Golf News:World number two Phil Mickelson expects to see golf on the Olympic programme in the near future, believing its inclusion would act as a spur to help the sport develop around the world.

The 37-year-old American impressed when he stopped off with his family in Beijing - venue of next year's Olympics - on his way to Shanghai to play in this week's €3.4-million Champions tournament.

"I think Beijing is going to be a wonderful host for the Olympics," the three-time major winner said. "Hopefully in the future, golf will become an Olympic sport, because then the Olympic foundations from every country will start to fund and support golf in all the countries throughout the world and golf will become a much more global sport."

Golf faces a tough task getting into the world's biggest multi-sports event; the International Olympic Committee are trying to reduce the size of the Games.

"The earliest it would be in the Olympics is 2016, the absolute earliest possible," Mickelson said. "Hopefully I'll still be playing and maybe have a chance, but I think it would be better if it was for amateur golfers."

Mickelson said another way of making the sport more global was for top players to take part in international tournaments, something he was hoping to do more and more.

"In the past I haven't been able to because it hasn't been fair on my family," he said. "Now that my kids are older they can grasp the cultural differences. So I want to make an effort to help globalise golf but also to give my kids a more global education."

After a disappointing first foray into Asia at the Singapore Open last week, Mickelson is confident of a better showing in milder weather at the Sheshan International Golf Club starting early this morning.

"I had a bit of a virus at the weekend and I think the heat made it a little worse," he said. "But I've had a good practice session this morning and I'm starting to hit the ball much better, so I'm expecting to play well this week."

n Jose Maria Olazabal has pulled out of this month's World Cup in China because of persistent problems with rheumatism. Jose Manuel Lara will replace the twice US Masters champion and combine with Miguel Angel Jimenez in Spain's team at the Olazabal-designed Mission Hills Golf Club in Shenzen from November 22nd to 25th.

"The joints in my shoulders and groin have been inflamed and even sitting down for any length of time has been painful," said Olazabal. "I am devastated to miss the World Cup as I was desperate to represent my country on a course I designed."

The 41-year-old, a veteran of seven Ryder Cups, said he hoped to be competing again in the New Year.

"The good news is tests indicate a marked improvement and my long-term aim is to get back in action in January," said the 1994 and 1999 US Masters champion. "I believe I have another five or six good years in me and I want to get playing as soon as possible."

Olazabal's misfortune has opened the door for the 30-year-old Lara to make his debut in the event and try to secure Spain's fifth World Cup triumph.