Golfers often share second and third places in regular tournaments, splitting the prize money.
But at the Paris Olympics this year, only one gold, one silver, and one bronze will be awarded in both men’s and women’s 72-hole stroke play events.
Expect thrilling playoffs as players fight for any medal they can get.
If two athletes tie after 72 holes, a hole-by-hole playoff will decide gold and silver. For three or more tied for first place, a playoff determines all three medals. The same goes for ties in second or third positions; playoffs will sort out who gets silver and bronze.
Medal Playoffs:
In other sports like swimming , ties can mean shared medals. For example, Nic Fink and Adam Peaty both got silver when they tied in the 100-meter breaststroke.
Fans might think these golf playoffs add extra excitement to the Olympics.
During the Tokyo Olympics, Rory McIlroy was part of a seven-man playoff for bronze but lost on the third extra hole to C.T. Pan from Taiwan. “I’ve been saying all day, I never tried so hard in my life to finish third,” McIlroy said afterward.
The Olympic golf schedule kicks off with men playing from Thursday to Sunday starting August 1st. The women’s event begins the following Wednesday.
Defending champions Xander Schauffele and Nelly Korda are heading to Paris as top contenders once again!
What do you think about these intense playoffs? Share your thoughts!
