Golf returns to the Olympic stage at two of the world's most storied venues over the next decade. Los Angeles welcomes the world in 2028 at the legendary Riviera Country Club, whilst Brisbane showcases Australian golf heritage in 2032 at Royal Queensland Golf Club. Both tournaments promise unforgettable championship golf within the spectacle of the Olympic Games.
Golf's modern Olympic renaissance continues to gather momentum. After a 112-year absence from the Games, the sport returned in Rio 2016 and has since cemented its place on the Olympic programme. The Paris 2024 edition, won by Scottie Scheffler and Lydia Ko, attracted over 30,000 spectators daily and produced thrilling championship golf that silenced remaining doubters about the sport's Olympic credentials.
The Olympic qualification system remains consistent across editions. The top 15 world-ranked players in both men's and women's categories earn automatic entry, subject to a maximum of four players per nation. Countries may field up to two additional players based on world rankings, ensuring global representation whilst maintaining elite competition standards. Each continent receives guaranteed representation, with 60 players in both men's and women's fields creating truly international tournaments.
The 2028 Los Angeles Games mark a watershed moment for Olympic golf. For the first time, the competition will include a mixed team event alongside the individual tournaments, with 16 pairs competing in alternate shot and four-ball formats between the men's and women's individual competitions. This addition expands golf's medal count and creates compelling new storylines as nations unite their best male and female players.
Olympic golf tournaments follow a straightforward 72-hole stroke play format over four days, with no cut after 36 holes. All 60 players complete the full four rounds, ensuring every competitor experiences championship golf throughout the week. Sudden-death playoffs determine medal positions if players finish tied after regulation play, adding dramatic potential to final-round competition.
Recent Olympic champions have demonstrated that these gold medals carry genuine prestige. Justin Rose's 2016 victory, Xander Schauffele's 2020 triumph, and Scottie Scheffler's 2024 gold established the Olympics as meaningful achievements in professional golf. Lydia Ko's remarkable medal collection—silver in 2016, bronze in 2020, and gold in 2024—secured her LPGA Hall of Fame induction, highlighting the tournaments' significance within the sport's hierarchy.
Los Angeles will host the Summer Games for the third time in history, following successful editions in 1932 and 1984. The 2028 Games return championship golf to American soil for the first time since the sport's modern Olympic reintroduction.
Few courses embody American golf's golden age quite like Riviera Country Club. Founded in 1926 by the Los Angeles Athletic Club, the course emerged from the vision of architect George C Thomas Jr and construction supervisor William P Bell, who transformed Santa Monica Canyon into one of golf's architectural masterpieces. The project cost $243,827, an astronomical sum for its era, establishing Riviera as an immediate statement of ambition and quality.
Thomas designed Riviera to challenge thinking golfers rather than simply overpower them. The routing flows naturally through barrancas and canyons, with kikuyu grass fairways and poa annua greens creating distinctive playing characteristics. The course measures approximately 7,040 yards from the championship tees at par 71, though its strategic demands extend far beyond mere distance. Thomas incorporated dramatic contours, elevated greens and optical illusions that continue to confound even the world's best players.
Several holes at Riviera rank amongst golf's most celebrated. The par-three 6th features a bunker set directly into the green's surface, creating a unique challenge that has tormented generations of champions. The driveable par-four 10th tempts aggressive players to attack whilst punishing mistakes severely. The par-three 4th, a formidable Redan-style hole, plays significantly longer than its yardage suggests due to the prevailing wind and intimidating green complex. The closing hole's natural amphitheatre creates one of golf's most dramatic finishing stages, perfect for Olympic medal-deciding moments.
Riviera's championship pedigree runs deep through American golf history. Ben Hogan won three Los Angeles Opens here and captured the 1948 U.S. Open at Riviera, leading to the course's nickname "Hogan's Alley." The venue hosted PGA Championships in 1983 and 1995, won by Hal Sutton and Steve Elkington respectively, and the 1998 U.S. Senior Open. More recently, Riviera hosted the 2017 U.S. Amateur and will welcome the U.S. Women's Open in 2026 before staging the U.S. Open again in 2031.
Since 1973, Riviera has served as annual home to the PGA Tour's Los Angeles tournament, now known as the Genesis Invitational. Tiger Woods assumed hosting duties in 2005, adding prestige to an event that already boasted legendary winners including Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Fred Couples and Phil Mickelson. Recent champions like Hideki Matsuyama, Max Homa and Patrick Cantlay have demonstrated the course's enduring challenge for contemporary players.
Interestingly, Riviera hosted portions of the equestrian and modern pentathlon competitions during the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics, establishing an Olympic connection nearly a century before golf's return. The club's Hollywood proximity has attracted celebrity members throughout its history, including Humphrey Bogart, Dean Martin and Katherine Hepburn, adding glamorous mystique to its sporting excellence.
Southern California's golf scene ranks amongst the world's finest, with numerous championship venues within easy striking distance of Riviera. The region's Mediterranean climate permits year-round golf, whilst architectural diversity ensures varied experiences across different layouts.
Championship Public Access Courses
Rustic Canyon provides accessible excellence north of Los Angeles in Moorpark. Gil Hanse, Jim Wagner and Geoff Shackelford designed this minimalist gem through a seasonal stream bed in the foothills, creating strategic interest without artificial complications. Wide fairways encourage aggressive play, whilst subtle green contours reward thoughtful approaches. Weekend rates hover around £60 (€70/$80), representing exceptional value for championship-quality golf.
Trump National Golf Club Los Angeles in Palos Verdes offers spectacular Pacific Ocean views from every hole. Pete Dye routed the course along dramatic cliffs, creating both stunning beauty and significant challenge. Public access comes at premium pricing, with weekend rates approaching £255 (€300/$350), though the views justify costs for those prioritising scenery alongside championship golf.
Los Angeles offers endless exploration opportunities beyond championship golf. The Getty Center in Brentwood, minutes from Riviera, showcases world-class art collections within Richard Meier's architectural masterpiece. The hilltop location provides spectacular city and ocean views, whilst admission remains free despite the exceptional quality.
Griffith Observatory delivers iconic Los Angeles experiences with Hollywood Sign views, planetarium shows and free public telescopes. The Art Deco building crowns Griffith Park, creating memorable skyline perspectives particularly stunning at sunset.
Santa Monica Pier and Beach provide classic California coastal experiences within 16 kilometres (10 miles) of Riviera. The historic pier features a solar-powered Ferris wheel, arcade games and seafood restaurants, whilst the beach stretches for miles in both directions. Venice Beach Boardwalk presents Los Angeles's eclectic character through street performers, muscle beach workouts and diverse humanity.
Los Angeles's dining scene spans from celebrity-chef establishments to food trucks, with Pacific Palisades, Santa Monica and Beverly Hills offering concentrated restaurant options. The city's multicultural character ensures diverse cuisines at every price point, from casual taco stands to Michelin-starred temples of gastronomy.
Accommodation
Begin accommodation searches 18-24 months before the Games. Pacific Palisades offers almost no commercial hotels, pushing visitors toward Santa Monica, Brentwood or further afield. Consider Venice, Marina del Rey or Manhattan Beach as alternatives offering reasonable access whilst potentially providing better availability and value.
Transportation
Official Olympic shuttles will operate between major hotels and Riviera, providing reliable transport whilst avoiding parking headaches. Los Angeles traffic congestion worsens significantly during major events, making shuttles preferable to driving.
Weather
Los Angeles in July delivers reliably warm, dry conditions with daytime temperatures typically reaching 26-29°C (79-84°F) and cool mornings around 17-19°C (63-66°F). Rain remains extremely unlikely. Pack sun protection as absolute priority, including high-factor sunscreen, wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses. Bring comfortable walking shoes and light layers for early morning starts.
Tickets
Olympic golf tickets will be sold through LA28.org official channels. Registration typically opens 18-24 months before Games commence. Early rounds generally prove easier to access than weekend finals when medals are decided, with prices ranging from £30-40 (€35-45/$40-55) for practice rounds to £85-170 (€100-200/$115-230) for weekend finals.
Australia hosts the Olympic Games for the third time, following Melbourne 1956 and Sydney 2000, though neither previous Games included golf. Brisbane 2032 will showcase Australian golf heritage to the world whilst providing world-class facilities for future generations.
Established in 1920 by prominent Brisbane citizens, Royal Queensland Golf Club represents Australian golf's distinguished heritage. The club originally occupied approximately 170 hectares fronting the Brisbane River at Parker Island, since reduced to around 97 hectares whilst maintaining its championship credentials. King George V granted the Royal Charter in 1921, cementing the club's status amongst Australia's golfing elite.
Original Australian Open champion Carnegie Clark designed the inaugural layout, which Governor-General Lord Forster officially opened in 1921. The course gained international architectural significance when legendary designer Dr Alister MacKenzie visited in 1926, refining Clark's work with his characteristic strategic brilliance. MacKenzie's influence remains evident throughout the routing, particularly in the green complexes and strategic bunkering that reward thoughtful play.
The championship layout measures approximately 6,300 metres from the back tees at par 72, though precise yardage matters less than the course's strategic sophistication. Fairways bordered by towering eucalyptus trees demand accuracy from the tee, whilst the greens' subtle contours require precise approach play. Water hazards come into play on multiple holes, adding both beauty and strategic complexity to the round.
Former U.S. Open champion Geoff Ogilvy, who leads the company overseeing Olympic preparations, describes Royal Queensland as fundamentally sound with strategic interest throughout. The course avoids driver-everywhere monotony, instead presenting thoughtful options from every tee. According to Ogilvy, the layout will test the world's best without requiring dramatic alterations, suggesting MacKenzie's design remains relevant nearly a century after his consultation.
Significant upgrades are underway ahead of the 2032 Olympics. The club is reclaiming long-unused land east of the Gateway bridges to create a new nine-hole layout, riverside pavilion and enhanced training facilities. The redevelopment will restore the original 14th hole, a challenging par three near the Tangalooma ferry that older members fondly remember. Construction commenced in 2024, with the new course opening by early 2026, followed by continued improvements through 2028.
The club's Brisbane River setting provides stunning natural beauty that will showcase Southeast Queensland's landscape to global television audiences. The Olympic tournament will offer public audiences a rare opportunity to experience this exclusive championship venue, potentially inspiring increased interest in Australian golf.
Brisbane's South Bank Parklands transform former industrial waterfront into gardens, museums and entertainment venues. The Queensland Gallery of Modern Art ranks amongst Australia's premier contemporary art institutions, whilst the nearby Queensland Museum explores natural history and cultural heritage. Both institutions offer free general admission.
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, established in 1927, remains the world's first and largest koala sanctuary. Visitors can cuddle koalas, hand-feed kangaroos and encounter platypuses and other Australian wildlife. Located 11 kilometres (7 miles) from Brisbane CBD, the sanctuary provides authentic Australian animal experiences.
The Sunshine Coast, 100 kilometres (62 miles) north of Brisbane, offers pristine beaches, national parks and relaxed coastal atmosphere. Australia Zoo, founded by Steve Irwin's family, continues his conservation legacy through spectacular wildlife presentations. Gold Coast beaches stretch for 57 kilometres (35 miles) of golden sand and consistent surf breaks, with Burleigh Heads providing relaxed village atmosphere favoured by locals.
Tamborine Mountain, 64 kilometres (40 miles) from Brisbane, offers rainforest walks, boutique wineries and spectacular hinterland views. The mountain provides cooler temperatures and lush scenery contrasting with coastal environments, whilst walking tracks reveal ancient Antarctic beech trees and dramatic waterfalls.
Brisbane's culinary scene emphasises fresh Queensland produce, particularly seafood. Moreton Bay bugs, Queensland mud crabs and barramundi feature prominently on menus. Gauge and Agnes represent Brisbane's fine dining excellence, whilst riverside venues provide casual settings for post-round refreshments. Queensland's craft beer scene flourishes throughout Brisbane and the Gold Coast, with outdoor seating taking advantage of pleasant winter weather during Olympic weeks.
Accommodation
Book 12 months ahead for properties near Royal Queensland in Hamilton or Ascot. South Bank and Brisbane CBD offer excellent hotel concentrations with good public transport access to Eagle Farm. Gold Coast properties provide abundant accommodation options roughly 80 kilometres (50 miles) from the venue, creating viable alternatives if Brisbane sells out completely.
Transportation
Royal Queensland sits approximately 15 minutes from Brisbane CBD via major roads, with public transport options including buses connecting to Eagle Farm. Official Olympic shuttles will simplify access during competition days. Brisbane's less congested roads make driving viable for those renting vehicles. Queensland's extensive motorway network facilitates exploration, with the Bruce Highway connecting northward to the Sunshine Coast and the Pacific Motorway linking southward to the Gold Coast.
Weather
Brisbane in late July experiences pleasant winter conditions with daytime temperatures around 21-22°C (70-72°F) and cool nights dropping to 10-12°C (50-54°F). Queensland's subtropical climate produces occasional winter rain, though July ranks amongst Brisbane's driest months. Pack versatile layers including light waterproof jacket, warm jumper for morning starts, and sun protection for midday conditions.
Tickets
Olympic golf tickets will be sold through Olympics.com Brisbane 2032 official channels. Registration and lottery systems will determine initial allocations for popular sessions, with pricing expected to range from £25-35 (€30-40/$35-45) for early rounds to £70-145 (€80-170/$95-195) for weekend finals.
Can I play Riviera or Royal Queensland during Olympic weeks?
Neither venue will be available for public play during Olympic competition periods. Both clubs will close weeks before tournaments commence, allowing organisers to prepare championship conditions. Neither course offers regular public access outside Olympic periods—both remain strictly private with no public tee times. Golf enthusiasts should explore the excellent public and resort options detailed in this guide for championship experiences during their Olympic visits.
What's the best strategy for securing golf tee times?
Book tee times immediately upon confirming Olympic travel plans. Championship courses near both venues will experience unprecedented demand during Games periods. For Los Angeles, courses like Rustic Canyon and Trump National require advance booking, whilst municipal courses like Rancho Park accept bookings closer to play dates. For Brisbane, resort courses including Palmer Coolum and Royal Pines welcome advance reservations, whilst booking 2-3 months ahead ensures optimal tee times during Olympic periods.
How do Olympic golf tournaments differ from regular tour events?
Olympic golf creates unique atmosphere where national pride supersedes individual achievement. The multi-sport festival environment generates energy rarely found at typical tournaments, with spectators from dozens of nations creating truly international ambience. The four-year Olympic cycle adds once-in-a-lifetime quality absent from annual events. Additionally, the no-cut format ensures all 60 players complete four rounds, whilst the new mixed team event debuts in 2028, adding compelling team competition alongside individual tournaments.
Which destination offers better value for international visitors?
Both destinations provide excellent value depending on priorities. Los Angeles offers world-famous attractions, beaches and entertainment alongside Olympic golf, though accommodation and dining costs run higher than Brisbane. Queensland delivers more affordable accommodation, exceptional value golf courses, and unique Australian wildlife experiences. Brisbane's compact geography simplifies logistics compared to sprawling Los Angeles, whilst both destinations ensure unforgettable Olympic experiences with world-class golf at historic championship venues.
Olympic golf represents where sporting excellence meets global celebration, creating experiences transcending typical tournament attendance. Witnessing the world's best golfers compete for national glory rather than prize money adds emotional depth rarely present in professional golf. The gold medal's significance becomes palpable through celebrations and disappointments playing out across championship layouts.
Both venues deliver architectural significance beyond their Olympic hosting. Riviera's George C Thomas design influenced generations of American golf architecture, whilst Royal Queensland's Alister MacKenzie consultation connects to golf's golden age. Walking these historic grounds during Olympic competition creates memories intertwining sporting achievement with architectural appreciation.
The host cities offer complementary attractions ensuring full holiday experiences around tournament attendance. Los Angeles provides world-famous beaches, entertainment and cultural institutions requiring weeks to properly explore. Brisbane's subtropical beauty, friendly character and proximity to spectacular Queensland destinations create equally compelling reasons for extended visits.
Olympic golf's rarity makes these opportunities precious. Four-year cycles mean limited chances to witness this unique competition, whilst the 2028 and 2032 tournaments represent specific moments in golf's Olympic evolution. Start planning now, book early, and prepare for golf experiences unlike any other on the sporting calendar.
Of interest, the International Golf Federation is the governing body for the sport at the Olympics rather than the R&A or USGA. The IGF exists to run the Olympics, the Eisenhower Trophy and Espirito Santo Trophy (biennial world team championships for amateur men and women, respectively). The IGF use the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) to determine eligibility, and with the ongoing LIV vs PGA Tour saga, it is only adding fuel to the fire.
Qualification is based on the Official World Golf Rankings for men and the Women's World Golf Rankings for ladies. Because of the current rift in professional golf, many will cry foul, with the majority of LIV golfers not qualifying due to not being awarded OWGR points. Some would suggest the issue isn't the points system but rather the depth of the American side. The Top 15 on the OWGR are eligible, with a maximum of four from a single country. The rest consist of the two top-ranked players from each country. A total of 60 will compete for gold.
Golf at the Olympics has a sordid past. Some of the most incredible stories and historically significant events of the modern Olympiad are linked to golf…
Summer Olympics 1900 Paris
Golf debuted at the Paris Olympics in 1900. The Compeigne Golf Club served as the host. The golf course was north of Paris on a golf course designed by M.W. Freemantle inside a horse racing track reminiscent of Musselburgh Old. One of 25 golf courses in France at the time, it was described as flat with thick rough and tiny greens.
36 holes on a single day decided the men's victor and 9 holes the following day decided the victor of the women. Done without much fanfare, Margaret Abbott, the women's golf medalist never knew she was competing in the Olympics. Incredible that she was the first woman to ever win an Olympic medal and she never knew!
France, Great Britain, United States, and Greece all entered competitors with the USA taking home 4 of the 6 medals and Great Britain taking home the remaining two.
Other associated events were also held, for example, putting; but these were not considered Olympic Events.
The 1904 Olympics were held in St Louis, MO, USA. Two rounds of stroke play whittled down the field of 3 Canadians and 72 Americans to just 32. The matchplay component was a 36-hole match, which reduced the field from 32 to just 2 in five rounds. Between September 19 and 24, 1904, the eventual winner would have potentially played 216 holes if all matches went the distance… 36 holes a day for 5 days.
In the end, George Lyon from Ontario, Canada, a 46-year-old who picked up the game just 8 years earlier, took home the gold medal. He would end up winning the Canadian Amateur 8 times.
There was also a team event. 6 teams entered, 2 showed up on the day and 1 was formed at the last minute - a team representing the USGA. The three 10-man teams competed with the Western Golf Association, defeating the Trans-Mississippi Golf Association, which allowed the USGA squad to take home a guaranteed bronze.
George Lyon would travel to London in 1908 to defend the gold medal, and was awarded it by default as the event was cancelled at the last minute. He refused to accept the medal after the organisers and the R&A couldn't agree on the format and the event was called off.
The British and Americans were either disqualified or withdrawn, and the lone man standing was George Lyon. In perhaps the greatest display of sportsmanship, he refused the medal as sport was a gentlemanly affair, through which an award should only be accepted 'through proper competition.'
The trifecta of golf courses planned to be used were: Princes Golf Club, Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club and Royal St George's Golf Club. Sandwich was to hold the first 36-hole matches, followed by Princes and culminating at Deal.
Golf at the Olympics was again mired in controversy, with the event being cancelled due to a lack of entries. Although no golf was played, Cappelan's Golf Club was the venue.
Golf at the Olympics had run its course. After 4 attempts, two of the games were not even contested, and the others were shambles. Golf at the Olympics would have to wait for over a century to be seen again.
Golf made its triumphant return to the Olympics in 2016 in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. Justin Rose would take the gold, Henrik Stenson and Matt Kuchar the bronze for the men. Inbee Park, Lydia Ko and Shashan Feng would be the champions in the women's event.
A somewhat subdued COVID-19 pandemic-tainted games, they were contested in 2021 without spectators behind closed doors on the East Course at the Kasumigaseki Country Club in Japan. Xander Schauffele, Rory Sabbatini and CT Pan took gold, silver and bronze in the individual men's stroke play with Nelly Korda, Mone Inami and Lyda Ko taking home the medals in the women's individual stroke play.
Golf's Olympic renaissance reached new heights at Le Golf National outside Paris, where massive galleries and world-class competition silenced any remaining doubts about the sport's Olympic credentials.
Scottie Scheffler produced a breathtaking final-round 62 to surge from four shots behind and claim gold at 19-under par, with Great Britain's Tommy Fleetwood earning silver and Japan's Hideki Matsuyama securing bronze.
The women's competition crowned Lydia Ko's remarkable Olympic career, as she completed her medal collection with gold after winning silver in Rio 2016 and bronze in Tokyo 2020, securing the final points needed for LPGA Hall of Fame induction whilst defeating Switzerland's Morgane Metraux.
