Golf and rugby sevens have been voted on to the programme for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
The International Olympic Committee’s executive board voted to include both two months ago and the full membership confirmed the decision on Friday.
Golf was passed by 63 votes to 27 while rugby sevens had 81 votes in favour and eight against.
IOC president Jacques Rogge told delegates: “Time will show your decision was very wise.”
Golf’s inclusion was welcomed by Europe’s Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie, who spoke to the IOC in Lausanne in June.
“I am so delighted to hear that golf has been approved to be in the Olympics in 2016. I am proud to have been a part of the process and it is a credit to everyone who has lent their support to this process,” he said.
Bernard Lapasset, president of the International Rugby Board, said the Olympics would be “the pinnacle of our sport”.
“This is a historic moment for our sport and for the global rugby community, who were united in support of our campaign,” he added.
“We are excited and honoured to be joining the Olympic Games and I would like to thank the IOC members for believing in our Olympic vision and our values and recognising that rugby sevens is a perfect fit for the Olympic Games.”
England sevens captain and IRB world sevens player of the year Ollie Phillips described it as “fabulous news” adding he was “doing cartwheels round my flat”.
Golf’s presentation video included stars of past and present including Jack Nicklaus, Phil Mickelson, Ernie Els and Woods.
“It’s win-win for both sides – golf is such a global sport. I couldn’t think of a better sport to be part of the Olympic Games,” said Woods. – bbc
