Why play Golf in Olympics?
**What Golfers Get for Winning Gold at the Olympics** From a piece of the Eiffel Tower to major exemptions, here’s what golfers receive when they win a gold medal at Paris 2024. Golf returns to the Olympics for the third consecutive time at Paris 2024. Winning a gold medal in this prestigious event comes with…
**What Golfers Get for Winning Gold at the Olympics**
From a piece of the Eiffel Tower to major exemptions, here’s what golfers receive when they win a gold medal at Paris 2024.
Golf returns to the Olympics for the third consecutive time at Paris 2024. Winning a gold medal in this prestigious event comes with a host of unique rewards and recognitions that extend beyond the medal itself. So, what exactly do golfers get when they triumph at Le Golf National?
**Gold Medal with a Unique Twist**
An Olympic gold medal is a coveted prize, highly regarded across all sports. The 2024 Olympic gold medal is particularly special, featuring a piece of the Eiffel Tower. Each medal includes a hexagonal piece of iron taken from the Eiffel Tower during past renovations. This unique addition not only honors the achievement of winning gold but also pays tribute to the iconic landmark of the host city, Paris. This makes the medal a one-of-a-kind memento that links the athlete’s triumph to the history and culture of Paris.
**Monetary Rewards**
While the financial reward for winning gold at the Olympics might not match the millions earned in weekly elite golf tournaments, it is still a significant sum. World Athletics has set aside $2.4 million for prize money at the 2024 Olympics. Gold medal winners will receive $50,000 USD each. Additionally, some National Olympic Committees offer extra prize money to their athletes. For example, the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) awards $37,500 for gold, $22,500 for silver, and $15,000 for bronze. These financial incentives provide further motivation for athletes to aim for the top podium spot.
**Major Exemptions for Golfers**
One of the most substantial perks for golfers winning Olympic gold is the exemptions they earn for major tournaments. This is especially beneficial for lower-ranked players or those from the LIV Golf circuit, who may not have otherwise qualified for these prestigious events. For male golfers, winning gold at the Olympics grants them entry into all four majors for 2025: The Masters, PGA Championship, US Open, and The Open. This exemption provides an incredible opportunity to compete at the highest level of golf. For female golfers, the gold medal secures their place in the next five majors: the 2024 AIG Women’s Open, and the 2025 Chevron Championship, KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, US Women’s Open, and Evian Championship. These exemptions can be career-changing, offering unparalleled exposure and competition experience.
**World Ranking Points**
Winning an Olympic gold medal also significantly impacts a golfer’s world ranking. The points earned can help improve their position on the global stage. At the Tokyo Olympics, male gold medalist Xander Schauffele earned 50 world ranking points, while Justin Rose received 46 points for his victory at the Rio 2016 Olympics. In women’s golf, Nelly Korda secured 37 points in Tokyo, and Inbee Park earned 34 points in Rio 2016. For comparison, major tournaments typically award 100 points to the winner. These points are crucial for golfers looking to improve their world ranking and gain entry into more elite tournaments.
**The Players Championship**
Another exclusive opportunity for the men’s gold medal winner, provided they are not part of LIV Golf, is a spot in the 2025 Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass. The Players Championship is the flagship event of the PGA Tour, known for its prestige and high stakes. In 2023, the tournament boasted a substantial $25 million purse, which was larger than the prize money for many major tournaments. Securing a place in this event offers significant competitive and financial rewards.
**The Sentry Tournament of Champions**
If the men’s gold medalist is a PGA Tour member, they also earn a spot in The Sentry Tournament of Champions, which takes place in the first week of January 2025. This event is held in Kapalua, Hawaii, and marks the beginning of the PGA Tour calendar year. It’s a high-profile event with considerable prize money, providing an excellent start to the year for any golfer.
**LPGA Hall of Fame Points**
For female golfers, winning an Olympic gold medal comes with an additional prestigious benefit: earning one point towards the LPGA Hall of Fame. Induction into the Hall of Fame is one of the highest honors in women’s golf. Major tournament wins contribute two points each, while regular LPGA tour victories, Vare Trophy wins, and Rolex Player of the Year titles earn one point each. To qualify for the Hall of Fame, a golfer must accumulate 27 points. The Olympic gold medal thus brings them one step closer to this distinguished accolade.
In conclusion, winning a gold medal in golf at the Paris 2024 Olympics offers a unique blend of rewards, from the special medal featuring a piece of the Eiffel Tower to significant financial incentives, major tournament exemptions, world ranking points, and prestigious invitations. These benefits not only enhance the golfer’s career but also provide a lasting legacy tied to their Olympic triumph.