The International Golf Federation (IGF) announced on Tuesday that the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games will feature a groundbreaking mixed-gender team golf event, adding a fresh dimension to the sport’s Olympic legacy. The 36-hole competition will span two 18-hole rounds, pairing one male and one female golfer per nation—both of whom must already be qualified for the individual events. The format will include foursomes (alternate shots) for the first round and four-ball (best ball) for the second, with only one team per country allowed to compete.
Golf, absent from the Olympics for over a century, made its return in Rio 2016. The last team golf event was held at the 1904 St. Louis Games, making this mixed-team addition a historic milestone. “We’re absolutely thrilled to see a Mixed-Team Event added to the programme for Los Angeles 2028,” said IGF Executive Director Antony Scanlon. “Golf was incredibly successful at Paris 2024, and we’re excited to bring even more attention to our sport through this additional format.”
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The new golf event joins five other mixed-gender events in the 2028 program, including track and field’s 4x100m mixed relay, archery, beach sprint rowing, gymnastics, and table tennis, as confirmed by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) last week.
The golf competition will take place at The Riviera Country Club, one of several iconic venues announced for the Games. Venice Beach will host the triathlon, marathon start, and road cycling, while Alamitos Beach and Trestles Beach in San Clemente are set for beach volleyball and surfing, respectively. Dodger Stadium will mark baseball’s Olympic return, and squash will debut at Courthouse Square. “Los Angeles is the epicenter of sports, culture, and entertainment, and every venue will provide the best possible experience,” said LA28 CEO Reynold Hoover.
Key Points:
Mixed-Gender Golf Event: LA 2028 will introduce a 36-hole mixed-team golf event, pairing one male and one female golfer per nation, using foursomes and four-ball formats.
- Historic Addition: Golf returns as a team event for the first time since 1904, following its Olympic reintroduction in 2016.
- IGF Enthusiasm: IGF Executive Director Antony Scanlon highlights the event’s potential to boost golf’s global attention after successful Paris 2024 Games.
- Broader Program: The golf event joins five other mixed events, including track and field’s 4x100m relay, archery, and table tennis.
- Iconic Venues: Golf will be held at The Riviera Country Club; Venice Beach will host triathlon and road cycling; Dodger Stadium will stage baseball’s return.
- LA28 Vision: CEO Reynold Hoover emphasizes LA’s role as a sports and culture hub, promising top-tier experiences at all venues.
