The Olympic’s first golf tournament in 112 years gets under way today at Rio 2016.

The tournament is being held at an Olympic golf course designed by Gil Hanse and built within the Reserva de Marapendi and will feature two events, the men's and women's individual events.

As many as 120 women and men golfers are competing in the 72-hole tournament and though some of the game’s top stars including Jason Day, Dustin Johnson, Jordan Spieth and Rory McIlroy are missing, the event is expected to be a success.

Ahead of the return of the sport to the Games, Omega feted athletes and celebrities including Spanish golfer Sergio Garcia at a themed event titled the Omega Golf Ball, held at Omega House in Rio de Janeiro on Monday night.

Garcia is also the Swiss watch brand’s ambassador and his appearance attracted a number of athletes and their families, Rio socialites and VIPs including Brazilian actor Rodrigo Lombardi and PGA Chief Championships Officer Kerry Haigh.

The golf theme was in full swing throughout the night with a green carpet that lined the entrance hall. This led to a waterfall, always popular for selfies, where golden golf balls were scattered all around. A 19^th hole flag was also positioned at the bar to ensure that guests were well refreshed.

The timekeeper at Rio, Omega is passionate about golf and is associated with some of the sport’s best events and players. It also has strong partnerships with the PGA of America and the Ladies European Tour.

Garcia spoke about the importance of golf’s return to the Games and also his motivation to play in Rio: “One of the most important things, at least for me, is leaving the game better than when I started. Hopefully the Olympic Games will help the game grow even stronger all around the world. It’s also such a great experience and something that I’m never ever going to forget.” 

“At the end of the day, we’re here to win a tournament and do the best we can. This is something that we don’t usually get to experience as golfers. So the possibility of winning a medal is amazing.”

With golf returning to the Games for the first time since 1904, Omega has several brand ambassadors competing in the event. Along with Garcia, these include Stacy Lewis of the US, ShanShan Feng of China and Charley Hull of Great Britain.

Omega President and CEO Raynald Aeschlimann said: “I can’t think of a better way to celebrate golf’s return to the Olympic Games. We’ve been helping to grow the game for a number of years and an event like this is truly special for us. I’m sure our brand ambassadors will be doing their best to claim a medal. I can’t wait to see them tee off.”

Sitting right by the sands of Ipanema Beach, Omega House is keeping crowds entertained long into the night on every day of these Olympic Games. The members-only club has been created around the pillars of the Omega brand and is proving to be one of the most unique and popular nightspots in the city. 

Other VIP guests included professional golfer Peter Dawson and Brazilian blogger Cris Tamer.