How would you react to seeing pros like Rory McIlroy and Lydia Ko teaming up, especially on a grand stage like the Olympics? For many, it feels like a dream come true, and the IOC has finally delivered. That’s right—mixed-gender golf pairs are set to debut at the 2028 Olympics, and stars like Nelly Korda and Scottie Scheffler are already showing their excitement.

Ahead of the first round of the JM Eagle LA Championship, Nelly Korda shared her thoughts on the team golf concept in the Olympics. “Yeah, I think it’s amazing. I know there has been a lot of talk about it for the last couple of years. I think it’s what will make the Olympics even more special, and I think it’s another great way to grow the game,” she said. Besides Korda, Scottie Scheffler is also positive about this addition. At Hilton Head, the #1 golfer talked about it and said, “Well, it sounds like some of us may have another opportunity to win a gold medal for our country, which is always cool.”

Although he was unaware of how this format would work, the idea itself excited him. “I haven’t heard much about the format or anything like that. A mixed team event should be fun. I don’t know exactly what it will be, but I think any opportunity you can have to win a gold medal for your country will be pretty special,” Scheffler added further.

As for the format, the mixed-team event will feature a 36-hole competition with an exciting twist. The first 18 holes will be played in a foursome format, with teammates alternating shots, while the final 18 holes will follow a four-ball or best ball format. This team event is scheduled for Sunday and Monday, taking place after the men’s individual tournament and before the women’s individual tournament.

Although golf was first introduced to the Olympic Games in 1900 and again in 1904. It was removed from the Olympic program after the 1904 games and was reinstated in 2016 for the Rio Olympics. Years after that, the IOC seems to be focusing more on golf. So, what motivated them to rekindle the love for golf in Olympics?

Why is the mixed-team golf event coming to the Olympics?

It certainly comes as a surprise, because the main highlight of the Olympics has always been athletics (4x100m mixed relay), gymnastics, coastal rowing, and table tennis. However, when Scottie Scheffler and Lydia Ko won the gold last year, the IOC witnessed the hype around the game of golf. The IGF Executive Director recently confirmed this claim. The IOC Sports Director Kit McConnel also chimed in with the reason.

“We’ve seen the real success of these (mixed-gender events). They bring something incredibly special for the athletes involved,” he said. Only the Grant Thornton Invitational is known for featuring this format. The event includes 16 pairs of PGA Tour and LPGA stars competing at Tiburon Golf Club in Naples, Florida. But bringing the same idea to the Olympic golf is very big news for the fans.

What do you think about this update? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!