The 2024 Olympic golf event proved to be one of the most thrilling of the year after Scottie Scheffler won his first gold medal.
Before the competition, there were strong suggestions that the Olympics could have made a mistake by failing to incorporate a mixed competition or match-play format into the event.
Furthermore, after Sunday’s final round, Tommy Fleetwood and Scheffler both hinted at a new mixed event coming into play for the Los Angeles Olympics in four years.
However, World number two Xander Schauffele highlighted some of the issues that could emerge if another event were added.
And golf fans around the world have now had their say.
Golf fans want mixed event in place for the 2028 games in Los Angeles
After the topic of a mixed-team event was spoken about regularly at Le Golf National, many golf fans are now demanding the format to be introduced at Riviera Country Club in 2028.
“Olympic golf was good,” a fan wrote. “Rahm’s collapse on the back nine was rough to watch. I would watch two or four men and women playing mixed-team golf. Hell, four-man, best ball would be fun.”
This fan added, “Here’s my take: There are three weekends at the Olympics: one for men’s stroke play, one for women’s stroke play, and one for mixed team events.” While another said: “Give me alternate shot golf in the Olympics when we all arrive in LA. Mixed-gender, too.”
“Would love to see a mixed doubles 2-day golf event between the men’s and women’s tournaments,” wrote this fan. Another agreed: “I will be 100% all in on Olympics golf when they figure out a mixed team element. It is hard with the varying number of players per country, though.”
The PGA Tour and Olympics must enter talks to make schedule adjustments
Clearly, the Olympic golf tournament was one of the most thrilling events of the season, and its importance must be recognised ahead of the LA games.
If a mixed event were to come into play, another week would need to be scheduled into the calendar, and it’s something the elite players should look to do.
The PGA Tour could absolutely consider pushing back the playoffs by two weeks and giving players a small break after the games’ conclusion.
It’s important to remember that the Olympics follow the Scottish Open and Open, which is the end of a bustling part of the season.
If a mixed event is introduced, the world’s best players must be assured that a longer break will be introduced before the FedEx Cup takes centre stage.
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