Leading figures in the golf industry are speaking up in favour of the sport being granted official Olympic status ahead of the 2016 Games.

Published: 12 May 2009

The PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem has spoken in favour of a bid to see the game become instated as an official Olympic sport in time for the 2016 Olympic Games.

Should the game beat off the other sports vying for a spot in the Games, sports fans could be seeing many more items of golf clothing on their televisions over the summer months.

In a blog on the Telegraph website, Rod Gilmour pointed out the reasons why Mr Finchem believes golf should become an official Olympic sport.

The game already has a global following and is continuing to grow in popularity, Mr Finchem said, adding that it is now attracting younger audiences and is becoming increasingly diverse.

Mr Gilmour added that some of the game's top players are also interested in the move, although Tiger Woods is apparently "lukewarm" on the idea.

However, questions have been raised as to whether the game truly belongs in the Olympics, as players in the game hold so highly other events such as the majors and the PGA Tour.

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