As golf continues to make its presence known in the Olympics, Antony Scanlon, the executive director of the International Golf Federation, is thrilled about the potential addition of a mixed team event to the schedule for the 2028 Los Angeles Games. This event would feature 16 teams and take place between the men’s and women’s individual events, offering athletes the chance to compete for an additional medal. Scanlon has been in discussions with the International Olympic Committee about this proposal and is optimistic about its potential to attract a wider audience and showcase the sport in a new light.
In the past two Olympic Games, golf has seen an increase in participation from countries around the world, with 38 different countries represented in both the men’s and women’s competitions. The estimated 30,000 fans at Le Golf National and a TV audience expected to surpass 250 million viewers in 2021 demonstrate the growing popularity of golf as an Olympic sport. Adding a mixed team event would further enhance the appeal of the game and offer athletes a unique opportunity to compete in a team format.
Scanlon believes that the success of golf in the Olympics is evident by the mere fact that it is included in the program alongside other major sports like athletics and gymnastics. As younger athletes grow up with golf as part of the Olympic Games, there is a shift towards prioritizing representing their country on the international stage. The addition of a mixed team event would offer athletes another avenue to showcase their skills and compete for additional medals, further solidifying golf’s place in the Olympics.
The mixed team event proposal is currently under review by the International Olympic Committee, and Scanlon is hopeful that it will be approved for the 2028 Games. With support from the organizing committee in Los Angeles and excitement from the athletes, there is a strong possibility that golf will see its Olympic program expand to include a new and innovative event. This development would not only benefit the athletes but also attract a wider audience and generate additional interest in the sport on a global scale.
In a landscape where judo awards 45 medals, fencing awards 36, equestrian awards 18, and skateboard awards 12, the addition of a mixed team event in golf would provide athletes with more opportunities to compete and win medals. As golf continues to evolve and adapt to the changing sports landscape, the prospect of adding a new event to the Olympic program is a promising step forward. Scanlon is optimistic about the future of golf in the Olympics and is excited about the potential for the sport to continue growing and expanding its reach on the world stage.
