Olympics shortlisting sparks celebration

CHASKA, Minnesota (Reuters) - Thursday's announcement in Berlin that golf has been shortlisted as one of two sports for inclusion at the 2016 Olympics sparked joyous reaction from players past and present.

World number one Tiger Woods felt the timing was ideal while fellow great Jack Nicklaus voiced his pride over golf's united front.

"I think it's great for golf," Woods told reporters after firing a five-under-par 67 in the opening round of the U.S. PGA Championship at Hazeltine National.

"We're long overdue to have it in the Olympics. Our sport is a global sport. Hopefully it will be passed in October and it will be truly in the Olympics."

Golf and rugby sevens were selected from seven candidate sports by the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) executive board and a final vote on their inclusion will be held at the IOC session in Copenhagen in October.

Nicklaus, winner of a record 18 majors, said in a statement: "Obviously the IOC recognizes the merit of golf as a global sport and that golf's traditions and inherent ideals embody the Olympic spirit.

"I am proud of golf's united front and all the players and organizations which have supported this coordinated campaign. We look forward to the vote in October and hopefully more positive news."

Nicklaus and former women's world number one Annika Sorenstam were appointed last year as global ambassadors by the International Golf Federation (IGF) to help the sport win a place in the Games.

SWEDISH DELIGHT

"I'm obviously very delighted," Swede Sorenstam, a 10-times major champion who has won 89 titles worldwide, told Reuters.

"It shows that all the preparation was worth it and that what we presented was appealing to them."

Australian Karrie Webb, a winner of seven women's majors, said: "The prospect of golf being an Olympic sport is very exciting.

"Australia is extremely passionate about Olympic sports and the Games are held in the highest regard. It would be an honor to play for my country."

Norway's Suzann Pettersen, who won her first major title at the 2007 LPGA Championship, said: "It would be great if golf is approved, especially in markets where golf is small or non-existent.

"For me it would be a dream to represent Norway in the Olympics. Golf is about respect, partnership and sportsmanship -- true Olympic values that will fit with what the LPGA and the Games stand for."

Should golf be added to the Games program in 2016, scheduling adjustments would have to be made with the Ryder Cup or the PGA Championship in danger of being shifted.

"It can impact anywhere from July through September so many things would have to be addressed," PGA of America chief executive Joe Steranka said. "But we are all committed to do that because the prize for golf is that good."

Golf, which first featured as an Olympic sport in Paris in 1900 and most recently in St Louis in 1904, failed in its previous bid for inclusion at the 2012 Games.

(Editing by Tony Jimenez. To query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)