Golf will feature mixed-team event for the first time at 2028 Los Angeles Olympics

Golf will take on a fresh and exciting new dimension at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles , as a mixed-team event has been confirmed for inclusion. This announcement adds an innovative twist to the traditional men’s and women’s individual competitions, making for a thrilling experience for both athletes and fans alike.

The mixed-team event will be a 36-hole competition featuring one male and one female athlete from each country, both of whom must have already qualified for the individual Olympic events. The format will see the first round played as foursomes (alternate shot) and the second round as four-ball (best ball).
Excitement for the New Format

The decision to introduce a mixed-team event comes after golf’s resurgence at the Olympics, beginning with its return in Rio 2016, and continuing to captivate audiences at the Tokyo 2020 Games and Paris 2024. Antony Scanlon, Executive Director of the International Golf Federation (IGF), expressed his excitement, saying, "We’re absolutely thrilled to see a mixed-team event added to the program for Los Angeles 2028." He continued, "The athletes have shown great enthusiasm for teaming up with their compatriots, and we look forward to seeing them compete together in Los Angeles."

The International Golf Federation (IGF) is pleased to announce the addition of an Olympic Golf Mixed-Team Event, which will debut at the @LA28 Olympic Games! pic.twitter.com/Fi8uA169qy

— International Golf Federation (@IGFGolf) April 15, 2025

A New Opportunity for Golfers Worldwide

The mixed-team event will take place at the iconic Riviera Country Club in Palisades, California, following the men’s individual competition and before the women’s individual event. This unique schedule sets the stage for an exciting few days of golf, with the mixed-team event serving as a thrilling appetizer to the individual medal contests.

Internationally, the introduction of the mixed-team competition is expected to lead to some interesting pairings. Potential teams include the United States’ Scottie Scheffler and Nelly Korda, Sweden’s Ludvig Åberg and Linn Grant, Ireland’s Rory McIlroy and Leona Maguire, and Great Britain’s Tommy Fleetwood and Charley Hull. These pairings bring together some of the best male and female golfers, offering new opportunities for fans to see stars from both the men’s and women’s circuits collaborate on the same team.
Looking Ahead: A Full Team for the Philippines?

For golf fans in the Philippines, the 2028 Olympics present a fresh opportunity for national representation. In the Paris 2024 Olympics, the Philippines sent two female golfers, Dottie Ardina and Bianca Pagdanganan, but did not field a male competitor. However, with potential qualifiers such as PGA Tour regular Rico Hoey, Japan Golf Tour’s Justin delos Santos, or Miguel Tabuena, Filipino golf fans are optimistic about a full team in Los Angeles.

The inclusion of the mixed-team event also provides more ways for golfers to compete in the Olympics, especially for countries with both talented male and female golfers. As the competition for Olympic spots heats up over the next few years, golfers worldwide will be striving not only for individual Olympic berths but also the chance to represent their countries in the mixed-team event.
A Shift Toward Inclusivity and Innovation

The decision to include mixed-gender events, like the golf mixed-team competition, is part of a larger push from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to create more inclusive and innovative formats. IOC Sports Director Kit McConnel commented on the success of mixed-gender events in other sports, noting, “We’ve seen the real success of these (mixed-gender events). They bring something incredibly special for the athletes involved.”

As golf continues to evolve on the Olympic stage, the mixed-team event is sure to be a highlight of the 2028 Games, offering fans a chance to see the world's top male and female golfers team up for gold. The addition of this event further solidifies golf’s place in the Olympics and promises to elevate the sport’s visibility even more.


The 2028 Summer Olympics will not only be a milestone for golf but also for several other sports that are introducing mixed-team events. Alongside golf, archery, athletics, rowing, and table tennis will debut similar competitions. With the continued expansion of Olympic sports and formats, the LA28 Games are shaping up to be one of the most exciting in history, with new opportunities for athletes to showcase their skills in innovative ways.