Nicklaus reveals pride at Olympic breakthrough

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Nicklaus has been acting as a global ambassador for golf's campaign to become an Olympic sport and was in Beijing when he learned that the International Olympic Committee's executive board had recommended golf and rugby sevens to its 121st general session in Copenhagen in October as the two new sports to be voted in for the 2016 summer Olympics.

"We are thrilled with the news," Nicklaus said. "Obviously, the IOC recognises the merit of golf as a global sport, and that golf's traditions and inherent ideals embody the Olympic spirit."

He added: "I am proud of golf's united front and all the players and organisations which have supported this co-ordinated campaign. On behalf of the International Golf Federation and all those who, like me, believe so strongly in our sport, we look forward to the vote in October and hopefully more positive news."

Led by world number one Tiger Woods, players at the US PGA Championship at Hazeltine National in Minnesota also welcomed the IOC's decision.

"I'd love to play for the rugby team, that would be great," Woods joked before adding: "No, I think it's great for golf. We're long overdue to have it in the Olympics. Our sport is a global sport. It's played all around the world. And I think it's a great time and hopefully it will be passed in October or November and hopefully it will be truly in the Olympics."

Rory McIlroy also greeted the news but admitted he had initially been lukewarm about the idea.

"At the start of getting the golf into the Olympics, I was a little sceptical and apprehensive about it," McIlroy said.

"But the more I think about it, the more it will be great for golf just to globalise the game and get countries like Russia and India and China recognised on a global stage.

"At the start I sort of thought it's not fair on the other athletes who train four years for the Olympics as the height of their career, but I can see this being great for golf. So I'm very happy that golf is in the Olympics. Hopefully it will grow the game and get more people to play the game."