LIV Golfer says Olympic golf field should be picked by countries, aligns with Jon Rahm’s call for change in the qualification system
Recently, Jon Rahm called for a change in the current Olympic event qualification system. Another LIV golfer, Abraham Ancer, has echoed the Spaniard's sentiments, also asking for a change in the rules.
Abraham Ancer is one of the few LIV golfers who will be competing at the Paris Olympics. He will represent Mexico alongside fellow LIV golfer Carlos Ortiz. This will be his second consecutive appearance at the Olympics.
On Tuesday, July 29, Ancer advocated for changes to the current selection system.
"It would be great if the countries can get to pick who they bring and just be like, hey, these are the guys that we believe have a chance to win a medal," he said in a press conference ahead of the event.
Earlier, Jon Rahm had also made a similar statement, expressing dissent with the current selection criteria.
"I think you can always do it, like with other sports, and allow the countries to pick themselves. There needs to be some guidelines, but like Team USA Basketball has freedom to choose whoever they want."
He added that, although the circumstances were different, countries should still be allowed to choose their players. He also called for a team event at the Olympics in the future.
Ortiz shared a similar opinion, advocating for more freedom in selecting LIV Golf players for the Olympics.
"I understand the decision everything and, but right now, I think it's proven that the golf is there [at LIV], and there should be open panel ways for us to qualify, if that's still going to be the qualifying system, or let us somehow get into those tournaments in different ways," he said as per the Mirror Sports.
According to the current selection criteria, a maximum of two players from each country can compete in the Olympics, with a total field limit of 60 players. The two players will be the highest-ranked in their country according to the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR).
The only exception is the United States, which can have up to four players on the team because all four are ranked inside the top 15 of the OWGR.
How many LIV Golfers are competing at the Olympics 2024?
Seven LIV Golf players are competing at the Paris Olympics 2024 golf event. Here are all the seven players and their respective countries:
- Abraham Ancer (Mexico)
- Adrian Meronk (Poland)
- Joaquin Niemann (Chile)
- Carlos Ortiz (Mexico)
- Mito Pereira (Chile)
- David Puig (Spain)
- Jon Rahm (Spain)
The first round of the Olympics men's golf event will take place on Thursday, August 1 at Le Golf National. Victor Perez (FRA), Matti Schmid (GER), and C.T. Pan (TPE) will be the first group to tee off on Thursday.
The golf medalist will earn exemptions into all majors through the 2025 season. Besides, they will also gain OWGR points.