Golf and rugby are back in the Olympics – golf after more than a century and rugby after what will end up being a 92-year hiatus.
The International Olympic Committee on Friday overwhelmingly approved the inclusion of both sports for the 2016 Olympics – which are being held in Rio de Janeiro – and the 2020 games as well.
That means Tiger Woods will get a chance to compete for a gold medal, as the world’s No. 1 golfer has said that he would play in the Olympics if golf were ever included.
Men’s and women’s golf will be featured as two 72-hole, stroke-play tournaments with seventy competitors apiece, while rugby will be played in a four-day, seven player-per-side tournament.
Four years ago, the IOC rejected golf and rugby for the London Olympics.
By OldeGrey October 9, 2009 at 2:56 pm
It’s about time that the IOC include rugby in the Olympics. It’s a fantastic sport with a huge worldwide following. ‘m disappointed they won’t be adding full-on, 15 a side rugby, but 7′s is at least a start!
By Joshua October 9, 2009 at 6:05 pm
That does beg one question – how will the USGA handle qualifying? Points system? One week play-in tournament? Top three finishers at the US Open? How will the Olympics conflict with the PGA Tour?
Gonna be interesting, but I’m happy to see it happen. Good for the Games and good for the sport.