He cited "the incredible impact it could potentially have on growing the game around the world, particularly in areas that are fledgling in their current development of the game."

Finchem acknowledged that some players have been cool to the idea of adding another major event to their already crowded schedules, floating the idea that it should be a competition for amateurs. But there's no way the IOC will consider golf unless it offers up the top professionals for both men and women.

The best of those is Woods, who would be 40 when the 2016 Games are held. He has expressed mixed feelings about playing in the Olympics, at times pointing to the potential benefits, others times looking at the possible drawbacks.

"There are issues with respect to the structure of the schedule," Finchem said. But he feels those concerns will be wiped away once players are educated on the potential for growth.

"Where the game is 10, 15, 20, 25 years from now could be fundamentally different because of the steps we're taking, and the short-term issues will pale in comparison," Finchem said.

Drug testing is another potential snag, but golf has recently moved in line with the rest of the sporting world by initiating anti-doping programs on all its major tours. While not as strict and comprehensive as World Anti-Doping Agency standards, Finchem believes any significant differences could be worked out.

Organizers of the 1996 Atlanta Olympics wanted to add golf to their program — and play it at Augusta National. That proposal failed when some IOC members and others criticized the club's all-male membership, and the fact it had only recently taken a black member.

In 2005, golf failed to win inclusion at the London Games. Under that proposal, officials suggested 72 holes of stroke play with 50 men and 50 women. Eligibility would have been determined by the world ranking, with no country getting more than three players.

"I'd love to be a part of it," said English golfer Justin Rose, who will be 36 in 2016. "The Olympics is all about competing at the highest level, world records and things like that. That's what the Olympics means to me. Golf at the Olympics would be fantastic."

There could be one drawback, however.

"I'm not sure my wife (Kate) would ever forgive me if I ever won a gold medal," Rose joked. "She was a gymnast as a kid and that was her dream."