Why Golf at the Olympics?

“Competitive Golf is played mainly on a five-and-a-half-inch course… the space between your ears.” - Bobby Jones

Why Golf at the Olympics?

I was initially ambivalent when golf was reintroduced to the Olympics in 2016 after a

100-year absence. I didn't pay much attention to the event in Rio that year, nor did I

in 2021 when the Olympics were held in Tokyo. However, I was intrigued to hear that

Xander Schauffele had a strong chance of winning the gold medal in Tokyo, which led me to follow the news coverage, though I still didn't watch the event. My interest in Olympic golf was minimal compared to the traditional sports that typically capture

my attention during the Games.

However, my perspective shifted with the announcement of the field for the 2024

Olympic golf tournament in Paris. The lineup of top golfers, including reigning gold

medalist Xander Schauffele, Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, and Jon Rahm,

heightened my expectations for a highly competitive event. This anticipation marked

a stark contrast to my feelings during the Tokyo Olympics, which were held without

crowds due to COVID-19 restrictions.

The 2024 tournament promised an exciting atmosphere and intense competition, drawing my interest more than ever before. Teams golf, the Ryder Cup, the Presidents Cup and the Solheim Cup are very popular examples of professional golfers having a strong desire to be part of something bigger than themselves and their individual pursuits. Representing their country at the highest level is accolade enough for these professionals.

This is the joy and pain of golf at the Olympics. The pain, Jon Rahm had a four-stroke lead after the 9th, yet he collapsed on the back nine to finish out of the medals. The joy, Scottie Scheffler, who was six strokes behind Jon Rahm after the front nine, played like the number one golfer on the planet. He made six birdies on the back nine to win by one stroke over Tommy Fleetwood.

Scottie Scheffler is a worthy Olympic Champion, delivering a standout performance.

His emotions as he was presented the gold medal showed the pride he took in representing his country. He is the only golfer to have been crowned with a gold medal while holding the title of the number one golfer on the planet. Well done, Scottie.

Summary 2024 Summer Olympics Men’s Golf Tournament in Paris

• August 1 to August 4 at Le Golf National in Guyancourt, France.

• 72-hole individual stroke play format with no cuts.

• 60 of the world's top male golfers.

Medalists: Scottie Scheffler from the United States, gold medal. Tommy

Fleetwood from Great Britain, silver medal. Hideki Matsuyama from Japan,

bronze medal.

Why Golf At The Olympics? Competition was intense. Co-leaders after the second

round were Xander Schauffele of the USA, Hideki Matsuyama of Japan, and Tommy

Fleetwood of Great Britain. There were several lead changes throughout all four

rounds with the intensity being especially evident on the back nine of the final round.

The quality of play has been praised by those on the course and by viewers around

the world.

Without a doubt, golf is a true Olympic sport. Golf embodies the spirit of

competitiveness, fairness, and sportsmanship. All cherished values of the Olympic

Games.