After four gripping days of action in the men’s Olympic golf tournament, it is now the turn of the women as they prepare to battle it out for Olympic glory.
Just like the men, this will be the third time that women’s golf has been included in the Olympic programme and World number one Nelly Korda will be back to try and defend the title she won back in Tokyo three years ago.
Once again Le Golf National will play host to some of the best female players in the world and there will be a host of players who will hope to bring home an Olympic medal with them.
Ahead of what is bound to be four exciting days of action, here is everything you need to know.
The Course
Le Golf National was built to host special championships. The home site for many years of the men’s French Open, it was also the site for Europe’s memorable Ryder Cup win back in 2018. With an abundance of natural amphitheatres and a host of fantastic vantage points, spectators have brilliant views all over the course and the atmosphere over the next four days is set to be special.
Whilst the overall distance won’t be quite as far as the men’s event, the challenges still very much remain. The course’s front nine tends to play easier than the back and in order to keep a good round together holes 15, 16, 17 and 18 provide a stern test.
As we saw in the men’s event, water and thick rough is the course’s main defence and if any player strays off line the penalties are likely to be severe.
The Favourites
Set to start as the player to beat is Nelly Korda. The world number 1, Korda has been in terrific form this year, making history when she became the first woman since Annika Sorenstam to have won six titles at the start of the season.
Things may have cooled down since, but Korda arrives at Paris as the overwhelming favourite. Having won the Olympic title back in 2021, the American knows what it takes to win Olympic gold and that added experience will make her a serious contender. No player in either the men’s or women’s game has been able to defend their title or medal at successive games, Korda will hope to change that record over the next few days.
Next in the betting comes Korda’s American teammate, Lilia Vu. The world number two, Vu has played some of the very best golf in her career, claiming both the Meijer Classic and Women’s PGA Championship. Boasting a powerful game, Vu will have a great chance of giving herself plenty of birdie looks. If she can putt well, she has to be considered a major contender.
Rounding out the top three in the betting is Atthaya Thitikul. Injuries have meant that Thitikul hasn’t played as much this year as some of her rivals, but when she has teed it up she has been remarkably consistent with three top tens in her last five starts.
Although she isn’t a huge hitter like Korda and Vu, her accuracy at times can be unmatched and around a course as difficult as La Golf National that could stand her in really good stead.
Who Else Should we be Keeping an Eye on?
As well as the top three in the betting, there are several players that could represent some terrific value if you fancy placing a bet.
Rose Zhang rounds out the USA’s trio of fantastic golfers and she arrives in Paris as one of the best value bets of the week.
A rookie sensation when she became a fully fledged member of the LPGA Tour, Zhang’s win at the Cognizant Founders saw her move into the top ten in the world rankings for the very first time and she will be aiming to win the biggest prize of her career this week.
Over recent years on the LPGA Tour, one of the most consistent players has been Brooke Henderson. Canada’s finest player, Henderson arrives in Paris as one of the country’s biggest medal hopes and she will hope to live up to the expectations over the next few days.
Twice a major champion and a 13 time winner on the LPGA Tour, Henderson is certainly no stranger to the winners circle and she will hope to draw on all of that winning experience as she makes a serious bid for the gold medal.
For years South Korea has been at the forefront of women’s golf and they arrive this week with several chances of winning a medal. The country’s best chance looks to lie with Jin Young Ko. The world number four, Jin heads to Paris in good form following two top ten finishes in her last three starts.
A winner all over the world, since turning professional Jin has won 29 tournaments and has two major titles to her name. As well travelled as they come, the setup at Le Golf National should be to her liking and her legions of followers can be hopeful of another big week.
What European Players Should we Keep an Eye on?
This will be the first Olympic golf competition that has ever taken place in Europe and there will be plenty of European players who will be aiming for glory.
The highest ranked European golfer in the world rankings is Frenchwoman Celine Boutier.
Boutier enjoyed a superb 2023 where she won both the Women’s Open and Evian Championship. Things have been a little slower this year but she did finish second at HSBC Women’s World Championship.
The French Olympic team are enjoying a fantastic games and sit right towards the top of the medal table. The French crowd have passionately got behind their athletes and if Boutier can work herself into medal contention you can be assured that the thousands set to flock on Le Golf National will be right behind her.
Linn Grant made headlines earlier this year when she won the Scandinavian Mixed Championship for the second time.
Ranked 25th in the world, Grant has been in good form over the last few months and will head to Paris fresh off the back of two top ten finishes in her last three starts. A fine striker of the ball, Grant should be able to plot her way around Le Golf National and put herself in contention. An attractive double figure price, she could be one of the best value bets of the week.
Arguably the most talented European golfer is Charley Hull. A huge hitter, Hull could have the course at her mercy this week but will need to eliminate the mistakes that can so often ruin her rounds.
Hull really has no plan B when she plays with the ultimate key to be as aggressive as possible every time she hits the ball. With water all around, this week could go one of two ways, she will either find herself in the thick of it, or be left to rue another week of missed chances.
Women’s Olympic Golf - Betting Top 10
NELLY KORDA - 9/2
LILIA VU - 17/2
ATTHAYA THITIKUL - 17/2
JIN YOUNG KO - 11/1
MIYUU YAMASHITA - 12/1
BROOKE HENDERSON - 14/1
LINN GRANT - 14/1
ROSE ZHANG - 16/1
HYO JOO KIM - 18/1
RUONING YIN - 20/1
CELINE BOUTIER - 20/1
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.
