The Olympics are big. The Olympics are a dream. It is true for most sports, but is it really true for golf? A field of 60 descends on the greens to participate and represent their nations. But they are not alone; they are part of a national team of four or two. But the golf community is not pleased. What is so wrong with Olympic golf that fans are all wildly rejecting its format?

In 2016, when golf returned to the Olympics for the first time in 112 years, many were overjoyed, but a few critics also pointed out some of the concerning reasons why the Olympics do not give golf a suitable platform. The honor is certainly one of the highest in the sports industry. But both golfers and golf critics cannot find a creative boost in the Olympics when compared with any other regular PGA Tour event.

The qualification of golfers only through OWGR rankings is another story to discuss altogether. But when it comes to the event format, it is even more disappointing to many. A four-round stroke play without any cuts. This means the whole field will be playing till the end, even when no one would expect a golfer hanging in the lower bottom to magically cover a dozen or more strokes’ lead. That is the system that the Olympics follow at the moment. But the golf community wants a change in the upcoming Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.

Not being part of any regular tours like the PGA Tour or LIV Golf, the Olympics holds immense authority to twist and turn the golf format. Most golf enthusiasts demand a change from any regularity they see on a daily basis. Such demands and expectations naturally come from the most reputed international platform. Because even fans want a reason why the Olympic Games should be an event to wait for four years. It needs to be different.

The golf community suggests ideas for a new Olympic golf format

There are numerous formats in golf stroke play and match play, which include foursomes, four balls, and many more. One fan suggested that some mix and match in the format could brighten the Olympic golf event and stated, “For the next summer Olympics with golf, please consider a different format. Maybe 2 days of stroke play followed by 2 days of match play or some sort of team competition. 4 days of stroke play is too boring. #Paris2024.”

No doubt it’s an enticing idea; however, many leagues and associations disapprove of it. One of the reasons, as given by the USGA, is that some rules are ‘substantially different’ between these formats, which would cause more complexities.

However, another golf enthusiast had a suggestion along the same lines: “A conversation worth bringing up every Olympics. If golf is going to be in it, it needs to be match play. Head-to-head matches offer amazing hype each day, and then you get an actual Gold medal / Bronze medal match. Having another 72-hole stroke play event is just lazy.”Unlike stroke play, where the winner is decided by the lowest total strokes, match play offers a different thrill. It’s head-to-head combat, a basic element in most sports, whether it’s player versus player or team versus team. Fans love it! For a majestic and unique Olympic experience, many suggest adopting a match-play format for Olympic golf.

Jumping on the wagon, one netizen expressed their thoughts on the use of the stroke play format. “This is why stroke plays Olympic golf is stupid,” called out another fan. They further argued, “What does someone that’s three over right now have to play for? Nobody is making up 14 shots for a medal. There’s no paycheck to play for.” That is a thing to think about. In regular events, golfers who don’t make the cut still get paid. But in Olympic golf, only the top three medals matter; nothing else counts or pays. Yet, golfers with significant stroke gaps must keep playing all rounds. This has led many to question the format and propose a change.

Some other fans suggested mixed teams as a new direction to go after. They suggested, “Borafil! I mean it’s the Olympics so love watching but Faxon on the call is and the 4-day stroke play for 3 medals lacks any sort of creativity. Should be a match-play tourney. Should have teams. Should have mixed teams. Come on, let’s add some pizazz!” The idea of a mixed team isn’t new. In the Olympics, where male and female golfers compete separately, a mixed-team format makes sense. This has been suggested before, and many are waiting for the Olympic Golf Committee to address it. My Golf Spy has even explained how such a format could work.

Moreover, another fan questioned, “Why is the Olympics golf just another 72-hole stroke-play comp? Missing such a good opportunity for teams in a match-play knockout format.” In regular stroke play, you don’t get the excitement of quarterfinals, semifinals, or finals. However, in a match-play knockout format, golfers face one opponent at a time. So the player who takes the fewest strokes to win a hole wins that hole. Consequently, the player who wins more holes advances, eventually reaching the finals. This format adds thrilling knockout stages, with each match bringing players closer to a glorious Olympic victory.

So which of these formats do you think Olympic golf should incorporate? If a mixed team indeed happens, would you like to see a Scheffler–Korda team? Let us know in the comments below.