Jack Nicklaus and Annika Sorenstam, reportedly called the greatest male and female golfers of all time, have been appointed as global ambassadors by the International Golf Federation (IGF) to help golf win a place in the Olympic Games.
Eurosport reports that the two will represent their sport at select international events and support the IGF’s Olympic Golf Committee, which is spearheading the bid.
Nicklaus said, “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. 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”.
He added, “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”.
Sorenstam retired from the sport earlier this month. She said, “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”.
Golf is competing with karate, squash, rugby, roller sports, baseball and softball for Olympic status.
A vote by the IOC on the existing 26 sports on the Olympic program, and the inclusion of two more, will take place at the IOC session in Copenhagen next October.
