Copenhagen, Denmark (My Sportsbook) - Golf and rugby will be part of the Summer Olympics for 2016 and 2020.
Both sports were previously recommended by the International Olympic Committee's executive board earlier this year and the full membership voted Friday in favor of inclusion for the 2016 Games as well as the 2020 Games. A simple majority vote was necessary for approval.
"Both golf and rugby are very popular sports with global appeal and a strong ethic," said IOC President Jacques Rogge. "They will be great additions to the Games."
Rogge was voted to a second and final four-year term as IOC president earlier on Friday. The vote was 88-1. He was the only candidate.
Rio de Janeiro was voted last week as the host for the 2016 Olympics, while the 2020 Games have not yet been awarded.
Golf was previously played at the 1900 and 1904 Games. The format for the Olympics will be a 72-hole stroke-play tournament for 60 men and 60 women.
"The International Golf Federation is absolutely delighted by today's results," said International Golf Federation Secretary General Peter Dawson. "We thank the IOC for the thorough process and we are looking forward to playing our part as a member of the Olympic Movement. This is great for golf and we hope to be of great benefit to the Olympic Games as well."
Rugby was played at four different Olympics from 1900 through 1924. The current plan for Olympic play will be a 7-on-7 game, rather than the traditional 15-man teams. It will feature 12 teams for both men and women.
"I am so delighted and proud," stated International Rugby Board President Bernard Lapasset. "My thanks to the IOC members for their wonderful support. Rugby is honored to be a part of the Olympic Sports Program and we are already looking forward to Rio 2016."
Golf and rugby were chosen by the executive board from a group of seven sports hoping to be part of the Games. Baseball, softball, karate, squash and roller sports did not make the initial cut.
Baseball and softball were dropped from the Olympics following the 2008 Beijing Games and had hoped to be reinstated.
