• Loading stock data...
Thursday, September 18, 2025

Olympic Golf Is Finally Cool for the World’s Top Male Players

  • Most of the highest-ranked players will be teeing up at Le Golf National.
  • In previous years, the Olympics have struggled to attract strong fields.
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Golf isn’t considered a high-profile Olympic event. The sport has been part of only four previous Summer Games. After being played in 1900 and 1904, golf went on a 108-year Olympic hiatus before returning at the 2016 Rio Games. But golf’s two Olympic appearances this century coincided with some unfortunate circumstances. 

In 2016, concerns over the Zika virus gave top male professionals an easy excuse not to participate, as many publicly questioned why golf became an Olympic sport in the first place. The world’s top four ranked men’s players did not compete in the 60-person field. The delayed Tokyo Games in 2021 similarly struggled to attract a high-caliber field. The top two golfers in the world, and five of the top 10, didn’t play.

That was in stark contrast to the women’s Olympic golf competition, which drew nearly all of the top eligible players in 2016 and 2021.

A New Day

Momentum has been building around golf as an Olympic sport, though, and the Paris Games will feature two star-studded fields, with the men’s competition teeing off Thursday at Le Golf National, and the women’s being played next week. The famous course hosted the 2018 Ryder Cup and annually welcomes the DP World Tour’s Open de France.

The only reason the entire top 10 isn’t competing in the men’s tournament is because six Americans were ranked 10th or better as of final qualification in June, and one country can send no more than four players. “It hurts,” said Bryson DeChambeau, who narrowly missed out on making Team USA despite winning the U.S. Open. The golfer was set to compete in Tokyo but tested positive for COVID-19 and was forced to withdraw.

LIV Golf members are not banned from the Olympics, but many like DeChambeau have seen their qualification status suffer due to the controversial tour not receiving world ranking points. Six LIV players qualified, including Spaniard Jon Rahm, a two-time major champion. Top-ranked Scottie Scheffler leads Team USA, and Rory McIlroy is playing for Ireland.

McIlroy, who finished in a tie for fourth in Tokyo, told the BBC it’s “hard to say” whether the Olympics will ever be as prestigious as winning one of golf’s four majors because the format caps the talent pool.

But he acknowledged the distinct excitement of chasing an Olympic medal, and that the event could eventually mean more to the players as the years go on.

“I’ve never tried as hard to finish third before in my life,” McIlroy said. “Once you’re in there, and especially when you’re in contention for a medal, you feel the buzz of it.”

Better Together?

When Riviera Country Club hosts golf at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, a new competition could be on tap.

A proposal to include a 36-hole mixed-team tournament was submitted to the International Olympic Committee earlier this year. In between the men’s and women’s competitions, 16 teams featuring one man and one woman would play one round of foursomes (alternate shot) and one of four-ball (best ball). 

“I’m all for that,” said Justin Rose, who won the gold medal for England in 2016. The International Golf Federation said it has received support for the idea from other top players and will continue talks with the IOC later this year.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

The South Milwaukee Planet Fitness at 2901 S. Chicago Ave. will relocate to Oak Creek in summer.

‘People Want to Go to the Gym’: Why Fitness M&A Is Surging..

The fitness and gym industry has had strong deal activity in the first half of the year.

$3.8 Billion Commanders Stadium Deal Approved Despite Late Drama

A decisive final vote on the stadium followed some last-minute snags.

Bethpage Black Joins Trend of Hosting Top Men’s, Women’s Tournaments

The 2028 Women’s PGA Championship will be there for the first time.

Netflix Boxing Ratings Spark New Fight Over Streaming Metrics

The streamer used a non-accredited process to measure the boxing match.

Featured Today

Premier Lacrosse League

‘The Circus Is Coming to Town’: Why Upstart Leagues Start on Tour

In their ambitious plans, a traveling schedule is only temporary.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 19: A detailed view of the MLB Debut patch on the jersey of Patrick Monteverde #44 of the Miami Marlins prior to game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on April 19, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
September 13, 2025

The Tiny Jersey Patch at the Center of the MLB Rookie Card..

Autographed cards containing a piece of baseball history have upended the market.
September 11, 2025

Eagles-Chiefs Super Bowl Rematch Could Set More NFL Ratings Records

Fox will nationally televise Sunday afternoon’s matchup.
September 10, 2025

ESPN’s ‘MNF’ Ratings Up 8% As NFL Surges to Strong Start

ESPN posts its second-best Week 1 “Monday Night Football” audience.
Kawhi Leonard

A Timeline of the Kawhi Leonard-Clippers-Aspiration Saga

Investigations into the Clippers’ business dealings with Leonard date back years.
September 11, 2025

NHL To Allow Players From Hockey Canada Trial To Return This Winter

The five Canadian players were all acquitted in July.
Joe Burrow
September 15, 2025

Joe Burrow Out for Months After Bengals’ Pricey Offseason

Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase are the highest-paid WR duo in NFL history.
Sponsored

How World Series Champ Dexter Fowler Became a Premier League Team Owner

Dexter Fowler discusses navigating retirement and embracing new roles as an owner & investor.
September 10, 2025

Kuminga, Grimes Remain Unsigned As Giddey Agrees to $100M Deal

Two of the four restricted free agents have inked deals.
September 8, 2025

Alcaraz and Sinner Have More to Gain in 2025 After Splitting Slams

Alcaraz and Sinner have split the last eight Grand Slams.
September 7, 2025

Alcaraz Beats Sinner, Wins $5M Prize, Reclaims World No. 1

Alcaraz won a record $5 million first prize at the US Open.
Angel Reese
September 5, 2025

Angel Reese Suspended For Half-Game After Ripping Teammates

The team is disciplining Reese for criticizing her teammates publicly.