PGA TOUR chief Tim Finchem wants to see golf included in the Olympics by 2016. The merits of golf's inclusion on the Olympic schedule have been discussed in the past and tour commissioner Finchem believes it is now time to reopen the debate.

Decisions on the Olympic programme for 2016 will be made next year and Finchem believes efforts should be made to secure a place for golf. He believes inclusion would help the development of the game around the world.

In his blog on the tour's website, www.pgatour.com, Finchem wrote: "In 1993, we actually announced golf would be in the 1996 games in Atlanta. However, this never materialised for various reasons . . . While there remain questions to be answered and issues to be resolved, I believe the time is right to move forward."

Finchem accepts much work would have to be done to co-ordinate an Olympic event with all governing bodies.