Representatives of the International Golf Federation formally presented their case for golf to become an Olympic sport during a meeting with the International Olympic Committee Programme Commission at the IOC headquarters in Lausanne.

Making the presentation were Peter Dawson, chief executive of The R&A and joint secretary of the IGF, and PGA Tour executive Ty Votaw, executive director of the IGF Olympic Golf Committee.

Among the key points they highlighted were golf's worldwide participation and diversity; the sport's economic and charitable impact; and its commitment to the youth of the world. Golf, they noted, has grown significantly in these three areas and would continue to grow as an Olympic sport, thus influencing the relevance and attraction of the Olympic Games.

"Golf truly is an international sport, with 60 million people playing the game in nearly 120 countries," Dawson noted. "And it continues to grow with new initiatives being implemented all over the world to teach the game to both young and old. We believe the time is right for golf to be brought back to the Olympic Games."

During the presentation, the IOC Programme Commission was shown a series of short films that featured top players expressing support for golf's bid.

"We felt it was critically important to show that many of the game's biggest stars are saying supportive and positive things about golf's bid for the Olympics," Votaw said.

A special element in the presentation was the actual trophy won by Canadian George Lyon in the individual stroke play in 1904 in St. Louis the last time golf was an Olympic sport.

The next step in the process is to submit responses to a detailed questionnaire in March that will constitute the formal and technical bid.

Each of the seven sports being considered for inclusion starting with the 2016 Games made a presentation. Also under consideration are baseball, karate, roller sports, rugby sevens, softball and squash.

Prior to the final decision, each sport under consideration will respond by May to any questions the IOC Programme Committee might have regarding the detailed questionnaire. A second presentation to the IOC Executive Board will take place in June, with the final vote taking place in October.