The highly anticipated men’s golf tournament at the Paris 2024 Olympics is set to unfold at the prestigious Le Golf National from August 1-4. This marks the third installment of golf in the modern Olympic era since its reintroduction at Rio 2016 after a century-long hiatus.
Le Golf National, located in Guyancourt, southwest of Paris, is renowned for hosting the Open de France on the DP World Tour and the memorable 2018 Ryder Cup. The Albatros course, known for its challenging layout with a par of 71 and a yardage of 7,174 yards, will be the battleground where 60 of the world’s top male golfers vie for Olympic glory.
The prestige of winning an Olympic gold medal and the accompanying exemptions into major championships make this event a coveted highlight in the golfing calendar.
The tournament format is a 72-hole individual stroke play with no halfway cut, ensuring all 60 participants play the full four rounds. This setup promises continuous excitement and drama right up to the final putt on Sunday.
Golf’s history in the Olympics dates back to the Paris 1900 Games, making its return to the “City of Light” a full-circle moment. The sport was dropped after the St. Louis Games in 1904 and only returned to the Olympic roster in Rio. With its deep historical roots and the grandeur of the venue, the 2024 men’s golf tournament is set to be a landmark event.
Le Golf National is not just a beautiful course but a formidable challenge. The final four holes are particularly notorious, surrounded by water and demanding precise shot-making under pressure. This course, with its undulating fairways and links-style bunkers, places a premium on accuracy over distance.
The players will need to navigate slick greens and tight fairways, a true test of their skills and mental fortitude. The winning score at the Open de France, which this course regularly hosts, has averaged around 10 under par, hinting at the level of difficulty the Olympics will face.
Weather and Course Condition for the Olympic golf
Le Golf National is in pristine condition ahead of the 2024 Olympics, with the groundskeepers working tirelessly to ensure the course meets the highest standards. The fairways are lush and well-manicured, providing a perfect playing surface for the world’s best golfers.
The greens are expected to be fast and true, offering a stern test for even the most proficient putters. The course’s signature holes, particularly the water-laden closing stretch, will be pivotal in determining the tournament’s outcome.
Weather forecasts for the tournament period predict mild summer conditions, ideal for golf. Temperatures are expected to range from the mid-70s to low-80s Fahrenheit, with minimal chances of rain.
The light breezes typical of the Parisian summer should add a strategic element without severely impacting play. These conditions will likely allow the golfers to focus on their game without the disruptions of severe weather, setting the stage for some potentially low scoring and thrilling competition.
The Field
The field for the 2024 men’s Olympic golf tournament is stacked with talent, headlined by world number one Scottie Scheffler. Scheffler, in the midst of a phenomenal season with six wins including the Masters and The Players Championship, leads a formidable Team USA lineup.
Joining him are defending Olympic gold medalist Xander Schauffele, 2023 U.S. Open champion Wyndham Clark, and two-time major winner Collin Morikawa. This American quartet is expected to be strong contenders for the podium.
Europe’s challenge is spearheaded by Rory McIlroy and Jon Rahm, both of whom bring a wealth of experience and recent success. McIlroy, who narrowly missed a medal in Tokyo, is determined to claim his first Olympic podium finish.
Rahm, the 2023 Masters champion, will be looking to add Olympic gold to his impressive list of accolades. Other notable Europeans include Tommy Fleetwood, who has a rich history with Le Golf National, having played crucial roles in both the Ryder Cup and the Open de France.
The defending champion, Xander Schauffele, will be aiming to replicate his success from Tokyo 2020. Schauffele’s clutch performances in major tournaments this year underline his status as one of the favorites.
The field also includes past major champions like Hideki Matsuyama from Japan, Shane Lowry from Ireland, and Ludvig Aberg from Sweden, making the 2024 men’s golf tournament a truly global contest with a blend of experience and emerging talent.
Expert and Sleeper Picks
Expert Picks:
Scottie Scheffler (3-1): Scottie Scheffler enters the 2024 Paris Olympics as the favorite, and it’s easy to see why. The Texan has been on an incredible run, winning six tournaments, including marquee victories at the Players Championship, the Masters, and the Memorial Tournament.
Scheffler’s form has been nothing short of dominant, and his recent tie for seventh at The Open demonstrates his consistent ability to perform in high-stakes tournaments.
He will be playing alongside Rory McIlroy and Ludvig Aberg in the first two rounds at Le Golf National, adding an extra layer of excitement to his quest for Olympic gold. Given his recent track record and the prestige of his victories, Scheffler is a strong contender to add an Olympic gold medal to his impressive 2024 season.
Xander Schauffele (5-1): Xander Schauffele, the reigning Champion Golfer of the Year, is another top pick for the Paris 2024 Olympics. Schauffele, who won the gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, has continued to shine in 2024 with two major championship victories.
His success this year, combined with his experience and composure in international competitions, makes him a formidable opponent. Schauffele will be paired with Jon Rahm and Viktor Hovland for the first two rounds, setting up a thrilling start to the tournament.
His ability to perform under pressure and his recent triumphs make Schauffele a strong candidate to defend his Olympic title and secure another gold medal for Team USA.
Sleeper Picks:
Alex Noren (35-1): Alex Noren is a compelling sleeper pick for this tournament. Noren has a strong history at Le Golf National, having won here in 2018 during his bid to qualify for the European Ryder Cup team.
His victory was part of a broader success story at this course, including three top-10 finishes and five top-20 finishes overall. Noren’s recent performances, such as a 10th place at the Scottish Open and a 13th at the Open Championship, demonstrate his ability to compete in strong fields.
His accuracy off the tee in recent tournaments further boosts his stock, especially on a course that demands precision. With many competitors unfamiliar with the course, Noren’s experience could make him a standout.
Carlos Ortiz (90-1): Carlos Ortiz has been making waves on the LIV Golf tour this season, highlighted by a victory in Houston. Additionally, Ortiz secured a win at an International Series event in Oman and notched three more top-10 finishes across two tours.
Although he hasn’t played in the majors this season, his impressive form could earn him exemptions into next year’s major events. Ortiz showed promise in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, staying in medal contention through the first three rounds before faltering on the final day.
This experience could serve him well in Paris. Despite flying under the radar compared to compatriot Abraham Ancer, Ortiz’s strong form makes him a potential surprise contender.