Tim FInchem, the comissioner of the PGA Tour, who are part of a coalition campaigning for golf's inclusion in the Olympics in 2016, said that the sport would flourish around the world if it is chosen.

 

In an interview published in today's edition of the New York Times, he said: "Most of the positive impact of golf being included in the Olympics occurs outside the United States.

 

"The number one impact is the unlocking of resources in over 100 countries around the world where Governments sponsor sports but essentially only those that occur on the Olympic programme.

 

"In addition, there is some benefit from the enhanced exposure that results from being part of the Olympic Games.

 

"The resultant impact of these things on the PGA Tour is somewhat longer term as the growth of the game stimulates global television consumption, sponsor interest and related factors.

 

"From a long-term perspective, we are excited about the positive impact of this development and as a consequence have lent our support to the initiative."

 

Most of the top players, led by Tiger Woods, are backing golf's campaign to be added to the Olympic programme for the first time since St Louis in 1904.

 

Golf faces competition from baseball, karate, roller sports, rugby sevens, softball and squash with the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) final vote taking place in October at its Session in Copenhagen when the host city will also be chosen.

 

Chicago, Madrid, Rio de Janeiro and Tokyo are the contenders.