How Does Olympic Golf Work?

Written by Brendon Elliot

Golf has been part of the Olympic Games for over a century, but it wasn’t until the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro that it returned after a 112-year hiatus. The reintroduction of golf to the Olympics has sparked renewed interest in the sport on a global scale, making it crucial to understand how Olympic golf works and how the tournament is structured.

Olympic golf features both men’s and women’s individual stroke-play competitions, with 60 players competing in each event. The tournament takes place over four days, with 72 holes played to determine the medalists.

The tournament begins with a 36-hole stroke-play qualifying round spread across the first two days. Following this, the top 60 players make the cut and continue to compete in the remaining two rounds to determine the medal winners. After all four rounds, the player with the lowest combined score is awarded the gold medal.

The structure of Olympic golf is similar to that of professional golf tournaments, with players completing each round and aiming to achieve the lowest cumulative score. However, the unique aspect of Olympic golf lies in its significance as a global competition that pits athletes from different countries against each other, adding an extra layer of excitement and national pride.

One of the most intriguing aspects of Olympic golf is the representation of national teams. Unlike in regular professional tournaments, where golfers compete as individuals, the Olympics allow players to represent their respective countries. This unique feature not only creates a sense of national pride and unity but also adds an extra layer of excitement to the competition. Athletes strive not only for personal glory but also to bring honor to their nations, making the Olympic golf tournament a truly global event.

In addition to individual stroke-play competitions, Olympic golf is moving ever closer to the inclusion of a team event known as the mixed team competition. This event, which may kick off in LA at the 2028 games, consists of 60 players—30 men and 30 women—paired based on their countries. The mixed team competition introduces a collaborative and inclusive aspect to the tournament, as male and female golfers come together to represent their nations and compete for a combined team score.

The Olympic golf tournament provides a platform for golfers from various backgrounds and skill levels to showcase their talents on a global stage. It fosters camaraderie and sportsmanship among competitors while celebrating the diversity of the sport.

The inclusion of golf in the Olympics has significantly contributed to the sport’s growth and popularity, particularly in countries where golf might not have been as prominent. The exposure and prestige of competing in the Olympic Games have encouraged more athletes to pursue golf and have helped raise awareness of the sport worldwide.

Olympic golf operates on a structure similar to that of professional tournaments, with a focus on individual stroke-play competitions and the added element of national representation. The tournament’s format and the potential future inclusion of a mixed-team event highlight the spirit of unity and friendly competition that defines the Olympic Games. As golf continues to be a part of the Olympics, it will undoubtedly inspire more athletes to take up the sport, further elevate its status on the global stage, and shape the future of the sport.

PGA Professional Brendon Elliott is a multiple award-winning Golf Professional based in Central Florida. He is the 2017 PGA of America’s National Youth Player Development Award Winner and is the recipient of more than 25 other industry awards with a focus on Coaching & Education. He is considered by his peers as an industry expert on topics ranging from Jr. Golf Development to Operations to Industry Sustainability. He is the founder of the Little Linksters Golf Academies and the Little Linksters Association for Junior Golf Development, a 501c3 nonprofit also based out of Central Florida. Brendon is also a freelance golf writer for PGA.com, Golf Range Magazine and several other golf websites and blogs. He is a member of the Golf Writers Association of America. You can learn more about Brendon at BrendonElliott.com and Little Linksters at littlelinksters.com.