What to Expect from the 2024 Olympic Golf Competition in Paris
Golf Returns to the Olympics: A Look at Paris 2024
After making a triumphant return to the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro in 2016, golf continues its Olympic journey in Paris 2024. Set to be held at Le Golf National in Guyancourt, just outside Paris, this event promises to showcase the world's top golfing talent.
Key Dates and Venue
The men's tournament will take place from August 1-4, followed by the women's tournament from August 7-10. Le Golf National, a renowned venue near Versailles, will host these prestigious events. This course, known for its challenging layout and historical significance, was the site of the 2018 Ryder Cup and is a staple for the annual French Open.
Qualification and Rankings
A total of 120 athletes, split equally between men and women, will compete in the Paris 2024 golf competition. Qualification is based on the Olympic Golf Ranking (OGR) as of June 2024. The International Golf Federation (IGF) uses the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) to determine eligibility. The top 15 world-ranked players automatically qualify, with a maximum of four from any country. Additional spots are allocated based on world rankings, ensuring representation from each continent.
Competition Format
Both the men's and women's events will follow a 72-hole stroke play format, spread over four consecutive days. There is no cut, meaning all competitors play all rounds. In case of a tie for any medal position, a sudden-death playoff will decide the winner.
Medalist Benefits
Winning the gold medal in the men's event at Paris 2024 comes with several perks:
- Exemptions into all major championships in the 2025 season.
- Exemption into THE PLAYERS Championship 2025.
- Exemption into The Sentry 2025, if the winner is a PGA TOUR member.
- Official World Golf Ranking points.
Le Golf National
Opened in 1991, Le Golf National is owned by the French Golf Federation and designed by Hubert Chesneau, Robert Von Hagge, and Pierre Thevenin. The course plays as a par 72 and is known for its strategic layout and challenging water hazards. Its renovation in 2016 has maintained its status as a top international golf venue.
Previous Olympic Golf Highlights
Golf's return to the Olympics in 2016 saw Justin Rose (UK) and Inbee Park (South Korea) win gold in Rio. The 2020 Tokyo Games witnessed American triumphs with Xander Schauffele and Nelly Korda clinching gold. Notable moments included Schauffele's clutch performance against Rory Sabbatini and a dramatic playoff for the bronze medal won by C.T. Pan. Nelly Korda's consistent play secured her victory, followed by a playoff for silver between Mone Inami and Lydia Ko, showcasing the intensity of Olympic golf.
Past Medalists
Tokyo 2020:
- Men's Gold: Xander Schauffele (USA)
- Men's Silver: Rory Sabbatini (Slovakia)
- Men's Bronze: C.T. Pan (Chinese Taipei)
- Women's Gold: Nelly Korda (USA)
- Women's Silver: Mone Inami (Japan)
- Women's Bronze: Lydia Ko (New Zealand)
Rio 2016:
- Men's Gold: Justin Rose (UK)
- Men's Silver: Henrik Stenson (Sweden)
- Men's Bronze: Matt Kuchar (USA)
- Women's Gold: Inbee Park (South Korea)
- Women's Silver: Lydia Ko (New Zealand)
- Women's Bronze: Shanshan Feng (China)
St. Louis 1904:
- Men's Gold: George Lyon (Canada)
- Women's Gold: Margaret Abbott (USA)
