The 2016 Olympic Games host course in Rio de Janeio has finally been given the go ahead.

Work on the Gil Hanse designed course had been delayed by a dispute over ownership of the site.

And while ‘clearing’ work had commenced a month ago it was only last weekend, as revealed by R & A CEO, Peter Dawson that approval was given to commence actual construction of the 18-hole layout.

“I can announce happily that last weekend all the permits needed to start constructing the course was issued down in Rio so that work can now proceed at pace,” said Dawson.

The Gil Hanse designed course in Rio has finally been given the construction green light.

“If the construction schedule goes to plan, the course will be completed in good time for a test event and then for the Games tournament.

“This is not a responsibility of the International Golf Federation to supply a venue as was the case in London with stadiums for the London Olympics. It is the IGF’s responsibility to ensure that the golf course is technically right and adequate.

“It has been a worry what with all the delays down there and let’s just hope we can get it done and crack on.”

Carlos Nuzman, Head of the 2016 organizing committee, confirmed last month the course would be ready for a test event in 2015.

Golf is returning to the Summer Olympics in 2016 for a first time since 1904 in St. Louis.

However calls by a number of leading male professionals for an Olympic tournament other than stroke-play have been ignored for the time being.

“As you know we went for 72-hole stroke-play for men and 72-hole stroke-play for women and that was after player consultation, and at the time, we wanted to be certain we had players support,” said Dawson.

“We had women support very strongly but not all of the men.  We thought that to go canter to them would risk player support so we didn’t do that.

“So will go with that format for 2016.  Have a cracking good golf competition and then review it for future years rather than try and experiment with something different in four years time.”

And Dawson said he’s confident the game’s leading world ranked players, both men and women, will commit to the 2016 Olympic Games.

“I would expect the world’s best players to play,” he said.

“I have spoken to many players and through their individual tours and the mood seems to be very much so.”