Since it turned out that golf will return to the Olympic Summer Games in 2016 (Rio de Janeiro, Brasil) I have been asked one question hundreds of times: “What do you think about golf being an Olympic sport?” I have to be honest; I wasn’t quite sure about it. I didn’t know whether that was going to be a good thing or whether golf even fits with the Olympics.

And that’s not because I am not a supporter of the Olympics. I love and appreciate the Olympic Games. In fact, I had the honour of taking part in the event myself representing Great Britain in the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney playing for the National field hockey team – what an honour and what a great experience!

Are the Olympic Games going to be regarded as the pinnacle for golf?

Ben Sharpe in action against Canada during Sydney 2000

I am a huge supporter of the Olympic Games because they bring the best athletes in all disciplines together. As the biggest and most prestigious sports event in the world they motivate athletes to give their very best and to push their limits in the desire to represent their country in the best possible way. It’s simple: The Olympic Games are the pinnacle of sports.

However, I was also wondering whether this would be the case for golf. Undoubtedly the impact the Games have will help increase awareness for the sport, but are the Olympic Games going to be able to compete with golf events like The Open or the Ryder Cup? Is golf a good fit for the Olympic Games? How much attention is golf going to get next to all the other disciplines? Are the Olympic Games going to be regarded as the pinnacle for golf as well?

Transforming River Thames into a golf course

Dustin Johnson, Mark King and Sergio Garcia in front of the Tower Bridge

With the countdown to the London Games reaching fever pitch, we staged a daring golf stunt in cooperation with adidas UK to celebrate the sport’s inclusion in the adidas ‘Red Shoe’ campaign run for the 2012 Olympic Games. Against the backdrop of London’s iconic Tower Bridge, the River Thames was transformed into a unique floating hole and in front of the world’s media and excited crowds, PGAThe Professional Golfers Association (PGA) is the usual term for the professional association in men’s golf. Tour stars Sergio Garcia and Dustin Johnson joined forces with TaylorMade-adidas GolfTaylorMade-adidas Golf (TMaGTaylorMade-adidas Golf (TMaG) has led the golf industry's technological revolution since the company was founded in 1979. TaylorMade metalwoods, irons and putters have been used to win hundreds of professional golf tournaments around the world. In 1998, TaylorMade became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the adidas Group, which was the birth of the TaylorMade-adidas Golf Company. In 2008, golf-inspired lifestyle sportswear manufacturer Ashworth became part of the TMaG family.) has led the golf industry's technological revolution since the company was founded in 1979. TaylorMade metalwoods, irons and putters have been used to win hundreds of professional golf tournaments around the world. In 1998, TaylorMade became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the adidas Group, which was the birth of the TaylorMade-adidas Golf Company. In 2008, golf-inspired lifestyle sportswear manufacturer Ashworth became part of the TMaGTaylorMade-adidas Golf (TMaG) has led the golf industry's technological revolution since the company was founded in 1979. TaylorMade metalwoods, irons and putters have been used to win hundreds of professional golf tournaments around the world. In 1998, TaylorMade became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the adidas Group, which was the birth of the TaylorMade-adidas Golf Company. In 2008, golf-inspired lifestyle sportswear manufacturer Ashworth became part of the TMaG family. family. CEOThe Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of a company is the highest-ranking corporate officer and in charge of total management of an organisation. Mark King trying their luck. The Tour professionals attempted a ‘nearest to the pin’ challenge, hitting three golf balls from a barge to a specially constructed floating green moored in front of the Olympic Rings which hang proudly from Tower Bridge.

This stand-out stunt attracted lots of spectators walking by while they were in the city that is going to host the biggest sporting event in the world. The feedback was amazing and there was a huge amount of excitement. Being able to be part of the Olympic Games and the exhilaration they create, I am sure, will provide incredible support to the sport of golf.

Chances of golf as an olympic sport

The event we held on Monday showed me that the Olympics are not just a prestigious platform for the best athletes in the world, they are also a great way of raising interest and awareness for the sport and with our event we made a start in sharing our passion for golf and for the Olympic Games and having had time to think about it I am confident if executed in the right way it will be a hugely significant event in the golf calendar.