Rory McIlroy has discussed what seemingly surprised some after golf made its return to the Olympic Games, as he discussed the idea of the format changing for 2028 in Los Angeles.
Rory McIlroy is one of the world’s best golfers in the field this week at Le Golf National, looking to win an Olympic medal for the first time in his career. Of course, this year is only the third time in more than a century that golf has been played at an Olympics.
And it does feel like the current crop of stars are gradually becoming more and more invested in the event, following the wins of Justin Rose and Xander Schauffele in 2016 and 2021 respectively.
If there is perhaps a criticism of the event, it is how the format is so similar to what is seen most weeks on the PGA Tour or DP World Tour, with players playing individually over 72 holes of stroke play.
Rory McIlroy discusses potential changes to Olympic golf event for 2028
It would appear that some would prefer to see the Olympics stand out, perhaps with a team format or in a match play tournament. Speaking in his press conference ahead of this week, McIlroy was asked about the prospect of a mixed event in 2028 in LA, and he suggested that he would be in favour of such a change.
“Yeah, absolutely. I think different – that was the thing, when golf got back in the Olympics in 2016, I think some people were surprised that it was only individual stroke play, and they didn’t try to mix it up with some different formats,” he said.
“So you know, if that came to fruition in L.A. where there was a mixed-team event, or even – and another team event that was not mixed and Shane and I could play in it if we qualify, yeah, I’d love that. I think that would be a great format to bring to this competition.”
A definite gap in the market
The golf event is becoming more prestigious, particularly with one event every four years in comparison with four majors a year. But it does feel as though the organisers have missed a trick by not offering a different format.
Few events capture the imagination quite like the Ryder Cup or Solheim Cup. And while a team event in the Olympics would not tick the same boxes, it could potentially replace the World Cup – which has not been consistently played in the sport since 2009.
Anyone who watched the Ryder Cup from Whistling Straits will need no reminder of what team golf means to McIlroy, so it is no surprise that he is in favour of changes being made for four years time.
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