IGF: Officials pushing for golf to include a mixed competition at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics are “optimistic” that the International Olympic Committee will approve the proposal.
On Monday, a meeting will review golf’s plan to add a two-day mixed event between the men’s and women’s individual tournaments.
Golf’s return to the Olympics has been seen as a great success. Justin Rose won the men’s gold for Great Britain in Rio in 2016, marking the first Olympic golf tournament in 112 years.
In Paris last year, world number one Scottie Scheffler won the men’s event, while New Zealand’s Lydia Ko took home the women’s gold, completing a set of gold, silver, and bronze medals.
However, critics argue that the sport misses an opportunity by not having a combined mixed team event.
The International Golf Federation (IGF) has expressed interest in adding a competition where one pair from each nation would compete in a two-day tournament between the individual tournaments.
“We’re one of many proposals, but we’ve received positive feedback from LA28 and broadcasters like NBC,” said IGF executive director Antony Scanlon. “With this support, we hope the proposal will be well-received next Monday.”
Scanlon remains optimistic, saying, “It has great merit, especially after Paris and with the backing from both male and female athletes.”
Lydia Ko and Shane Lowry, who carried the Irish flag at the Paris opening ceremony, are among those supporting the bid.
“This makes sense from both a social and financial standpoint,” Scanlon added. “It would bring in extra revenue through ticketing and merchandise with minimal extra cost.”
To make room for an extra event, the 72-hole men’s tournament will be moved up a day, starting on Wednesday and ending on Saturday during the first week of the 2028 Games, which begin on July 14.
“On Sunday, we’ll have the mixed event, featuring foursomes with alternate shots, which will be less tiring for those who played the day before. On Monday of the second week, we’ll have fourballs,” said officials.
“It might sound like a lot of golf, but for an extra medal, male and female players will be ready for the challenge.”
The women’s tournament will begin on Wednesday.
With only one pair per country in the mixed event, other female players will have time to practice at the Riviera Country Club course, where the tournaments will be held.
Scanlon believes the chance to win extra medals will attract competitors, even if it interrupts their usual schedules.
“It will show how strong our female players are when paired with male partners,” he said.
“This could lead the tours to explore combining individual and team events with a mixed format.”
He added, “If we get it, there will be positive momentum for the sport.”
The earlier dates for the LA Games pose a challenge for golf administrators since it clashes with the traditional mid-July time for the final major of the year, The Open.
The date and venue for the 2028 championship are still undecided.
“We’re working on finding a good solution now,” said Scanlon.
A decision on whether golf will feature a mixed event in 2028 is expected by April 9.
Golf will be one of at least 36 sports at the LA Games.
Five new sports – flag football, squash, baseball, cricket, and lacrosse – will be added to the schedule.