As the men's Olympic Golf competition kicks off at Le Golf National in France, 60 players from 32 countries aim for the prestigious gold medal. Here's a look at the top contenders:
15. Matt Fitzpatrick (UK) Fitzpatrick has shown inspiring yet inconsistent play throughout 2024. Known for rising to the occasion, he boasts six top 15 finishes this year.
14. Matthieu Pavon (France) Pavon has been performing exceptionally well since October, and competing on home soil could give him an extra boost.
13. Viktor Hovland (Norway) Hovland has faced challenges in 2024 but remains one of the best from tee to green. His putting skills also make him a strong contender.
12. Sepp Straka (Austria) Straka leads the PGA TOUR in fairways hit and is focused on maintaining strong form, making him a noteworthy contender.
11. Tom Kim (South Korea) Kim has had a solid run, including a T4 at the RBC Canadian Open and a runner-up at the Travelers Championship. He was T6 at last year's FedEx Open de France.
10. Alex Noren (Sweden) The 2018 FedEx Open de France winner has shown consistency in 2024, and his accuracy on approach and touch around the greens are impressive.
9. Corey Conners (Canada) Canada's top talent has not missed a cut in 13 months, with consistent top 25 finishes. His ball-striking is at its peak.
8. Tommy Fleetwood (UK) Fleetwood has a strong history at Le Golf National, including a win at the 2017 FedEx Open de France and a successful Ryder Cup. He is poised for another strong performance.
7. Shane Lowry (Ireland) Lowry, a 2024 Zurich Classic of New Orleans champion, has six top 10 finishes this year. He also had the honor of being a flag bearer at the Opening Ceremony.
6. Ludvig Åberg (Sweden) The 24-year-old is poised to be a breakout star. Known for his calm demeanor and engaging dialogue, he is ready for a standout performance.
5. Jon Rahm (Spain) Rahm has bounced back from injuries with a T7 at Royal Troon and is ready to compete at full strength. He contributed to Europe’s victory at the 2018 Ryder Cup at this course.
4. Collin Morikawa (USA) Despite not securing another major this year, Morikawa's consistent performance in major series and his high ranking in adjusted scoring and the FedExCup make him a strong contender.
3. Rory McIlroy (Ireland) McIlroy's stellar 2024 includes three wins and several top finishes. He ranks second on the PGA TOUR in Strokes Gained: Tee-to-Green.
2. Scottie Scheffler (USA) Scheffler, with six victories this year, is expected to be a top contender for the gold medal. His resilience and performance under pressure are notable.
1. Xander Schauffele (USA) Schauffele, the 2021 gold medalist, is in excellent form, having recently won his second major of the year. His past success and current performance trends make him the favorite.
Course Details
Le Golf National, a par 71 with three par 5s, is set to challenge the players. The course, which debuted in 1991 and hosted the 2018 Ryder Cup, is known for rewarding accuracy. The tournament follows a 72-hole stroke-play format with no cut, and playoffs will determine the medalists if necessary.
Weather and Exemptions
The weather is expected to be favorable, with mostly cloudy skies and temperatures around 80 degrees. Wind is not expected to be a factor. The champion will earn exemptions into all four majors and THE PLAYERS Championship in 2025, along with OWGR points.
As the competition unfolds, these top-ranked players will aim to secure a place on the podium and achieve the career-defining honor of winning an Olympic medal.
