Rogge defends recommendation of golf ahead of IOC vote

INTERNATIONAL Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge has defended the recommendation of golf for inclusion into the 2016 Olympic programme ahead of Friday's final vote.

CRUNCH TIME: Golf and rugby sevens will go before the IOC's 106 members on Friday

Rugby sevens and golf got the nod when the IOC's Executive Board cut the original shortlist of seven sports down to two in August.

And the two sports now face a vote by the IOC's 106 members in Copenhagen - with each sport needing a simple majority.

Sevens is thought to be home and dry, with International Rugby Board President Bernard Lapasset, Secretary General Mike Miller and former New Zealand star Jonah Lomu lobbying in Copenhagen.

Golf is less clear cut and did not receive glowing support from the Executive Board - but is bringing an all-star cast to the Danish capital, thought to include the legendary Jack Nicklaus.

Rogge, 77, has sought to promote the youth appeal of the Olympics throughout his tenure - with the inaugural Youth Olympic Games being held in Singapore next summer - although the rejection of golf on Friday would be a major slap in the face.

But Rogge insists golf is capable of inspiring the next generation when the Games heads to Rio in seven years time.  

"Have you ever seen a drive by Rory McIlroy? Have you seen how he can hit it?" said Rogge.

"He's someone who is playing really well at the moment and he's young.

"There's a group of young players in the game at the moment who will be in their prime at the 2016 Olympics.

"That's the generation of players who will be around, not the old men."

That Rogge chose to name-check McIlroy is strange considering his originally lukewarm reception to the idea of golf at the Olympics.

And while the 20-year-old can see the benefits for the game itself, it remains to be seen how it will complement the Olympic ethos.

"I was a little sceptical and apprehensive about it," said McIlroy last month, "but the more I think about it the more it will be great for golf to globalise the game and get countries like Russia, India and China recognised. 

"I sort of thought it's not fair on the other athletes who train for four years for the Olympics as the height of their career, but I can see this being great for golf.

"Hopefully it will grow the game and get more people to play the game."