There is an argument the sport should not be at the Games because it already has tournaments, such as the British Open and US Masters, which are highly prized by players who do not see a gold medal in the same light.

Such an attitude has seen some leading players, such as Australian Adam Scott, withdraw from the Rio de Janiero Olympics.

Now compatriot Marc Leishman has followed Scott and declined the chance to putt for gold, although his wife's illness, rather than any lack of prestige, was his motivating force.

That has opened the door for Australia's next highest ranked player, Corowa's favourite golfing son Marcus Fraser, to join Jason Day in Australia's two-man team.

Fraser, now ranked 63, has to maintain his lead over Matt Jones (71), until July 11, the cut-off date for Olympic selection.

It is a tremendous opportunity when you consider golf has not been part of the Olympics since 1904 and there is no guarantee it will continue beyond the Tokyo Games of 2020.

Indeed top player Rory McIlroy this week questioned whether it would remain on the Olympic rundown beyond 2020.

With the indifference shown by top players it would not be surprising to see it withdrawn, although tennis, which is in a similar position, has been a part of the Olympics since 1988, having been dropped after 1924.

The case for golf is that it allows the game to broaden its audience through the Games.

The youngsters of countries not traditionally involved in the sport, such as host nation Brazil, may take up the sport.

The costs of developing golf courses and the expense of the sport, compared to others such as soccer, tend to mitigate that but still there are plenty of costly endeavours, such as equestrian, at the Olympics.

Golf needs to grab its opportunity, just as Fraser should.

To have the Corowa Golf Club member at the Olympics would be a big boost to the game on the Border and inspire budding players.

Certainly Fraser has been in good form this year, winning his third European tour event in Malaysia in February.

Hopefully that vibe will flow through events over the next three months and we see him as part of Australia's first Olympic golf team.