Golf Channel broadcaster Steve Sands has shared what many of the players are saying about Le Golf National as the opening round of the golf event at the Olympic Games looms.
There appears to be real excitement for the golf at the Paris Olympics, with the sport making only its third appearance in over 100 years this year. And it seems to have a much stronger field than in both 2016 – when Justin Rose won a gold medal – and 2021, when Xander Schauffele triumphed in Tokyo.
Certainly, many of the world’s best will be battling it out for a place on the podium in the coming days, with the tournament being held at the home of the 2018 Ryder Cup.
The course’s setup is significantly different from the 2018 Ryder Cup, when Thomas Bjorn made sure to try and trip up any player who attempted to prioritise distance over accuracy. And Europe went on to secure a comfortable victory.
What players have been saying about Le Golf National
One of the themes of that week was how many games ended before the final stretch of holes, with just six of 28 matches across the three days heading down the 18th hole.
Certainly, the Americans had a difficult time at Le Golf National, but speaking on Golf Channel, Sands suggested that the course is proving to be a lot more popular this time around.
“Unlike the Ryder Cup six years ago, we’re actually going to see some golf here at the 18th green. It’s very Players’ like, it’s a very TPC-like atmosphere, not the golf course, but the finish with the water and the beautiful grass,” he said.
“And by the way, the beautiful grass, goodness, the players are raving about the golf course. They shut the golf course down a few weeks ago, there is not a divot to be had out here unless it was from a player this week who’s been practicing. The golf course is awesome, the finish is going to be really, really exciting and like you said, there’s trouble lurking all over the place, from 15 to 18.”
An important few days for the sport
There is a debate to be had over whether golf should be played at the Olympics, but there is absolutely no question over how seriously the players are taking the event – particularly as they get up to 16 attempts to win a major for every single Olympic Games.
A fantastic event this week could put the tournament on the map ahead of 2028. It would certainly help if the likes of Xander Schauffele, Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy are in contention to win a medal on Sunday.
The golf course has a role to play if it helps provide the stage for memorable moments which stay with fans for a long time, and it seems that Le Golf National is well set up to create some.
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