2024 Women’s Olympic golf preview: Field, odds, venue, weather and more

The excitement is building as the 2024 Women’s Olympic Golf Tournament approaches, set to take place from August 7-10 at the stunning Le Golf National in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, just outside Paris. Following a thrilling contest in the men’s tournament, where Scottie Scheffler took home the gold, the women are eager to showcase their skills on a course that presents both challenges and opportunities.

The venue is renowned for hosting prestigious events such as the Ryder Cup and the Open de France, and has a rich history in competitive golf, and this year’s Olympic event promises to be no exception. The last time women competed in the Olympics was in Tokyo in 2021, where Nelly Korda claimed gold, setting the stage for an intriguing title defense.

Le Golf National, designed by Hubert Chesneau and Robert von Hagge in 1990, underwent significant renovations for the Ryder Cup in 2018. The course will play as a par 72 measuring 6,374 yards for the women, slightly shorter than the men’s tournament, which featured a par 71 at 7,174 yards.

The most notable adjustment for the Women’s Olympic Golf event is the transformation of the par 4 18th hole into a par 5, creating a more accessible yet exciting finish to the event. The unique layout features 10 par 4s, four par 5s, and four par 3s, with water hazards coming into play on 10 holes, emphasizing the importance of strategy and precision throughout the tournament.

Unlike many of the male competitors who have experience at this challenging venue, most of the Women’s Olympic Golf players will be facing Le Golf National for the first time. However, two players, Rose Zhang and Alexandra Forsterling, have previously played here during the 2022 Espirito Santo Trophy.

With average-width fairways and undulating greens, the course is designed to test every aspect of a player’s game. Historically, it has produced tough scoring conditions, averaging a winning score of -10.7 over the last decade at the Open de France. The combination of strategic bunkering and thick rough will ensure that players need to be at their best to secure a medal.

The weather forecast for the Women’s Olympic golf tournament indicates favorable conditions for the players. With warm, clear skies and mild winds expected throughout the event, the conditions should be ideal for scoring.

Players can anticipate a pleasant atmosphere at the Women’s Olympic Golf event, which should enhance their performance on the course. The well-maintained fairways and greens at Le Golf National are set to challenge even the most seasoned professionals, particularly as they navigate the intricate hazards and strategic bunkers that define the layout.

Women’s Olympic golf: Weather and Course Condition

The condition of Le Golf National is expected to be pristine, following the men’s tournament last week, which showcased the course’s ability to present a fair yet challenging environment. The rough, particularly the “third cut,” has been slightly reduced in height, providing players with a marginally better chance of recovery if they stray from the fairways.

However, the first two cuts of rough remain untrimmed, ensuring that wayward shots can lead to significant trouble. This dynamic makes precise ball-striking crucial for success at the Olympic level. The greens, featuring a poa annua and bentgrass mix, are likely to be in excellent condition, with the undulating surfaces demanding careful consideration of both speed and line.

As for the weather, players can look forward to ideal golfing conditions during the Women’s Olympic Golf tournament. The forecast indicates warm and sunny days, with only mild wind gusts anticipated, particularly on Friday. Such stable conditions should allow for good scoring opportunities, as players will be able to focus on their game without the added challenge of severe weather. Overall, the course and weather combined will create an exciting and competitive atmosphere as the world’s top female golfers vie for Olympic glory.

The Field for the Women’s Olympic golf tournament 

The field for the 2024 Women’s Olympic Golf Tournament is one of the strongest ever assembled, featuring nine of the world’s top 10 ranked players. Reigning Olympic champion Nelly Korda leads the pack, returning to defend her title after an impressive year in which she won five consecutive tournaments.

Korda’s victory in Tokyo, where she edged out home favorite Mone Inami and Lydia Ko by just one stroke, has set high expectations for her performance in Paris. Alongside Korda, fellow American Lilia Vu, currently ranked second in the world, and ninth-ranked Rose Zhang will also be in contention, making the U.S. team particularly formidable.

In addition to the American contingent, New Zealand’s Lydia Ko is seeking to complete her medal collection, having already won silver in Rio and bronze in Tokyo. Ko’s experience and skill make her a significant threat on the challenging Le Golf National course.

Also in the mix is Charley Hull, representing Great Britain, who is eager to claim her first Olympic medal. Another notable contender is Brooke Henderson, who will be looking to capitalize on her talent and recent form. With such a star-studded lineup, the competition is set to be fierce, with each player bringing their unique strengths to the course.

As the Women’s Olympic golf tournament unfolds, the strategic challenges presented by Le Golf National will test the players’ abilities and mental fortitude. The dynamic of playing for national pride in the Olympics adds an additional layer of pressure and excitement.

With Korda aiming to defend her title and a host of talented competitors eager to claim gold, the 2024 Women’s Olympic Golf Tournament promises to be an unforgettable showcase of golf excellence on one of the sport’s grandest stages.

Women’s Olympic Golf: Expert and Sleeper Picks

Expert Picks

Nelly Korda (4-1): The No. 1 ranked golfer in the world is competing for her second straight gold medal after her victory at the 2020 Tokyo Games. Korda was nearly unbeatable for a stretch in the middle of the season, securing wins on an almost weekly basis. However, since her last win at the Mizuho Americas Open, she has struggled, missing three cuts and finishing T26 in her last four events. Nevertheless she maintains her place as the favorite for winning a gold medal.

Lilia Vu (9-1): Lilia Vu has had a remarkable journey, needing persuasion from her mother to continue playing when she considered quitting. She has more than proven her mom right, winning four times in 2023, including two major championships. Vu continued her winning ways earlier this season, establishing herself as a formidable contender.

Sleeper Picks:

Lydia Ko (30-1): Lydia Ko has a stellar Women’s Olympic golf record and is hitting form at just the right time. She recently secured a top-10 finish in Canada, suggesting a return to her best. Earlier in the season, Ko won the Tournament of Champions and had strong finishes of 2nd and 4th in her next six starts.

Despite a mid-season slump, her 8th place at the CPKC Women’s Open showcased her second-best putting performance of the year and strong approach play. Ranking top-25 in key areas and excelling on par 5s, Ko, with her previous silver and bronze Olympic medals, is a serious contender for gold this week.

Aditi Ashok (80-1): Representing India, Aditi Ashok is a long shot bet with a solid track record of accuracy. She ranks 17th in driving accuracy on the LPGA this season and recently achieved her best finish of the year, a T17 at the Amundi Evian Championship, where she gained +2.63 strokes on the field with her approach play.

Although her lack of distance off the tee can be a disadvantage at many LPGA events, Le Golf National’s layout could favor her precision. A top 10 or top five finish might be a safer bet, but at 80-1 odds, Ashok is a promising long shot.