Olympics Golf 2024

As the Summer Olympics 2024 draws near, some of the world-class golfers will assemble on the Parisian soil (or grass) to participate in one of the top golfing showdowns and fight for the gold medal. But did you know that golf has had a rocky history when it comes to the Olympics programme? 

It was launched for the first time in the Olympics in 1900, with a reappearance in 1904, until it went off the grid for 112 years! But then, it was brought back to the programme in the Rio Olympics in 2016. And now, it’s just the third time that golf will feature in the Olympics this year.

From the last two appearances, the medals from the men’s rounds in 2016 were claimed by Gold–Justin Rose (England), Silver–Henrik Stenson (Sweden) and Bronze–Matt Kuchar (USA). Meanwhile, in 2020, the victors were Gold– Xander Schauffele (USA), Silver–Rory Sabattini (Slovakia) and Bronze–C.T. Pan (Chinese Taipei). 

On the other hand, the victors of the women’s rounds in 2016 were Gold–Inbee Park (South Korea), Silver–Lydia Ko (New Zealand) and Bronze–Shanshan Feng (China). And, in 2020, the medals were claimed by Gold–Nelly Korda (USA), Silver–Mone Inami (Japan) and Bronze–Lydia Ko (New Zealand).

After the two golds in the last Summer Olympics, the USA will give a tough fight to retain the medals. It is also the only country this time that has more than two qualifiers who will play in the Games.

Golf Rules

The Olympic Games use a stroke play format for golf, where all the players participate in all four rounds. At the end of these rounds, the total number of shots, by the golfers in all rounds combined, is calculated, and the golfer with the least number of strokes is declared as the champion of the tournament. Play-offs take place in case of a tie.

Olympics Golf 2024: Schedule and Venue

The golfers are all set to compete in the Olympic Games that will be held at ‘Le Golf National’, one of the most esteemed golf sites in the French capital. This lusciously beautiful venue also hosts the French Open every year and even proudly hosted the Ryder Cup in 2018. It boasts two 18-hole courses with another 7-hole course for beginners.

From August 1 to August 10, this competitive venue will witness some of the most brilliant swings from the golfers while they compete for victory. The two golf medal events will consist of four men’s rounds and four women’s rounds. The men’s medal will be awarded after the final round on August 4, while the women’s medal will be awarded after the final round on August 10.

If you want to check out the magic first-hand, viewers in the UK can watch the Olympics Golf on BBC, Eurosport and discovery+. Now, let’s take a closer look at the schedule, shall we?

Note: All the rounds are scheduled to take place at 8 AM (BST).

Olympics Golf 2024: Qualification Process

The Olympics Golf events consist of 120 players, 60 men and 60 women. These golfers who qualify are determined based on their Official World Golf Rankings (OWGR). The top 15 rankers are eligible to play, with a maximum of 4 players from one country. 

Apart from these 15 spots, the Olympic Golf Rankings (OGR) go to the high-rankers from other countries which don’t have 2 qualified players already. A maximum of 2 players from one country are permitted. 

British Golfers Who’ll Compete in Paris

While the United States has the most medals in Olympic Golf (five gold, three silver, five bronze), team Great Britain stands second with three medals (one gold, one silver, one bronze). 

Matthew Fitzpatrick has emerged as a steady and impressive golfer who will make his debut at the Olympics Golf. With the RBC Heritage (2023) and the U.S. Open (2022)  labels already in the bag for him, his performance at the Olympics is much awaited. Tommy Fleetwood, who was also a part of team Great Britain in the Tokyo Olympics 2020, will return to the Games in Paris. His unwavering demonstration of golfing will be a pleasure to witness. 

From the women’s qualifiers, Georgia Hall, who has won the Ladies European Tour Order of Merit twice, will make her Olympics Golf debut in this tournament. Golfing superstar Charley Hull, who made her Olympic Golf debut in 2016, will also participate in this tournament. From being the youngest player to participate in the Solheim Cup (18 years old), her golfing journey has been quite remarkable to witness.

Men’s Olympics Golf Rankings

Here is a complete list of 60 male golfers who will compete at the Olympics Golf 2024.

Women’s Olympics Golf Rankings

Here is a complete list of 60 female golfers who will compete at the Olympics Golf 2024.