Els dreams of holding aloft SA flag as golf returns at 2016 Rio Olympics

Former world number one Ernie Els is dreaming of holding aloft the South African flag at the opening of the 2016 Rio Olympics when golf returns to the elite tournament in Brazil.

The South African, who has won four major championships and more than 60 titles around the world, would be 46-years-old when the sport returns to the Games fold in Rio de Janeiro following a 112-year absence.

After finishing 39th at the European Tour's season-ending DP World Tour Championship in Dubai, Els said that he would love to be on the team representing South Africa at the Olympics, Sport24 reported.

He said that if it comes off it would be the extra special bit of icing on his career, adding that presently there's really no opportunity other than the World Cup for a South African golfer to directly represent his country.

Els said that it would be unbelievable to be part of the team, adding that if he qualifies, and hopes he does because when next year comes around that would become a burning goal of his, he might even allow himself the thought of carrying the South African flag into the stadium.

Els has struggled to make an impact on the world stage this year, slipping from 27th to 57th in the rankings after failing to win on the European Tour or US PGA Tour.

Sixty players would line up in both the men's and women's 72-hole strokeplay tournaments in Brazil. Golfers in the top 15 of the rankings would automatically be eligible although no more than four players from any one country can compete.

The Florida-based Els won the British Open in 2002 and 2012 and the U.S. Open in 1994 and 1997, the report added.