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As it stands right now, the Summer Olympics in Tokyo is still a go.
So who goes to represent their country in men’s golf?
Spoiler alert – Tiger Woods will not be wearing the red, white and blue.
As was the case in Rio for the 2016 Summer Games when golf returned to the Olympics after a 112-year-absence – and Justin Rose won the gold, Henrik Stenson the silver and Matt Kuchar the bronze – 60 players will be in the field.
Qualifying is scheduled to end June 22 – the day after the conclusion of the U.S. Open, which is still slated to be played. The top 15 players in the Olympic Golf Rankings (basically the Official World Ranking) would be eligible, with a maximum of four players per country. There is a maximum of two players per country if that country does not have two or more players ranked in the top 15. Japan, as the host country, is guaranteed two players in the field.
But with no golf being played across the world, the qualifying date could change. The PGA Tour is on hold until at least the Charles Schwab Challenge May 21-24. And it has yet to be determined how the Official World Ranking, which is based on a two-year rolling period, will work going forward. Will points be deducted, points added, with no play?
Right now, here are the players in key countries who would tee it up in Tokyo.
The USA would be represented by Brooks Koepka, Justin Thomas, Dustin Johnson and Patrick Reed. But Johnson has said he wouldn’t play in the Olympics, so Patrick Cantlay would be his replacement.
After Cantlay is Webb Simpson. Woods is next in the ranking. Xander Schauffele and Bryson DeChambeau are also ranked in the top 15, with Tony Finau at 16, Kuchar at 17 and Gary Woodland at 18.
The U.S. would be the only country represented by more than two players.
World No. 1 Rory McIlroy would lead Ireland and be joined by Graeme McDowell.
Rose would defend his golf medal for England with Tommy Fleetwood. Terrell Hatton, Paul Casey and Matthew Fitzpatrick are within range of making the team – if they get a chance to play and move up the ranking.
Australia would be represented by Adam Scott and Marc Leishman.
Spain would field world No. 2 Jon Rahm and Sergio Garcia.
Japan would be represented by Hideki Matsuyama and Shugo Imahira.
Silver medalist Henrik Stenson would be back to represent Sweden.
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