The course is being built at Reserva de Marapendi in Barra da Tijuca, the district that will contain the largest number of Olympic venues.

The competition at the course will see the sport will return to the Games following a 112-year absence and the site where it will be built has now been cleared for construction following several delays.

Construction on the course was due to begin in October last year, but following a legal dispute over the ownership of the land between Italian developer Mauro Pasquale and Elmway Participacoes, it has seen delays to the point where there were fears that it may not be ready in time to hold a test event before the Games.

Assurances have been made that the course will be completed in time for the test event, with the venue to be designed by American architect Gil Hanse, who was selected from a high-profile eight-strong shortlist, which also included golf legends Greg Norman, Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player.


"We have signed the contract with the owner of the land so we are in control of the project and have already started," said Rio 2016 President Carlos Nuzman.

"It is not something that is completely to do with the Organising Committee as it is also a matter for the Government but it is definitely all sorted and we will certainly have the golf course ready on time."

The course boasts a number of sand and water features, including a large lake surrounded by several holes on the left side of the layout.

The golf course, including a club house, is expected to occupy approximately 45 per cent of the site with the rest being a nature reserve.

It is set to be completed by August 2015 so that a professional tournament can be staged as a test event while following the conclusion of Rio 2016, the venue is due to become the city's first official golf course with 18 holes that is open to the public.

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