IGF optimistic over mixed event at 2028 Olympics

Officials are hopeful that the proposal will be accepted by the International Olympic Committee because they believe it to be “optimistic” that golf will include a mixed competition at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

A meeting on Monday will discuss golf’s proposal to include a two-day mixed event that would take place in the men’s and women’s individual competitions.

Golf’s resumption of the Olympics has been deemed to be a smashing success. In Rio de Janeiro, Justin Rose won the first Olympic golf championship in 112 years.

World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler won the men’s title in Paris last year, while Lydia Ko of New Zealand won the women’s title, completing a personal collection of gold, silver, and bronze medals.

However, opponents claimed that the sport’s lack of a combined mixed team competition was a trick.

In the interim between the 60-player individual tournaments, the International Golf Federation (IGF) has indicated that it wants to add an event where one pair from each competing country will square off in a two-day competition.

We’re just one of many submissions, but LA28 and NBC have both expressed strong support for broadcasters like NBC, according to IGF executive director Antony Scanlon, who also spoke to BBC Sport.

“Hopefully the submission will be viewed in the appropriate light on Monday, with that support.”

“I’ve always had optimism,” I said. I wouldn’t want to waste anyone’s time on this.

It has fantastic merit, especially coming out of Paris and the outstanding support from all the male and female athletes.

Players who are supporting the bid include Ko and Shane Lowry, who carried the Irish flag at the opening ceremony in Paris.

Scanlon remarked, “We should be a part of the program, and it’s very compelling.

The 72-hole men’s tournament would move one day ahead of the scheduled opening day of the Games, which are scheduled to take place on July 14th, 2028, to finish on Saturday.

“We’ll play foursomes and alternate shots on Sunday, with the mixed and the mixed. Therefore, those who have been playing the day before are less burdened. We’ll have fourballs on Monday (the second week).

Although it may seem like a lot of golf, I believe the male and female players will be up for it.

On Wednesday, the women’s tournament would begin.

There will be room for female players who aren’t competing on the Riviera Country Club course, which will host the tournaments, with just one pair per nation.

Competitors who have their regular schedules disrupted by Scanlon believe they will find it appealing to win extra medals.

He said, “It will show how good our female players are when they play with their male partners.”

When there is a mixed format, the tours will then begin to examine how they can cross-pollinate for individual and team events.

“If we get it, there will be some positive momentum for the sport itself as a result.”

The LA Games’ earlier date, which conflicts with the traditional mid-July date in golf’s regular schedule, causes a headache for the top golf administrators.

The championship will take place in 2028, but it has not yet been announced.

Scanlon stated, “We’re working toward a positive outcome right now.”

On April 9th, 2018, it is anticipated that a decision will be made regarding the inclusion of a mixed-use tournament in golf in 2028.

At least 36 sports will be played in Los Angeles, including golf.