We’ll see some good ones sooner or later at the Olympics. While waiting for Paris 2024, the organizers are already working on Los Angeles 2028. In view of the next Games, the proposal to include a third golf specialty has been officially formalised: in addition to the medals for men and women, the aim is for the mixed doubles.
The man and woman with the best ranking will go to each country in the field. If a similar competition were played today, on paper there would be no story. The United States could field Scottie Scheffler and Nelly Korda (defending champion), i.e. the two number ones in their respective rankings. Not only that: now both number two in the world rankings are Americans (the reigning Olympic champion Schauffele and Vu). Italy today (if admitted) would count on Matteo Manassero (n.176) e Alessandra Fanali (n.215).
The possibility of such a competition is described as “very real” by the executive director of the International Golf Federation, Antony Scanlon. The times are already set: “The decision should be taken by the IOC at the beginning of 2025”.
Mixed doubles, the formula
The men’s and women’s individual races in 2028 will be held on the Riviera Country Club course, the course of the Genesis Invitational. An undoubtedly important route, given that it hosted the US Open in 1948 and the PGA Championship in 1983 and 1985.
The mixed doubles should be played over a distance of 36 holes. The hypothesis is that 16 Nations could participate and will play one round in foursome and one in fourball inserted between the first and second 36 holes of the individual competition.
For or against? Justin Rose says yes
For or against? To date, the five circles (for a variety of reasons, including economic ones) have not driven golfers and the golf world crazy. Two days of Olympic competitions would certainly bring back more pros and pros to their respective circuits.
On the other hand, the allure of an Olympic medal would go far beyond the confines of golf. He knows some Justin Rose, gold in men’s golf at Rio 2016. “I absolutely agree. I think that the best players in the world should go to the Olympics and that they themselves should want us to be there. The individual race should be central to the calendar but the possibility of a second medal is welcome. Many sports have multiple specialties where multiple medals can be added.”
