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 is featured in the Olympics for the third consecutive time at Paris 2024. So, what do you get when you win gold at Le Golf National?

Gold Medal

Winning a gold medal at the Olympics is a prestigious achievement, celebrated only every four years. The 2024 gold medal has a unique connection to the iconic Eiffel Tower. Each medal includes a hexagonal piece of iron from the Eiffel Tower, which has been preserved from previous renovations.

Monetary Reward

Although the prize money isn’t as substantial as what golfers typically earn on elite circuits, it’s still significant. World Athletics has allocated $2.4 million for the 2024 Olympics, with each gold medal winner receiving $50,000 USD. Additionally, some National Olympic Committees provide extra rewards. For instance, the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) offers $37,500 for gold, $22,500 for silver, and $15,000 for bronze.

Major Exemptions

Winning gold also grants golfers exemptions to major tournaments. Male golfers will earn spots in all four majors for 2025: The Masters, PGA Championship, US Open, and The Open. Female golfers will secure places 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.

World Ranking Points

Gold medalists earn valuable world ranking points. Xander Schauffele received 50 points for his gold in Tokyo, while Justin Rose earned 46 in Rio 2016. In the women’s category, Nelly Korda won 37 points in Tokyo, and Inbee Park gained 34 in Rio 2016. In comparison, majors award 100 points to the winners.

The Players Championship

Male gold medalists, unless they play in LIV Golf, will qualify for the 2025 Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass. This prestigious PGA Tour event had a purse of $25 million this year, surpassing that of the majors.

The Sentry Tournament

If the male gold medalist is a PGA Tour member, they also qualify for The Sentry Tournament in January 2025, allowing them to start the year at the high-profile event in Kapalua, Hawaii.

LPGA Hall of Fame

The female gold medalist earns one point toward the LPGA Hall of Fame. Major wins count for two points, while regular LPGA wins, as well as Vare Trophy and Rolex Player of the Year titles, earn one point each. A total of 27 points is required to enter the Hall of Fame.