Read more: Breaking Down Bryson DeChambeau's Winning Gear From 2024 U.S. Open

Men’s golf schedule

The men's tournament will take place from August 1-4 at Le Golf National in Guyancourt, France. Action gets under way on August 1 with the first round. Rounds two and three follow on August 2 and 3, with the tournament concluding with the final round on August 4.

Le Golf National, located just outside Paris, previously hosted the 2018 Ryder Cup and will stage both the men's and women's Olympic golf competitions.

60 players will compete in each tournament. The field for each will comprise the top 15 ranked players in the world as of a pre-determined cutoff date, with a maximum of four players per country in the top 15. The remaining spots will be allocated to other top players via qualifying criteria, though no country can have more than two additional players.

For the men, the top 15 will be determined from the Official World Golf Ranking on June 17, 2024. For the women, the cutoff date is June 24, 2024.

Women’s golf schedule

The women's Olympic golf tournament will follow immediately after the men's event. It gets underway on August 7 with the opening round, with rounds two, three and four played on August 8, 9 and 10 respectively.

Both competitions will use a stroke play format over four days, with medals awarded to the top three finishers. The United States will be aiming to defend both titles, as Xander Schauffele and Nelly Korda won gold for their country at the delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

This will be the third time golf has featured at the Olympics since being reintroduced to the program in 2016. The schedule and format revealed for Paris provides clarity on the planning process for the world's top golfers targeting Olympic glory in 2024.

What are the key challenges golfers might face at Le Golf National

Water Hazards: The multiple water dangers, particularly the long 195-yard carry on the third, necessitate accurate ball striking to avoid and negotiate. Even minor misses might result in wet balls and penalty shots.

Undulating Terrain: The hilly terrain makes distance judgment tricky and demands good greenside chipping to negotiate slopes around perched greens. Wind effect must also be calculated.

Narrow Fairways: With only 15-20 meter wide landing zones, golfers must find the fairway with drives and approaches to avoid treacherous recovery shots from thick, penal rough.

Difficult Greens: The large, sloped, bunker-laden putting surfaces provide little room for error and great greenside touch will be at a premium to get up-and-down consistently.

Wind: The exposed coastal setting means wind gusts can move shots offline and alter carries, adding another level of shot-making difficulty under pressure of Olympics.

Who are the top contenders for the 2024 Olympic gold medals

Men's Event

Rory McIlroy (IRE): Currently ranked #2 in the world, McIlroy brings a complete game and winning pedigree to major events. His pursuit of an Olympic medal will make him a favorite.

Jon Rahm (ESP): Ranked #4, Rahm has consistently contended in golf's biggest events with his power and touch. Always a threat for gold.

Hideki Matsuyama (JPN): Ranked #15, Matsuyama showed his big-moment abilities winning The Masters. His ball-striking could shine on this stage.

Viktor Hovland (NOR): Ranked #6, Hovland's all-around game has flourished in recent months. Could pull off a surprise atop the podium.

Tom Kim (KOR): Ranked #23, the young rising star has all the shots. Motivated to thrill his home nation.

Women's Event

Nelly Korda (USA): World #1 and defending champion. Korda is a formidable favorite to repeat for gold.

Inbee Park (KOR): Ranked #3, veteran Park brings experience from multiple major wins. Always in contention.

Minjee Lee (AUS): Ranked #5, Lee possesses a well-rounded game and confident mentality for success.

Lexi Thompson (USA): Ranked #7, Thompson could thrive on this visible stage with her explosive power.

Georgia Hall (ENG): Ranked #10, Hall is riding momentum and has proven she can deliver under pressure.

References: https://golfweek.usatoday.com/2024/06/17/olympic-golf-schedule-dates-format-paris-le-golf-national/ 

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