Just like a week ago with the men’s Olympic golf event, the final day of the women’s tournament is evenly poised. With a host of players in contention for the medals, the action looks set to come down to the final few holes.
Ahead of what is set to be another spectacular day of action here is what to look out for today.
Lydia Ko aims to complete medal set
Lydia Ko and the Olympics have some unfinished business. One of the most impressive golfers that the women’s game has ever seen, in Rio and Tokyo, Ko has managed to claim bronze and silver medals but the gold medal is missing from her collection.
After three solid rounds where she has been able to keep the costly mistakes largely at bay, the world number 22 currently sits at the top of the leaderboard alongside Morgane Metreaux on -9.
The two currently enjoy a two stroke lead ahead of the chasers but Ko will want to use all of her considerable experience to keep ahead of the pack.
The youngest female player in history to top the women’s world rankings, Ko has two major titles and has won over 30 times all over the world, she certainly knows how to get the job done.
Whilst the last few years haven’t brought as much success as her early years, the New Zealander has a chance to make history today and become one of the most successful players in the history of the women’s game. Today has the ability to be life defining for the 27 year old.
Morgane Metreaux will hope to complete the upset
For many watching this week, Morgane Metreaux’s leap to the top of the leaderboard is a huge surprise.
Considered by most as an afterthought heading into the Olympics, the world number 137 has produced some stunning golf to find herself in the position she currently does.
After a steady opening round, the Swiss golfer took command of the tournament with a stunning second round 66 and despite the attentions of some of the best players in the world trying to reel her back, she managed to just about keep it together to hold a share of the lead heading out into today.
Feeling the pressure of the occasion as she made the turn for the back 9, the former Florida State product dropped three shots on the 10th, 12th and 13th holes and her grip on the gold medal looked like loosening.
Needing to get her putter firing, she managed to regain her composure when it mattered the most and was able to pick up vital shots on the 15th and 18th holes.
Today she steps to the unknown and has a huge amount of pressure and new found expectation on her shoulders, how she handles the occasion will be fascinating to see.
Rose Zhang and Miyuu Yamashita will hope to haul themselves into contention with a fast start
Rose Zhang and Miyuu Yamashita currently find themselves in the bronze medal positions, two strokes off the lead held by Ko and Metreaux, both will be looking to make a fast start today to put the pressure on the leaders.
Ever since graduating from Stamford and winning immediately on the LPGA Tour, huge things are expected of Rose Zhang and she has the chance to grow her legacy even further today.
Now ranked 9 in the world, when on her game Zhang can be an unstoppable force and she will hope to power her way past her opponents in today’s final round.
Showing that she can be special, Zhang finds herself in the hunt for the medals thanks to two Eagles on her back nine yesterday. A remarkable iron player, her skills were on full display yesterday and as she bids to land the gold medal, she is likely to be hugely popular in the betting.
Sitting alongside Zhang on -7, is Japanese star Miyuu Yamashita. Ranked 22 in the world, Yamashita mainly spends her time on the Japanese Tour where she is a frequent winner.
Yet to land a major, she warmed up for the Olympics with a good second at the Women’s PGA Championship and has brought that form into this week. Her 68 yesterday was one of the best of the day and she was the only woman on the course not to have dropped a shot.
Being able to keep her card clean today could be a vital strength. If she can keep the errors off her card, she could well find herself becoming Japan’s first ever golf Olympic gold medalist.
Several big names will hope to make final day charge
Across both the men’s and women’s events, the set up at Le Golf National has been generous, with the focus on scoring being high.
The generous pin positions have enabled the opportunity for plenty of birdies and eagles and with that set to continue today, there will be several leading players who will be hopeful of making a charge up the leaderboard today.
Celine Boutier was the leader after a stunning opening round, but since her hot start the Frenchwoman’s game has become wildly erratic and she has slipped down the leaderboard.
Starting today on -4, the chance of a medal still exists but she will need to eliminate the mistakes. Set to have a wave of support all over the course, she will hope to keep it altogether and notch yet another medal for the home nation.
Alongside Boutier on -4 is world number one Nelly Korda. Like many others in the field, Korda has had to battle for the position that she currently finds herself in.
Slow starts have been a feature of her week, but the American has been able to keep her composure to remain in the hunt for the medals.
Starting five shots back, throughout 2024 Korda has shown she can go on a charge, with conditions and the set up designed to facilitate that today, she will hope to emulate Scottie Scheffler and surge up the leaderboard to take home the gold.
Round 4 Betting Preview
If you fancy placing a bet today, there is plenty of value that can be found. Here is the current top ten in the betting.
LYDIA KO - 13/8
ROSE ZHANG - 4/1
MIYUU YAMASHITA - 5/1
MORGANE METREAUX - 11/2
ATTHAYA THITIKUL - 7/1
NELLY KORDA - 12/1
RUONING YIN - 35/1
CELINE BOUTIER - 35/1
XIYU LIN - 45/1
MARIAJO URIBE - 55/1
Jack Hartman
A keen golfer and huge fan of the game, Jack has been covering golf for the last five years. Bringing you all the latest coverage and news from the PGA, LIV, LPGA and DP World Tours, never before has golf been so popular and Jack can’t wait to bring all the excitement to his readers.
