Tag: paris 2024

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Olympics 2024: Dutch Athletes Denied Participation

One of the players denied at the Olympics 2024: Joost Luiten. (Image: Getty)
One of the players denied at the Olympics 2024: Joost Luiten. (Image: Getty)

As Golf Digest proposes, the dream of competing in the Olympics 2024 has been dashed for Darius van Driel and Joost Luiten among the men and Dewi Weber among the women. The Dutch Olympic Committee or the Dutch Sports Federation (NOC/NSF) is responsible for this. Despite meeting the qualification criteria of the International Golf Federation (IGF) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the national committee has denied these athletes participation.

According to IGF and IOC rules, the top 15 in the Olympic Golf Rankings (OGR), based on the golf world rankings, qualify – with a maximum of four athletes per country. The 60-player field is then filled with the best outside the top 15, with a maximum of two participants per country. For the Netherlands, this includes Darius van Driel and Joost Luiten among the men, as well as Anne van Dam and Dewi Weber among the women. However, the Dutch Olympic Committee has its own criteria for golf.

Olympics 2024: Dutch Committee Blocks Participation

The Dutch Olympic Committee requires a “realistic chance” of placing in the top eight across all sports to approve Olympic participation. To meet this expectation, the committee has set stricter criteria than the IOC and IGF.

These criteria state that women must be placed in the top 24 and men in the top 27 of the Olympic Golf Rankings (OGR). None of the four previously mentioned athletes meet this criterion. Anne van Dam is still in because she took advantage of an opportunity created in the fall. If a Dutch golfer is in the top 59 of the OGR, a top-8 finish in a highly competitive tournament is sufficient. The athletes could select eight events in advance where such a result would count. With her second place at the Ladies European Tour Championship 2023, Van Dam was the only one to achieve the required placement.

Van Driel, Luiten, and Weber will have to watch as others compete for Olympic honors and medals in August. Dewi Weber expressed her disappointment in an interview with Golf Digest: “Our own country says, we don’t think you’re worthy to be at the Olympics, and you’re not worth representing the Netherlands.” It’s such a hurtful and sad message to elite athletes like her, Weber said. She also mentioned in the interview that the athletes and the golf association would even pay for the trip themselves.

Joost Luiten also expressed his sadness on X: “I am very sad that I will not be participating in the Olympics 2024. The @nocnsf will not send me, even though I qualified according to the international golf federation’s criteria and the Olympic criteria. They don’t believe I can make it into the top 8!”

Olympics 2024: Switzerland and Austria Benefit from Dutch Participation Ban

If no solution is found by July 9, the date when the official participant list is announced, Switzerland and Austria will benefit. Among the men, Joel Girrbach from Switzerland would move up, and among the women, Sarah Schober would qualify for Paris. Schober would be the second Austrian golfer in the Olympic competition alongside Emma Spitz, while Joel Girrbach would be the only Swiss golfer among the men.

Former Ryder Cup Player Outraged

Nicolas Colsaerts, Belgian golf professional and former Ryder Cup player, expressed his outrage at the decision of the Netherlands on the platform X (formerly Twitter): “Shocking maneuver by Dutch Olympic Committee… gives a clear indication of lack of knowledge of golf.” Even golfers who are lower in the rankings can win a medal, as Slovakian Rory Sabbatini demonstrated. Sabbatini won silver with an Olympic record round of 61 strokes while being ranked 167th in the world at the time. There is at least hope for the Dutch for the Olympics 2028, as the committee has recently shown willingness for change. For Van Driel, Luiten, and Weber, this is likely only a small consolation for now.

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Olympics 2024: Charley Hull and Georgia Hall Represent UK

Charley Hull and Georgia Hall represent the UK at the Olympics 2024. (Photos: Getty)
Charley Hull and Georgia Hall represent the UK at the Olympics 2024. (Photos: Getty)

The golf qualification for the Olympics 2024 is complete. After the men’s qualification phase ended last Monday, the women’s participants have now also been decided. While Tommy Fleetwood and Matt Fitzpatrick represent the men, Charley Hull and Georgia Hall will compete in the women’s event. A look at the two female participants from the UK.

Olympics 2024: Charley Hull and Georgia Hall form UK’s Olympic Duo

Charley Hull currently travels to Paris in eighth place in the world rankings (Rolex Rankings). After two second places on the Ladies European Tour and consistently good performances, the Englishwoman is currently in good form and can therefore hope for a top ranking at the Olympics 2024. Although the 28-year-old’s last victory was almost two years ago, four top-ten finishes this calendar year and a recent good shared 16th place at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship confirm Hull’s form.

Hull is accompanied by Georgia Hall, who is also 28 years old. She is currently ranked 36th in the world and is currently struggling a little with her form. The Englishwoman has yet to secure a top ten finish this year and her best results were T12 at the Meijer LPGA Classic two weeks ago and the Aramco Ladies International. Georgia Hall celebrated the biggest success of her career in 2018 with a major victory at the Ricoh Women’s British Open.

Olympics 2024: Qualification Process and Criteria

The Olympic Golf Ranking (OGR) determines qualification for the 2024 Paris Olympics, scheduled from August 1-10 at Le Golf National in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines. The top 15 golfers in the OGR automatically qualify, with a maximum of four players per National Olympic Committee (NOC). Beyond the top 15, the highest-ranked players are selected until the 60-player field is complete, ensuring no more than two players per NOC unless they are within the top 15.

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The qualification criteria for the Olympic Golf Tournament. (Photo: IGF)

Tommy Fleetwood and Matt Fitzpatrick have secured their tickets for Paris in the men’s competition.

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Ladies Tours

Olympics 2024: Korda, Vu and Zhang form US Olympic Trio

Nelly Korda, Rose Zhang and Lilia Vu represent the US at the Olympics 2024. (Photos: Getty)
Nelly Korda, Rose Zhang and Lilia Vu represent the US at the Olympics 2024. (Photos: Getty)

The golf qualification for the Olympics 2024 is complete. After the men’s qualification phase ended last Monday, the women’s participants have now also been decided. With Elly Ewing missing the Qualification for the first time since golf’s return to the Olympics in 2016, no country will send four players. A look at the female participants from the USA.

Olympics 2024: Nelly Korda, Lilia Vu and Rose Zhang form Olympic Trio

The bitter failure of Ally Ewing means that the US women’s golf team will be represented three times at the Olympics 2024. The trio consists of world number one Nelly Korda, her direct rival Lilia Vu and ninth-placed Rose Zhang. Korda in particular has dominated this year on the LPGA Tour and has already won six of her ten tournaments. She has won five of them in a row. But Lilia Vu has nothing to hide either: She recently won the Meijer LPGA Classic and followed it up with a shared second place at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship. Rose Zhang also secured a win on the LPGA Tour this year at the Cognizant Founders Cup.

The rankings in the world rankings alone make it clear that the USA will also be the big favorites at the Olympics 2024. The fact that only three women’s golfers are competing this year will not change this. What’s more, Nelly Korda has already won the Olympics 2020 in Tokyo and will travel to Paris full of confidence.

Ally Ewing narrowly misses out on the Olympics 2024 in Paris

Qualification for the Olympics 2024 was particularly bitter for Ally Ewing. The 31-year-old had to finish the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship in fifth place or better to qualify for the competition in Paris later in the summer. Near the end, Ewing was in a tie for second place and qualified, but over the next 90 minutes Lilia Vu, Jin Young Ko and Miyu Yamashita each birdied the 18th to get to four under, pushing Ewing into a tie for fifth place. The American thus narrowly missed out on 15th place in the world rankings, which would have qualified her for the Summer Games.

Olympics 2024: Qualification Process and Criteria

The Olympic Golf Ranking (OGR) determines qualification for the 2024 Paris Olympics, scheduled from August 1-10 at Le Golf National in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines. The top 15 golfers in the OGR automatically qualify, with a maximum of four players per National Olympic Committee (NOC). Beyond the top 15, the highest-ranked players are selected until the 60-player field is complete, ensuring no more than two players per NOC unless they are within the top 15.

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The qualification criteria for the Olympic Golf Tournament. (Photo: IGF)
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Highlights Tours

US Golfers Eyeing Olympics 2024: End of Qualification Period

In August, it gets serious for the American golfers at the 2024 Olympics. Who can hope for success of making the team? (Photos: Getty)

As the qualification period for the 2024 Olympics concludes, four US men’s golfers have secured their spots in Paris. Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele, Wyndham Clark, and Collin Morikawa will represent the United States at the Games.

Scheffler and Schauffele Lead the Team At The Olympics 2024

Scottie Scheffler, ranked first in the Official World Golf Rankings (OWGR), has had a stellar season, including wins at The Players Championship, The Masters, and The Memorial Tournament. Despite a challenging performance at the US Open, Scheffler’s consistent excellence throughout the year ensured his top spot.

Xander Schauffele, currently third in the OWGR, has also had a strong season. He won his first major at the PGA Championship and has consistently finished in the top ten. Schauffele’s experience and previous gold medal win at the 2021 Olympics make him a formidable contender for Paris 2024.

Clark and Morikawa Secure Final Spots

Wyndham Clark, ranked fifth in the OWGR, clinched his spot with strong performances earlier in the season, including a win at the Pebble Beach Pro-Am. Despite recent inconsistencies, Clark’s high ranking secured his place on the team.

Collin Morikawa, ranked seventh, rounds out the US team. Morikawa’s accuracy and recent top finishes, including a third place at the Masters, have bolstered his ranking. His consistent play and strategic approach make him a valuable asset for the US team.

DeChambeau Misses Out Due to LIV Golf Participation

Bryson DeChambeau, despite a recent US Open 2024 win, did not qualify for the Olympics due to his participation in LIV Golf events, which do not contribute to OWGR points. This exclusion has left him frustrated, but the rules of Olympic qualification are clear, prioritizing OWGR standings.

Conclusion of the Qualification Process

The Olympic Golf Ranking (OGR) determines qualification, aligning closely with the OWGR. The top 15 golfers in the OGR automatically qualify, with a maximum of four per country. The men’s qualification period ended on June 17, 2024, confirming the final roster.

The qualification criteria for the Olympic Golf Tournament. (Photo: IGF)
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Highlights Tours

British Golfers Set for Olympics 2024 as Qualification Period Ends

In August, it gets serious for the English golfers at the 2024 Olympics. Who can hope for success of making the team? (Photos: Getty)

The Olympic qualification period for the men golfers has ended, with Tommy Fleetwood and Matt Fitzpatrick leading the charge for the Paris Olympics.

Fleetwood’s Performance Leading Up to The Olympics 2024

Tommy Fleetwood, ranked 10th in the Olympic Golf Ranking (OGR) and 13th in the World Golf Ranking (OWGR), has demonstrated consistent performance over the past few years. His significant achievements include winning the Nedbank Golf Challenge in 2022 and playing a pivotal role in Team Europe’s Ryder Cup victory in 2023. Fleetwood also secured a top-five finish at the 2024 Masters Tournament, solidifying his position as a key contender for the upcoming Olympics.

Fitzpatrick’s Steady Rise

Matt Fitzpatrick, ranked 11th in the OGR and 18th in the OWGR, has also shown remarkable consistency. The 2022 U.S. Open champion has maintained his presence within the top 50 golfers globally for the past seven years. Notable victories for Fitzpatrick include the 2023 RBC Heritage and the 2022 U.S. Open.

Qualification Process and Criteria

The Olympic Golf Ranking (OGR) determines qualification for the 2024 Paris Olympics, scheduled from August 1-10 at Le Golf National in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines. The top 15 golfers in the OGR automatically qualify, with a maximum of four players per National Olympic Committee (NOC). Beyond the top 15, the highest-ranked players are selected until the 60-player field is complete, ensuring no more than two players per NOC unless they are within the top 15.

The qualification criteria for the Olympic Golf Tournament. (Photo: IGF)

Women’s Qualification Period Nearing End

The qualification period for women golfers will conclude on June 24, 2024, a week after the men’s. Charley Hull and Georgia Hall are the top British hopefuls. Hull, ranked 9th in both the OGR and OWGR, recently won the Volunteers of America Classic, ending a six-year wait for an LPGA Tour title. Hall, ranked 23rd in the OGR and 36st in the OWGR, has also shown impressive form, including a win at the Aramco Team Series in London. Their performances will determine their positions in the final Olympic lists.

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Professionals

Road to the Olympic Games 2024: British Golfers Eye Qualification

In August, it gets serious for the English golfers at the 2024 Olympics. Who can hope for success of making the team? (Photos: Getty)

The qualification process for the 2024 Olympics is in full swing, and British golfers Tommy Fleetwood, Matt Fitzpatrick, Charley Hull, and Georgia Hall are among the top contenders aiming for a place in Paris.

Men’s Olympics Qualification

Tommy Fleetwood and Matt Fitzpatrick are leading the British men’s golf contingent. Fleetwood, currently ranked 9th in the Olympic Golf Rankings (OGR) and 11th in the World Golf Rankings (OWGR), has had a successful few years. He won the Nedbank Golf Challenge in 2022, played a key role in Team Europe’s Ryder Cup victory in 2023, and recently secured a top-five finish at the 2024 Masters Tournament.

Matt Fitzpatrick, ranked 10th in the OGR and 14th in the OWGR, is also a strong contender. Fitzpatrick, the 2022 U.S. Open champion, has consistently remained within the top 50 golfers worldwide over the past seven years. His notable victories include the 2023 RBC Heritage and the 2022 U.S. Open, showcasing his readiness for Olympic competition.

Women’s Olympic Qualification

On the women’s side, Charley Hull and Georgia Hall are the top British hopefuls. Hull, ranked 7th in both the OGR and OWGR, recently ended a six-year wait for an LPGA Tour title by winning the Volunteers of America Classic in Texas. Her consistent performance, including five top-10 finishes this year, makes her a strong candidate for Olympic success.

Georgia Hall, ranked 23rd in the OGR and 31st in the OWGR, has also shown impressive form. The former Open champion looks forward to competing in the 2024 Paris Olympics. Hall’s recent appearances include a win at the Aramco Team Series in London.

Olympic Qualification Process

The Olympic Golf Ranking (OGR) determines the qualification for the 2024 Paris Olympics, which will take place from August 1 -10 on Le Golf National in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines. The top 15 golfers in the OGR automatically qualify, with a maximum of four players per National Olympic Committee (NOC). Beyond the top 15, the highest-ranked players are selected until the 60-player field is filled, ensuring no more than two players per NOC unless they are within the top 15.

The men’s qualification period ends on June 17, 2024, while the women’s ends on June 24, 2024. The final lists will be published shortly after these dates, confirming the golfers who will compete in Paris.

The qualification criterie for the Olympic Golf Tournament. (Photo: IGF)

With their strong performances and current rankings, Fleetwood, Fitzpatrick, Hull, and Hall are well-positioned to represent Great Britain at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

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Highlights Tours

Olympics 2024: These US Golfers Have the Best Chances

Scottie Scheffler and Nelly Korda are two high-flyers traveling to the 2024 Olympics.
Scottie Scheffler and Nelly Korda are two high-flyers traveling to the 2024 Olympics.

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.

The qualification criteria for the Olympic golf tournament in Paris 2024 (Photo: IGF)

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.