Rose, Willett, Hull and Matthew to represent Team GB at the Olympics

Justin Rose, Danny Willett, Catriona Matthew and Charley Hull will represent Team GB for golf at the Olympics in Brazil next month.

It is hoped that the inclusion of golf at the Olympics in Rio will lead to a boost in participation in the game.

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Justin Rose

It will be the first time golf will be a sport at the Games in 112 years, and it is also hoped the fact Team GB has managed to attract such big names will overshadow the loss of star players such as Rory McIlroy, who said he wouldn’t be going to the Olympics – or will even be watching golf at the Games.

Justin Rose, who won the US Open in 2013 and is an England Golf ambassador, said: “The Olympics are a fantastic opportunity to bring golf to a much wider global audience, which in turn should help to inspire people across the country to take up sports such as golf.

“Lots of young people dream of being an Olympian and a Team GB success in Rio will encourage kids all over the country go to their local club or range and start swinging a club.”

Masters champion Danny Willett, who was an England champion and international as an amateur, has already helped take golf to a wide audience with his triumph at Augusta earlier this year.

AUGUSTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 10: Danny Willett of England celebrates with the green jacket after winning the final round of the 2016 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 10, 2016 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by David Cannon/Getty Images)

Danny Willett. (Photo by David Cannon/Getty Images)

Justin Rose and Danny Willett will compete in the men’s 72-hole stroke play event from August 11 to August 14.

ST ANDREWS, SCOTLAND – JULY 30: Charley Hull of England watches her tee shot on 15th hole during pro-am round of 2013 Ricoh Women's British Open held at St Andrews Old Course on July 30, 2013 in St Andrews, Scotland. (Photo by Wojciech Migda)

Charley Hull. (Photo by Wojciech Migda)

Charley Hull, who is also an England Golf ambassador, said: “For golf to be included in this year’s Olympics is hugely exciting. Golf is a game for everyone and the Olympics will help to make people realise this and hopefully inspire them to give it a go. Golf is a great game to play with your friends and family – it’s very social, quite relaxing and you can burn around 600 to 700 calories playing a round of golf!”