The top 15 world-ranked players are eligible for the Olympics, with a limit of four players from a given country. Beyond the top 15, players are eligible based on the world rankings, with a maximum of two eligible players from each country that does not already have two or more players among the top 15. The host country is guaranteed a spot, as is each of the five continents of the Olympics.
Team USA will potentially field a team of four, comprising Justin Thomas, Collin Morikawa, Xander Schauffele and Bryson DeChambeau. Dustin Johnson had qualified but already stated his desire to stay in the US to prepare for the FedExCup. USA is the only country with more than two qualifiers for the 60-player field, which will compete at Kasumigaseki Country Club from July 29-August 1.
Among the provisional teams, US Open champion and new world No.1 Jon Rahm could potentially be joined by Rafa Cabrera Bello in the Spanish team, although Adri Arnaus is understood to be on standby, while Ireland will be represented by 2019 Open Champion Shane Lowry and Rory McIlroy if both players decide to travel. One player who will definitely be there is reigning Masters’ champion Hideki Matsuyama, who will tee it up alongside Rikuya Hoshino in representing the host nation.
The men’s qualification system for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games began on July 1, 2018 and originally was to have concluded on June 22, 2020. However, following the postponement of the Games due to the pandemic, the IGF and International Olympic Committee moved the qualifying date for points until the end of June 2021.
The women’s rankings will be finalised after this week’s KPMG Women’s PGA Championship. The 60-player women’s Olympic competition will be held at Kasumigaseki CC from August 4-7.
The deadline to finalise the members of each team is July 5.