Nicklaus and Sorenstam want to build Rio 2016's Olympic golf course

GOLFING greats Jack Nicklaus and Annika Sorenstam want to build the golf course in Rio where the sport will make its Olympic debut in 2016.

PLAYING THEIR PART: Jack Nicklaus and Annika Sorenstam want to build the Rio 2016 Olympic golf course (Getty Images)

Both were ardent supporters of golf's bid for Olympic inclusion last October and have written to the International Golf Federation to request that they be considered as architects for the first Olympic golf course since 1904.

Nicklaus, the most successful male golfer in history, having won a total of 18 majors throughout his career, has been directly involved with the design of 271 courses across the world, while his company, Nicklaus design has 341 courses open for play in 34 countries.

The intention is that Nicklaus and Swede Sorenstam, who has won ten majors, would collaborate on the strategy of each hole and Nicklaus confirmed a potential site had already been identified.

"I think this is a very functional partnership," said Nicklaus. "I hope we can work a deal.

"I'll be surprised if they don't select us. But I'm sure other people are interested."

Nicklaus also stated that at present there is not a public golf course in Brazil and that he believes it is imperative that the course used for the Rio 2016 Games is open to the public long after the Olympics.