Nicklaus is eager to promote golf as a viable Olympic sport

American golf legend Jack Nicklaus has called for the sport to be included in the Olympics from 2016.

The International Golf Federation has named Nicklaus, who has won 18 majors, and Annika Sorenstam, winner of 10, as global ambassadors for the Games cause.

"I believe with its inclusion, golf can strengthen the Olympic movement throughout the world," said Nicklaus.

"At the same time, it can have a tremendous impact on the growth of golf where it is a developing sport."

Nicklaus, known as the Golden Bear, and Sorenstam will attend select international events to advocate golf's inclusion.

And Sorenstam, who retired at the weekend after winning 72 titles on the LPGA Tour, said: "A major objective of mine is to help grow the game around the world.

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"I can think of no better way to grow it than through the Olympics."

The International Olympic Committee will make a decision in October whether to include golf in the 2016 Games.

It is competing with baseball, softball, karate, roller sports, rugby and squash.

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