The designer of the golf course for the 2016 Summer Games was supposed to be announced last Friday but the decision has been delayed until March, the Associated Press reports. The eight firms that have submitted plans are Gary Player Design, Greg Norman Golf Course Design, Hanse Golf Design, Hawtree Ltd., Nicklaus Design, Renaissance Golf, Robert Trent Jones II and Thomson-Perret Golf Course Architects.
Nicklaus is teaming with Hall of Famer Annika Sorenstam on his project, while Norman has a partnership with retired Mexican golfer Lorena Ochoa.
Applicants must have prior course design experience, with international companies required to have an established office in Rio. The Rio committee said the course must leave a legacy for the city and be ready to host test events by 2015.
Golf made its debut at the second modern Olympics in Paris in 1900, but lasted only one more games. It was reinstated in 2009 and has a spot guaranteed in the 2020 Olympics, but a good impression in Rio will be critical in keeping the sport in the games beyond that. Another IOC vote on adding or deleting sports is scheduled for 2017.
