Golf's Olympic return a boon

Golf's return to the Olympics after a gap of more than 100 years is a huge boost for the sport and will help its development around the world, a top US PGA Tour official said on Sunday. Jack Warfield, vice-president of international operations, told AFP in Kuala Lumpur: "It's great for the development of the game worldwide because it puts golf on an equal footing with other Olympic sports. "And the focus from national organisations and governmental support around the world is important to assist with expansion in the growth of the game. "So we think it's extremely important and we are very excited that it's been added back into the Olympics." Golf will be included at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. The last time it featured at the Olympics was in 1904. Warfield was speaking at the $6.1-million CIMB Asia Pacific Classic in Malaysia, an event co-sanctioned between the PGA Tour and Asian Tour. Warfield said the growth of the game in Asia knew no bounds. "The game is becoming so popular and beyond the limited percentages that play the game at very high income levels it's expanding beyond further demographic groups and all the efforts, whether it be junior development or golf initiatives, that help broaden the base are extremely positive. "I certainly can't see that slowing down."