After being absent for over 100 years, golf will return to the Olympics in 2016. On Friday, both golf and rugby were reinstated for the 2016 and 2020 games after a vote by the IOC, according to the Associated Press.

“I think it’s great for golf,” said the world’s number one golfer, Tiger Woods. ”It’s a perfect fit for the Olympics…”

“This is a very significant day for golf,” said Peter Dawson, head of golf’s governing body – the R&A . “In addition to those golfers who will have an opportunity to compete as Olympic athletes, we are excited for the national golf federations that will reap the benefits from today’s decision in terms of growth and support within their countries,” Dawson said.

“This is a wonderful occasion for Rugby and its future across the globe,” said South African rugby coach, Paul Treu. ” Just think, in a few years’ time our top rugby players will share the same stage as world-class athletes like Usain Bolt [and] Michael Phelps.”

While the IOC’s selection process received some criticism from it’s board members, the response of Twitter has been positive… for the most part:

1. 
   BeachBassBone (Long Beach, CA) So baseball is no longer an Olympic sport, but it’s okay. We get golf in return! Wait… what? 11 Oct 2009 from TweetDeck
2. 
   MicahDL (Denver, CO) Golf and rugby added to summer olympic lineup…holla! 11 Oct 2009 from txt
3. 
   alexmassie (Scotland) If golf can be an Olympic sport then why isn’t darts in the Olympics? 11 Oct 2009 from TweetDeck
4. 
   CADsmart (Bristol, UK) So pleased to see Rugby 7’s in the Olympic family – great stuff! 11 Oct 2009 from web
5. 
   atfmama2004 (Duluth, GA) Looking forward to golf as an olympic sport (cheering, not playing…..LOL)! 12 Oct 2009 from web
6. 
   WinSr (East Hartford, CT) Glad to see Rugby returning as an Olympic event. 12 Oct 2009 from web
7. 
   WomenandGolf (Michigan) Thrilled that golf will return (after 100+ yrs) as an Olympic sport in 2016 and 2020 along with rugby sevens, as approved by the IOC! 12 Oct 2009 from web

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