 "Paris Olympics 2024: Golf - history, rules, defending champions")
Golf is one of the most sophisticated and lucrative sports in modern times. Golf originated in 15th century Scotland and back in those days, players used to attempt to hit a pebble over sand dunes and on tracks with the use of a bent stick or club.
The game became popular during the 16th century in Europe, with King Charles I reportedly introducing the game to England whereas Mary Queen of Scots brought the game to France while she was studying there.
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Over the years, golf has gone onto become one of the most popular sports across the globe, producing several legends like Tiger Woods and Rory Mcllroy. But, what is the sport’s history at the Olympics? Has golf been a prominent sport in the Olympics?
What is golf’s history at the Olympics?
Golf made its first-ever appearance at the Olympics at the Summer Olympics in 1900 and 1904, but was dropped from the Olympics programme for the 1908 London Olympics, just two days before the Games. More than a hundred years later, golf was reintroduced to the Olympics for the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro, and also featured in the postponed Tokyo Olympics which was held in 2021.
Two golf tournaments were scheduled to be held at the 1920 Antwerp Olympics, but was eventually cancelled owing to lack of entries.
United States of America are the most successful nation in golf’s brief history at the Olympics, with athletes from the country having won 13 medals that includes five gold medals.
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More ShortsWhat are the rules?
Golf matches usually take place across four rounds consisting of eight holes each. The player who finishes the entire course within the fewest number of shots is declared the winner. One of the major highlights of golf is the stroke play. This format is widely used in golf tournaments and it’s the same in the Olympics as well.
As per the standard golf rules, after the first two rounds, a cut-off mark is made and only those players whose scores are above the cut mark on the leaderboard make the next two drops, whereas the others who fail to do so are eliminated. However, in Olympics, unlike the PGA ad LPGA tournaments, there is no rule of a cut and all the participating players eventually play the last two rounds.
If two or more players on top of the leaderboard are tied on scores after the completion of four rounds, those players will then compete in a playoff round. If scores are still tied after the playoff round, another playoff round follows, and continues to do so until a winner is determined.
It is also to be noted that each hole has its own challenges. Some might be in the form of sand traps while others could be in the form of water bodies. Should the ball go out of bounds like landing into the water, then the player faces a penalty.
Players are allowed to carry 14 golf clubs during a round in their bag. The players are also allowed to swap clubs during a tournament, but only between rounds. A golf player is usually accompanied by a caddie, who carries player’s clubs and usually offer strategic assistance as well.
Who are the reigning champions?
Men’s individual: Alexander Schauffele (United States of America)
Women’s individual: Nelly Korda (United States of America)
How many athletes have qualified for the golf events at Paris Olympics?
A total of 60 men and as many women players have qualified for the golf competition at the Paris Olympics through the Official World Golf Rankings (OWGR)
Who are the athletes to watch in golf?
Aditi Ashok: India’s Aditi Ashok will look to go one better in the women’s golf event after having finished the Tokyo Olympics in fourth place.
Rory Mcllroy: Rory Mcllroy is a well-known name in golf and will be one of favourites to clinch the gold in Paris. He would be looking for revenge after having missed the bronze medal in Tokyo
Nelly Korda: Nelly Korda is not only the reigning Olympic champion in women’s golf but also s the No 1 ranked player at the moment. She recently clinched five LPGA Tour titles that helped her achieve the No 1 ranking.
Scottie Scheffler: The American will give some tough competition to Mcllroy in the men’s competition. Having said that, Scheffler has been No 1 for over a year now. He was World No 15 at one stage but showed remarkable fightback to become No 1 within just a span of five tournaments. He recently won the prestigious Masters tournament in April.
When and where will golf take place at the Olympics?
The golf tournament at the Paris Olympics will run from 1 August to 10 August at the Le Golf National course in Paris.
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