With the opening round just days away, the focus is locked firmly on Le Golf National as host of the men's golf competition at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Some of the top names in the sport will be teeing it up with gold on the line when competition kicks off this Thursday.

Historical Context

Golf returned to the Olympics in 2016 after a 112-year hiatus, having last been featured in 1900 and 1904.

Tournament Format

The event will include 60 players competing in four rounds of stroke play from Thursday to Sunday.

A field of 60 players qualified, including the usual suspects near the top of the world rankings. World #1 Scottie Scheffler leads the potent U.S. squad alongside defending champion Xander Schauffele, Collin Morikawa, and Wyndham Clark. Recent British Open champ Jon Rahm headlines Spain while Rory McIlroy reprises his role for Ireland. Norwegian rising star Viktor Hovland also made the cut, along with Masters champ Hideki Matsuyama flying the flag for Japan.

Qualification Process

The top 15 players in the Official World Golf Ranking automatically qualify, limited to four per country. Additional spots are filled by the next best players from each country until the field reaches 60.

It'll be four days of straight up stroke play around Le Golf National. The guy with the lowest 72-hole total at the end takes home the golden hardware. Silver and bronze medals go to the next best. Competition starts bright and early each morning to wrap up on Sunday.

Previous Winners

Gold medals were won by Justin Rose (2016) and Xander Schauffele (2020), with silver and bronze medals going to Henrik Stenson and Matt Kuchar in 2016, and Rory Sabbatini and C.T. Pan in 2020.

Venue

The tournament will take place at the Albatros course at Le Golf National, a site known for hosting major events like the Ryder Cup.

As host of the 2018 Ryder Cup, Le Golf National provides a stern test with narrow fairways, thick rough, tricky putting surfaces and some H2O hazards in the picture on a few holes. With nothing but pride and country on the line, expect an epic battle to unfold on the grounds outside Paris.

With this much individual and national talent assembled, you can bet fireworks are in store. Be sure to tune in starting Thursday as the first-ever men's Olympic golf gold is up for grabs at Le Golf National. May the best man take home gold for his country.

Viewing Information

In the U.S., coverage begins at 3 a.m. ET on Golf Channel, with replays available on USA Network and streaming on Peacock

Read more: Olympic Golf Returns to Paris in 2024: How to Watch on TV and Streaming

American Competitors: The U.S. team includes Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele, Collin Morikawa, and Wyndham Clark, with Scheffler being a favorite.

Can Xander Schauffele defend his gold medal? The American star was peerless in winning gold in Tokyo and will be motivated to become only the second repeat champion in Olympic golf history.

Jon Rahm leads a strong Spanish challenge: As world number one for much of 2023, Rahm will hope to deliver Spain's first-ever Olympic gold on European soil.

Hometown pressure on the French contingent: Victor Perez and Matthieu Pavon will try to handle the massive expectancy of huge crowds urging them on at Le Golf National.

Scottie Scheffler, top-ranked American: After major victories in 2022-23, can the world number one add an Olympic title to his blossoming resume?

Northern invasion from Norway and Sweden: Viktor Hovland and Henrik Stenson will be rallying their Scandinavian people behind their challenge.

Powerhouse battles between the USA, Europe and Asia: The team competitions may be less intense than the Ryder Cup, but national pride will still be at stake.

Weather and rough conditions could factor in late-July: Le Golf National is a stern test even in ideal conditions - how will players cope if faced with adversity?

Can Rory McIlroy complete the Olympic set with long-awaited gold? After misses in 2016 and close calls in 2020-21, this may be his last real opportunity.

Breakout stars use the global stage as springboard: Expect top amateurs and rising pros to use Paris as a launch pad, as Xander and others did before them.

Which young guns will announce their arrival? All eyes will be on new talents like Tom Kim, Matthieu Manassero and Alejandro Tosti looking to shine on golf's biggest non-major stage.

Tiger Woods' Status? Tiger Woods will not be competing.

LIV Golf Players: Seven golfers from LIV Golf, including Jon Rahm and Joaquin Niemann, are part of the field.