Is Golf In The Olympics (Complete Overview)


Golf has been around since the 19th century.  It is one of the greatest sports of all time and is played in many countries across the world.

It is the ultimate sport where people of various levels can compete because of the handicap system.  Many people enjoy the journey of golf and spending time outdoors with family and friends while having a serious or friendly match.

Is golf in the Olympics?

Yes, it made a return in the 2016 Olympics in Rio and will be held once again in 2021 in Tokyo.  It was held in 1900 and 1904, but did not appear again for 112 years.

A decision was made in 2009 to return golf to the Olympics in 2016.  

Did you know that the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta almost had a return of golf, in which Augusta National was consider as a host site. Augusta is about 2 hours from Atlanta.

Golf in the Olympics: Key Historical Facts

  • The first modern Olympics took place in 1896 in Greece.  Golf was not held that year because Greece did not have any golf courses.
  • The 1900 Olympics were held in Paris, which is where golf first appears in the Olympics.
  • In 1904, the Olympics were held in St. Louis Missouri in the United States and the golf portion was held once again.
  • Golf was then removed from the Olympics and was reinstated with a decision made in 2009 to bring golf back to the Olympics starting in 2019.
  • Justin Rose from England won the golf medal in the men’s competition and Inbee Park from South Korea won the women’s gold medal.

Related Questions: Golf and the Olympics

How many times has golf been in the Olympics?

Golf took place in 1900, 1904, 2016 an 2021 for a total of four times.

What golf course was the 2016 Olympics played on?

The Rio de Janerio Olympic golf course was the home of the 2016 golf portion of the Olympics.  The course was built specially for the for the 2016 Olympics.  It features a men’s and women’s competition.

What golf course is the 2021 Olympics played on?

The 2021 golf potion of the Olympics will be played on the East Course at Kasumigaseki Country Club.  It is one of the oldest and most respected courses in Japan.  There will be a men’s portion and a women’s portion.

Did Tiger Woods ever golf in the Olympics?

In both the 2016 and 2021 Olympics, Tiger was sidelined with injuries.  For the 2021 Olympics, he was injured in a February 2021 car accident that severely injured his legs.  

Unfortunately, we have not had an opportunity to see Tiger Woods compete in the Olympics, mainly due to injuries.

Will Justin Rose defend his Golf Medal?

Justin Rose will not be competing in the 2021 Olympics.

Final Thoughts: Benefits of Golf in the Olympics

Golf is a world wide sport and one that can change lives.  There are many life lessons to be learned in golf and it is a global sport.  By golf being in the Olympics, the hope is that it will grow the sport across the world. 

There are many golf fanatics and seeing the expansion of golf world wide is a desired outcome that can take place from the exposure to new golfers through the Olympics!

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