Read more: Heartbreak for McIlroy as DeChambeau Wins Dramatic U.S. Open
The teams have been set for golf's return to the Olympics in Paris in 2024. With the conclusion of the U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2 last weekend, the qualifying period came to an end and countries now know which golfers will represent them on the world stage next summer.
Leading the way for the United States will be top-ranked Scottie Scheffler and third-ranked Xander Schauffele, who will try to defend his gold medal from the 2020 Tokyo Games. Joining them will be fifth-ranked Wyndham Clark and seventh-ranked Collin Morikawa, giving the powerful US squad impressive depth and talent.
Gold medallist USA's Xander Schauffele during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the Kasumigaseki Country Club in Kawagoe on August 1, 2021.
While reigning British Open champion Cameron Smith could have been in the Australian team, his decision to join LIV Golf means he missed out on Olympic qualifying. Other notable absentees include LIV recruit Bryson DeChambeau of the United States.
How did the absence of Bryson DeChambeau impact the U.S. team's dynamics?
DeChambeau is the new U.S. Open winner (John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports)
Bryson DeChambeau missing out on the U.S. Olympic golf team due to his move to LIV Golf had significant ramifications for the squad's dynamics. As someone who doesn't earn Official World Golf Ranking points on the new circuit, DeChambeau was ineligible no matter how well he played.
That meant America's top four ranked golfers—Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele, Wyndham Clark, and Collin Morikawa—safely locked up spots. It's especially noteworthy given DeChambeau's results, including his epic U.S. Open win. But without OWGR points, his great form didn't factor in.
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DeChambeau not qualifying opened the door for others too. Someone like Patrick Cantlay, hovering just outside the automatic qualifying threshold, had a better shot if he had a hot streak.
Losing a talented, unique talent like DeChambeau undoubtedly alters the team's makeup. His booming drives and fearless style could have added an X-factor. Now the squad will likely take a different strategic approach without his power in the lineup.
It may end up being a big opportunity cost come the Paris Olympics without arguably America's most dynamic player in the mix. The changed circumstances from DeChambeau's absence are sure to have ramifications on how the high-powered U.S. team competes.
Instead, Australia will be represented by Jason Day and Min Woo Lee. Meanwhile, Ireland will send Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry after both cemented their places at Augusta and St. Andrews respectively.
Jason Day and Min Woo Lee represent Australia at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Photos: Michael Reaves/Getty Images (Day), Ben Jared/PGA TOUR/Getty Images (Lee)
Jon Rahm leads Spain after reclaiming World No. 1, while Norway's team includes rising star Viktor Hovland. First-time medalists like Sweden's Ludvig Åberg and Alex Noren will also travel to Le Golf National.
With qualifying complete, focus now shifts to Paris 2024 and what promises to be a gold medal showdown between golf's biggest names on the sport's grandest stage. The Olympics will provide another chance for glory next summer in what is shaping up to be an unforgettable year in golf worldwide.
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