Golfing icons Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods and Presidents Cup players from five countries celebrated the inclusion of their sport for the 2016 Olympics following the International Olympic Committee's vote in Copenhagen on Friday.

Golf and rugby sevens were approved for admission into the Olympic programme at the Rio de Janeiro Games in seven years, with the Brazilian city set to host a 72-hole strokeplay tournament.

American Nicklaus, who has won more major championships than any other player with 18 titles, was an ambassador for the International Golf Federation's campaign and said: "This is a great day for the game of golf. I want to congratulate all those who worked and campaigned so passionately over the last couple of years to make this day a reality."

He added: "It is obvious that the unified voice of golf was not only heard but embraced by the International Olympic Committee.

"When I was asked last year to be a part of this global effort, I was delighted to be involved because I believe so strongly in our game and what it represents - honesty, integrity, sportsmanship and good will.

"All of us who have spent our lives playing and enjoying the game of golf fully understand why it deserved a spot on the Olympic programme, and now the sport I have always called the greatest game of all can be shared with the rest of the world on the greatest stage in sports."

As some of golf's greatest current players prepared to resume Presidents Cup play in San Francisco in the United States versus International team event, world number one Woods, who sent a video message as part of the final presentation to the IOC, led the reaction to the successful vote.

"I think it's great for golf," Woods said. "It's a perfect fit for the Olympics, and I think we are all looking forward to golf getting into the Olympics."

Woods, 33, had said previously that he hoped to play in the 2016 Games and asked what would it mean for someone to be a part of the Olympics, he replied: "Well, you'd have to ask Olympic athletes. We as golfers have never had it, so this will be a new experience for golfers who get to participate in the Olympics.

"Having talked to other athletes who have had a chance to experience the Olympics, they have absolutely loved it and had the greatest time."