2016 to be a big year for the game

If reports are to be believed then 2016 is set to be a massive year in the world of golf. From major changes to some big predictions, here we take a look at why.

Golf at the Olympics

In 2016, golf will return to the Olympics after a 112-year absence from the infamous sporting spectacular. It is because of this that many are hailing the 2016 golf season to be ‘like no other in living memory’. The last time golf was played at an Olympic games was at the St Louis games back in 1904, and although the decision to get golf back into the Olympic line up has been fraught with controversy, it's good to see that we’ve come out the other side.

Now, there is a lot of positivity from the players, with pros jostling for position at the top of the rankings in order to gain a chance to represent their country this summer in Rio. According to BBC Sport, the top 15 men’s and women’s qualifiers in the tables are guaranteed a place at the Games this summer, up to a maximum of four per country. Following this, the remaining line up in the 60-player fields will come from the leading two players from each country that does not already have two qualifiers, when the qualifying period ends in July.

The year to come

The Telegraph’s golfing correspondent, James Corrigan,  recently published some of his expert predictions for the year ahead in the world of golf. These included the continued furore around the ‘new big three’ at the head of the men’s rankings, as well as his instinct that Ulsterman will become the sixth player in history to complete the career grand slam of the four majors. A big prediction indeed, but with such an exciting golfing arena at the moment anything is possible.

Touching on the women’s golf world, Corrigan said that he predicts continued success for New Zealander Lydia Ko, who finished 2015 at the top of the women’s Rolex Rankings, fighting off stiff competition from Inbee Park and the rest of the ladies making up the table at this time. According to him, he envisages that Ko will add three more majors to her already illustrious CV. He also foresees success at the Olympics for the British team, particularly ‘golden girl’ Charley Hull - lauded as the nation's new sensation in the world of women’s golf.