IOC makes decision on mixed-team Olympic golf event

The International Olympic Committee has approved the addition of mixed-team golf event for the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.

The event will sit alongside the men's and women's individual Olympic golf competitions. 

All three events will take place at Riviera Country Club - home of the Genesis Invitational.

The mixed-team event will be played over 36 holes - 18 holes of foursomes (alternate shot), followed by 18 holes of four-ball (best ball).

There will be a maximum of one team per country.

The mixed-team event will be the first Olympic golf team competition since 1904. 

Antony Scanlon, the International Golf Federation executive director said: "We're absolutely thrilled to see a mixed-team event added to the programme for Los Angeles 2028.

"Golf was incredibly successful at Paris 2024, and as we continue building on the momentum from Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020, we're excited to bring even more attention to our sport through this additional format.

"The athletes were very enthusiastic about their desire to play with their compatriots, and we look forward to watching them compete together in Los Angeles."

The IGF have already predicted some pairings for 2028, with the 2025 Masters champion Rory McIlroy expected to partner European Solheim Cup star Leona Maguire.

Min Woo Lee would undoubtedly relish the opportunity to partner his sister Minjee. 

Paris 2024 silver medallist Tommy Fleetwood reacted to the news by writing on X: "This will be so cool."

History of golf in the Olympics

Justin Rose and Inbee Park won gold in Rio 2016 when golf returned to the Olympics for the first time since 1904.

Nelly Korda and Xander Schauffele both won gold for the United States in Tokyo 2020.

The Paris 2024 Games saw Scottie Scheffler and Lydia Ko win gold for the United States and New Zealand, respectively.

Lydia Ko has won a medal in every single Olympics since 2016, winning silver in Rio, bronze in Tokyo, and gold in Paris.