noted, has grown significantly in these three areas and would continue to grow as an Olympic sport, thus influencing the relevance and attraction of the Olympic Games.
The next step in the process is to submit responses to a detailed questionnaire in March ; the responses will constitute the IGF’s formal and technical bid.
Also under consideration are baseball, karate, roller sports, rugby sevens, softball and squash.
Prior to the final decision, each sport under consideration will respond by May to any questions the IOC Programme Committee might have regarding the answers to the detailed questionnaire. A second presentation to the IOC Executive Board will take place in June, with the final vote taking place in October.
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