There could be major changes to the Olympic golf events! The Executive Director of IGF, Antony Scanlon, recently confirmed that a new proposal for a golf format was submitted to the International Olympic Committee last year. Since the 2024 Paris Olympics were over a few months ago, reports suggest the IOC is seriously considering it for 2028.

What is the proposal? Well, let’s just say we might see Scottie Scheffler and Nelly Korda team up in the 2028 Los Angeles Games. If you haven’t guessed it by now, it’s a mixed-team event that will feature the best pair from every country. Unfortunately, the dream pair of Rory McIlroy and Charley Hull don’t qualify for it as they represent different countries.

Nevertheless, as per SI, Scanlon suggested, “There’s great enthusiasm among our players for this,” hinting that the players who are aware of this development are also excited about the introduction of such a format. But that’s not a common opinion among all professional golfers in the world.

Byeong Hun An recently questioned the possibility of such an event existing. Sharing a tweet on his official handle, Hun An said, “I’ve seen lots of people talk about changing the format in Olympic golf. (different format than stroke play, having team medal, mixed events etc) It’s almost impossible to do that,” as he mentioned that he has seriously considered it and discussed it with fellow pro golfers. To explain why it is a challenging task, world no. 25 added, “Olympic committee will not give out two medals in one game, in golf that would be 4 day stroke play event,” reflecting on how the IOC might not agree to the terms.

He also provided an example of how it will play out; “For example, other sports like judo or table tennis, they have to play individual and team events separately. Golf has to be played at least 3-4 rounds that means if we wanted to have couple different formats, we have to play at least 8 or more rounds,” elaborating on the level of commitment every pro golfer will need to have. To conclude his views on the entire situation, Hun An also mentioned, “I don’t see many players would give up few weeks during the summer. Maybe we might need to have more than 4-6 players on the teams so they can pick and choose which format they want to play in,” showing concerns about the realistic possibility of a professional golfer committing that much time to the Olympic Games.

That’s quite an interesting take on the entire scenario. There is no doubt that the IGF committee, including the Director; Antony Scanlon will need to look into that. Maybe a suggestion from a fan in the comments can be a viable solution as approved by Byeong Hun An himself.

Byeong Hun An acknowledges a fan’s recommendation

Hun An did raise a good point about how every country can ask more of their pros to participate in the Olympic Games and accept such terms. Maybe having more players representing your nation won’t be such a bad thing.

Interestingly, the PGA Tour pro received an interesting comment that might make the event more exciting and easily executable. @depressivehacks said, “A huge match play knockout bracket could be fun,” which received a positive response from Byeong Hun An. The Korean national replied, “Yes. That would be. More chance of surprising winners. Hope we have more medals in golf somehow. Like other sports,” suggesting that he is not against other ideas that might increase the medals available for golf events in the Olympic Games.

Do you think Byeong Hun An’s concerns are fair? Does that mean we won’t get to see Scottie Scheffler & Nelly Korda team up? Share your views in the comments section.