Olympic golf has finally arrived
Le Golf National, host of the 2018 Ryder Cup, will draw eyes from around the world this week as the sports best players descend upon Paris with high hopes of a gold medal. Absent from 1904 until 2016, golf has finally returned to the Olympic stage and will be contested for the third time in consecutive Olympic events. Both gold medalists from 2016 & 2020 return to the field this year, with Justin Rose (2016) and Xander Shauffele (2020) seeking to wear the hardware for their respective countries. Scottie Scheffler enters as the first overall seed given his OWGR ranking, with Rory McIlroy representing Ireland as the second seed. Shauffele is the third ranked player, and one of three American representatives ranked within the top 5 (Wyndham Clark is the other, ranked 5th). There are 60 total players, competing in four-rounds of individual stroke play to determine the ultimate Olympic champion. 2020 in Tokyo ended with a 7-for-1 playoff for Bronze. C.T. Pan was triumphant over the likes of Colin Morikawa, Rory McIlroy, and others after extending the competition four extra holes. Many players this week have stated how much it would mean to them to win gold and represent their country on the Olympic stage. Shane Lowry (Ireland) was selected as one of the flag bearers for the opening ceremony and does not take the responsibility lightly.
Le Golf National has hosted many high level tournaments, including the 2018 Ryder Cup, DP World Tour’s Fed Ex Open de France, and the 2022 World Amateur Teen Championship. The course will not present a brand new challenge to many of the international players, but may prove more difficult than expected for some of the Americans. Additionally, a field of top-ranked international players means anyone could emerge on the podium. It certainly is worthwhile to consider past performances here when thinking podium picks for 2024. I’m not saying that someone outside of the top-30 will pull off a magical performance for gold or silver, but the mixed field with so many international competitors makes it a bit more difficult to handicap. Instead of picking one winner, this week we are going to predict those who will make it to the podium for their country. Enjoy golf being back in the Olympics and another week of some amazing coffee golf!
Podium Picks: Ludvig Aberg, Scottie Scheffler, Shane Lowry
It’s hard to narrow it down to one winner with such a stacked field at the Olympics. So instead, I’m pulling a wild card and making 3 picks to medal this week in Paris. In no particular order: Ludvig Aberg, Scottie Scheffler, Shane Lowry. I’m hoping at least 2 of those 3 will be on the podium come Sunday. Big shout out to all of those golfers that were selected to represent their countries. What an honor!
Podium Picks: Tommy Fleetwood, Colin Morikawa, Xander Shauffele
This one is tough - multiple unknowns and past experience could play heavily into the outcome this week. Tommy Fleetwood has had a lot of success at this course and has been playing at a decent level recently. Colin Morikawa and Xander Shauffele have played more consistent golf of almost everyone else in the field. It is difficult not putting Shane Lowry on the podium given his excitement as a flag bearer, but I don’t think the letdown from Royal Troon will be completely behind him when they tee up on Thursday.
