Now we all know how the Olympics go. You watch along and view sports you’ve never been interested in before. This, then, is an opportunity for golf to showcase itself to an audience that goes beyond just golf fans.
The Olympic golf event is scheduled to take place from August 1-7, with the men's tournament kicking off the action from August 1-4, followed by the women's competition from August 4-7. The format remains unchanged from previous Olympics, with 60 players in each of the men's and women's events competing over 72 holes of stroke play.
Previously In Olympic Golf…
Casting our minds back to Tokyo 2020, we saw some scintillating golf that resulted in Xander Schauffele of the USA clinching gold in the men's event, while Nelly Korda, also representing the Stars and Stripes, topped the podium in the women's competition. The question on everyone's lips is: can they defend their titles in Paris?
Paris 2024: The Favourites
The USA team, unsurprisingly, enters the competition as strong favourites. They have a phenomenal team made up of Wyndham Clark, Nelly Korda, Collin Morikawa, Xander Schauffele, Scottie Scheffler, Lilia Vu and Rose Zhang. Yes, that is the world number one and two from the men and women’s game on both teams!
However, don't count out the likes of Spain, led by the charismatic Jon Rahm, who missed Tokyo due to COVID, or a resurgent Team Ireland featuring Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry.
Speaking of Team GB, golf fans across the nation will be keeping their fingers crossed for a strong showing. While the final team won't be confirmed until closer to the event, we will see the Matt Fitzpatrick and Tommy Fleetwood flying the flag for the men. On the women's side, Georgia Hall and Charley Hull are a strong duo to fight for the top of the podium.
Major Winners in Attendance
Team USA are bringing something special here with current Masters champion Scheffler and double 2024 major winner Xander Schauffele. Arguably, Bryson DeChambeau should be on this team but disputes rage on those who went to LIV and so he was snubbed. They also have Nelly Korda who won the Chevron Championship this year.
In the women's game, keep an eye out for Lilia Vu, who's had a stellar year with wins at the Chevron Championship and the AIG Women's Open in 2023. Japan are brining Yuka Saso who won this year’s US Women’s Open and South Korea have Amy Yang who won the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship.
The event is absolutely packed with other major winners like McIlroy (IRE), Lowry (IRE), Fitzpatrick (GB), Rahm (ESP), Boutier (FRA), Henderson (CAN) and Lee (AUS). We’d use up the word count just mentioning all of these great golfers.
But let's not forget about the host nation. France is producing some excellent golf talent now including major winner, Celine Boutier who will be accompanied by Perrine Delacour. The men’s team is made up of two excellent professionals in Matthieu Pavon and Victor Perez. I expect these two to be good dark horse picks for the event.
The Olympic golf event in Paris is set to be a true test of skill and nerve. Le Golf National is renowned for its challenging layout, particularly the closing stretch. The infamous 15th, 16th, and 18th holes, collectively known as "Le Rush," could be where medals are won and lost. Players will need to navigate numerous water hazards and strategically placed bunkers if they hope to take gold.
What’s Next?
After the Olympic flame is extinguished in Paris, the golfing world's attention will swiftly turn to the final major of the year, the AIG Women’s Open Championship in St Andrews. There is also the conclusion of the FedEx Cup and the Race to Dubai on the DP World Tour.
The Paris 2024 Olympic golf event promises to be a captivating spectacle. With a mix of established stars, in-form major winners, and potential dark horses, it's anyone's guess who'll be standing on the two podiums. One thing's for certain though – with the stunning and challenging Le Golf National course, we're in for a treat.
