The 2016 Rio Olympics will welcome golf back to the Games for the first time since 1904, with the decision being made to reintroduce the sport in 2009.

Architect Gil Hanse designed the course, situated in the Barra da Tijuca region of Rio de Janeiro.

The Reserva de Marapendi course will host 60 men and women over eight days of stroke play competition.

A three-hole play-off will decide who receives gold, silver and bronze if necessary.

To be guaranteed a place in the respective fields, players must finish in the top 15 of the world rankings.

However, only four players per country may be represented, with each world region also guaranteed to have one player present. Players will be able to qualify up until July 11th 2016.

The course is 7km from the media centre and 5km away from the Olympic and Paralympic Village.

Following the conclusion of the Games, the course will become open to the public in order to encourage Brazilians and South Americans to take up golf.

There is expected to be a standing capacity of 17,500 people and 2,500 seats.

The men’s tournament begins on August 11th and concludes three days later, with the women’s starting on 17th August.