The 2024 Olympics begin in Paris on July 26, and things get serious for the golfers at the beginning of August. It is highly likely that four US male and four US female golfers will be taking part in this year’s Summer Games.
Olympics 2024: A look at the qualification criteria in golf
Golf was no longer part of the Olympic Games for over 100 years before making its triumphant return in Rio in 2016. Since then, the discipline has become an integral part of the Olympics. Accordingly, golfers from all over the world are also competing to take part in the 2024 Olympics at this year’s event in Paris. While all four starting places in the men’s event are as good as secured, Megan Khang is fighting for a place in the women’s event. It is worth taking a look at the qualification criteria.
Qualification for the golf competitions of the 2024 Summer Olympics is based on an Olympic Golf Ranking, which is closely aligned with the OWGR. Over a qualification period of two years, the ranking is made up of points won in various tournaments, with performances in tournaments with stronger fields earning more points, in accordance with a points distribution plan approved by the International Golf Federation (IGF). As with the OWGR, good finishes on the PGA Tour are generally the most highly rated, but men’s golfers can also collect plenty of points on the DP World Tour and other tours. Ultimately, the average score from a minimum of 40 and a maximum of 52 tournaments is decisive. The 15 best golfers in the Olympic Golf Ranking qualify for the Olympic Games, whereby a maximum of four athletes may come from the same country. With a total number of 60 golfers, all golfers between 16th and 60th place in the OGR also qualify, with a limit of two players per country – the limit also includes players in the top 15. If a country already has two or more players in the top 15, no further players can qualify for the Olympic Games. The women’s qualification system corresponds to that of the men and is based on the Rolex Ranking (women’s world ranking list).
These players have the best chances of taking part
The four Olympic tickets for the men’s team already seem to have been secured. Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele, the two major winners of the season so far, are heading to Paris. While Scheffler leads the rankings, Schauffele is in third place, with Wyndham Clark, the next US player, just behind him in fourth place. The last ticket is likely to go to Patrick Cantlay, who is eighth and secured within the top 15.
The women’s Olympic riders are also as good as fixed. Nelly Korda, the high-flyer of the season, is the leader of the rankings. Lilia Vu, sitting in second place, is also in contention for an Olympic starting place. Rose Zhang is in sixth place in the rankings and is therefore likely to be in the running. Meanwhile, Megan Khang, who is in 15th place, has to fight. If she falls any lower, her Olympic dream would be shattered.