PGA Championship Is ‘America’s Favorite’ Jordan Spieth’s Only Lifeline for Paris Olympics; Here’s Why

Jordan Spieth has missed the past two Olympics, and it seems that he might miss the 2024 Paris Olympics too. In 2016, the 3-time major champion cited the outbreak of the Zika virus and overall health concerns in Brazil as the reasons for his withdrawal from the Olympics. He claimed it to be the hardest decision of his life and showed eagerness to participate in the 2020 Summer Olympics.

In 2021 (the 2020 Tokyo Olympics), there was the COVID-19 pandemic, and Spieth was again absent from the Olympics. His absence was not felt as much as Xander Schauffele brought in the gold medal. Coming to the third edition of golf being played at the Olympics after 112 years, Spieth’s participation is still in doubt. But he may get a chance to improve and seek redemption at Valhalla this week.

How do golfers qualify for the Olympics?

The Olympic qualification is based on the rankings of golfers in the Official World Golf Rankings system. The top 15 pros from the OWGR until June 17th are eligible to represent their country in Paris. Jordan Spieth, who was once the world no. 1, is now the 24th-ranked golfer on the OWGR.

Moreover, on the Olympics Golf Ranking as well, Spieth’s name isn’t listed in the top 60 men’s rankings who may represent their country. The three-time major champion would need to win back-to-back to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics. The golfer winning hasn’t been the case so far. He has missed four cuts in the 2024 season from the 12 events he has played. He was also disqualified from the Genesis Invitational for signing the wrong scorecard. But on the brighter side, he has had 3 top-10 finishes at Sentry (T3), the WM Phoenix Open (T6), and the Valero Texas Open (T10) this year!

In his last appearance on the greens at Quail Hollow, he finished at T29. It did not impact his OWGR rank for the better. At Valhalla, Spieth would have the chance to grab the 100 OWGR points that are up for grabs at the championship. If the 30-year-old wins the second major of the year, his rank will be catapulted into the top 15 on the OWGR.

Till June 17th, the 30-year-old would then have to finish inside the top ten or better to become eligible for the Olympics and to surpass any threat. Because even after being inside the top 15 in the world golf ranking system, it may not promise him the ticket to Paris.

What’s standing between Jordan Spieth and the Olympics?

Only four golfers from every country can play at the Olympics unless the National Olympic Committee (NOC) of one country doesn’t send any players to represent itself. For the USA, even if Spieth miraculously wins the PGA Championship following his forgetful run so far, four golfers would be ahead of him to qualify for the Paris Olympic Games.

Being the world no. 1, Scottie Scheffler gets the priority to represent the country, and he has been chosen by the NOC too. Following the 27-year-old is the second-highest American on OWGR, the Gold Olympiad, and world no. 3, Xander Schuaffele. The last two golfers who may join the 2024 Olympics are Wyndham Clark on the 4th and Patrick Cantlay on the 8th on OWGR.

Spieth would have to consistently beat or perform better than these four golfers on the greens or hope that they withdraw their Olympic candidature if he doesn’t win the 106th PGA Championship. The 13-time PGA Tour winner has four events after the PGA Championship, namely, the Charles Schwab Challenge, the Canadian Open, the Memorial Tournament, and the US Open, until the last date of qualification to find his groove and prove his worth for the 2024 Summer Olympics.

The chances are that Jordan Spieth can turn the tides in his favor to come out on top of his career slump and represent America for the first time in his career! But will the chances become a reality? It remains to be seen!