McIlroy and Scheffler qualify for the Olympics

Issued on: 18/06/2024 – 17:15Altered: 18/06/2024 – 17:13

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The qualifying period for the event came to an end after the US Open at Pinehurst last weekend, when McIlroy finished second behind American star Bryson DeChambeau after blowing a two-shot lead with five holes to play.

The final Men’s Olympic Golf Rankings, released Tuesday, includes 60 qualifiers from 32 different countries.

The top 15 players in the world rankings qualify for the Games, with a maximum of four golfers from one country.

Below the top 15 players qualify based on their world rankings, with a maximum of two eligible players from any country that does not already have two or more players in the top 15.

The host country, France, was assured of at least one spot, as were each of the five continents of the Olympic movement.

McIlroy, ranked second in the world, will represent Ireland at the former Ryder Cup venue, Le Golf National, from August 1 to 4, alongside former British Open champion Shane Lowry.

Scheffler, defending champion Xander Schauffele, Wyndham Clark and Collin Morikawa have qualified to represent the US.

Former US Open champion Matt Fitzpatrick and Tommy Fleetwood have qualified for Great Britain, while two-time major winner Jon Rahm and David Puig will represent Spain.

Each National Olympic Committee has until June 27 to officially confirm its athletes with the International Golf Federation.

Northern Irishman McIlroy, a four-time Major winner, said on Monday he plans to take time off after one of the “toughest” days of his professional career at Pinehurst.

The 35-year-old said his next event would be the Scottish Open, starting on July 11, the warm-up for the British Open at Royal Troon.

The 60-strong women’s field for their tournament, which starts on August 7, will be announced after the qualifying closing date on June 24.

Both the men’s and women’s events are 72-hole individual stroke play events.

© 2024 AFP