A land dispute is threatening construction of the golf course for the 2016 Summer Games, when the sport is to be played at the Olympics for the first time since 1904.

Rio de Janeiro officials might have to find a new site, meaning the project would start from scratch and possibly not be ready on time for test events in 2015.

The city said it just became aware of the situation on Thursday and is “evaluating the measures it will take.”

It is the first time the city officially recognised there could be an issue involving the land.

It had been dismissing the prospect of a legal dispute and downplaying problems affecting the course.

A final decision on who owns the golf course land could take months or several years.

There are ownership disputes throughout the posh Barra da Tijuca neighbourhood, and few are resolved quickly.

American designer Gil Hanse, who will build the course, told AP on Thursday he had not yet been notified by city officials about the dispute.

“If it was important, they would probably bring it up,” Hanse said.

“We’ve been selected to do that particular job and we feel comfortable with the time frame that we have.”

Hanse said he isn’t worried but acknowledged that any changes now could affect the project, which was based entirely on the land under dispute.

“If they decided for whatever reason to make changes, you would have to start all over again,” he said.

“Our design is specifically for that site. You can’t just put it some place else.”

The matter is in the hands of Brazil’s Higher Court of Justice.

Golf was reinstated in a vote by the International Olympic Committee in 2009 and has a spot guaranteed in 2020, but a good impression in Rio will be critical in keeping the sport in the Games.