Although many Americans were disappointed that Chicago did not receive the bid to host the 2016 Summer Olympics, they can look forward to Tiger Woods representing the USA in world competition in Rio de Janeiro.

In early October, the decision was made by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to add Golf and Rugby as games to the 2016 and 2020 Summer Olympics. This will be the first time since 1904 that Golf will be included among the worldly competitions, filling the “roster spot” made vacant by Baseball and Softball being removed by the IOC.

The IOC has established the International Golf Federation (IGF) as the representative body for the game of golf at the Summer Olympics. Although the competition format has not yet been finalized, the IGF has proposed a format, for both men and women, of 72-hole individual stroke play. An Olympic field of 60 players has been recommended with eligibility to be determined by the Official World Golf Ranking.