Golf is an outdoor sport, the aim of which is to get the ball into the holes using a club on a large course. To achieve this, the player must use as few strokes as possible. In this article, we’ll tell you more about the sport, as well as show you the biggest names in golf today!
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Read on to find out who the biggest names in golf today are!
Biggest names in Golf today: historical context
As one of the novelties of the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, golf returned to being an Olympic sport after more than a century’s absence.
The sport’s first and only participations in the Olympic Games took place in Paris in 1900 and in St. Louis in 1904.
The confirmation that golf would return to the Olympic program was announced by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in October 2009.
Read on to find out who the biggest names in golf today are!
The origins of modern golf date back to the 15th century in Scotland. However, the sport was not well accepted at first.
Along with soccer, golf was even banned on the grounds that it hindered the practice of archery, which at the time was essential for the defense of the Scots.
The first rules of golf were only established in the middle of the 18th century. The following century saw the emergence of the first golf Opens and the first women’s golf association in the UK.
Read on to find out who the biggest names in golf today are!
Later, in 1894, the United States Golf Association (USGA) was created. The following year, the first US Open was played.
At the 1900 Olympic Games in Paris, the Americans Charles Sands and Margaret Abbott were the first Olympic champions in the sport.
In Rio de Janeiro, 120 golfers were expected to compete for medals, 60 men and 60 women.
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Biggest names in Golf today: competition rules
The aim of golf is to complete an 18-hole course with as few shots as possible.
Each hole has a starting area (tee), a finishing area (green) with a hole (cup) and usually several areas of difficulty such as bunkers and lakes.
Players use different types of clubs (woods, irons and putters) to hit the ball, depending on the distance and type of shot required.
The game can be played individually or in teams, and scoring can follow different formats, such as stroke play (total number of strokes) or match play (number of holes won).
Read on to find out who the biggest names in golf today are!
Game structure
Conduct
- Silence and stillness: remain quiet and still when another player is playing.
- Take care of the course: repair the divots, bunkers and ball marks on the green.
- Respect other players: play quickly and efficiently so as not to slow down the group behind.
Obstacles and prohibitions
- Water obstacles: if the ball lands on a water obstacle, the player can play another ball with a penalty of one stroke.
- Penalty areas: if the ball lands in a penalty area (such as a bunker or area with tall grass), the player can play another ball with a one-stroke penalty or play the ball as it is.
- Out of bounds: if the ball goes out of bounds, the player must play another ball from the point where they took their last shot, with a penalty of one stroke.
- Unplayable ball: if the ball is in an unplayable position, the player may declare the ball unplayable and, with a penalty of one stroke, may:
- Replay from the original point.
- Shoot the ball within two shots of where the ball is.
- Shoot the ball any distance backwards, in a straight line with the hole.
Read on to find out who the biggest names in golf today are!
Match Play and Stroke Play
- Match Play: the competition is based on the number of holes won. The player or team that wins the most holes wins the match.
- Stroke Play: the competition is based on the total number of strokes along the course. The player with the lowest total number of strokes wins.
Plays
- Tee-off: the ball must be placed between the tee markers and no more than two clubs behind them.
- Strokes: the player must hit the ball cleanly, without pushing or dragging the ball with the bat.
- Par: standard number of strokes to complete a hole.
- Birdie: complete the hole with one shot less than par.
- Eagle: complete the hole with two strokes less than par.
- Bogey: complete the hole with one shot more than par.
- Double Bogey: completing the hole with two strokes more than par.
Read on to find out who the biggest names in golf today are!
Common penalties
- Penalty shot: added to the player’s score for infractions such as ball out of bounds or into a water obstacle.
- Loss of hole: in match play, for certain serious infractions.
- Disqualification: for severe or repeated infractions, such as cheating.
Biggest names in Golf today (Men – World)
The following players are among the biggest names in men’s golf today:
Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland)
Known for his powerful swing and consistency, McIlroy is one of the most dominant players on the circuit.
Dustin Johnson (USA)
With a combination of strength and precision, Johnson has been a constant force in major tournaments.
Jon Rahm (Spain)
Rahm is celebrated for his all-round game and has emerged as one of the best players in the world.
Biggest names in Golf today (Male – Brazil)
Golf in Brazil is still developing, but some players have made a name for themselves:
Adilson da Silva
One of Brazil’s most experienced golfers, known for his participation in international tournaments.
Alexandre Rocha
Another important name in Brazilian golf, with several victories in regional and international competitions.
Biggest names in Golf today (Women – World)
The following players stand out in world women’s golf:
Nelly Korda (USA)
Current world number one, Korda is known for her impeccable technique and success in major tournaments.
Jin Young Ko (South Korea)
Renowned for her consistency and ability to win under pressure, Ko is one of today’s leading players.
Lydia Ko (New Zealand)
A former world number one, Lydia remains one of the most talented and influential players in women’s golf.
Biggest names in Golf today (Women – Brazil)
In Brazil, some female golfers have made a name for themselves on the international stage:
Miriam Nagl
With a solid career and several participations in international tournaments, Nagl is one of the main representatives of Brazilian women’s golf.
Luiza Altmann
A young prospect in Brazilian golf, Altmann has shown great potential in international competitions.
Which athletes have a chance of medaling at the 2024 Olympic Games?
For the 2024 Olympic Games, some athletes stand out as medal favorites:
- Rory McIlroy and Jon Rahm: Both are strong medal candidates, given their consistency and performance in international tournaments.
- Nelly Korda and Jin Young Ko: In women’s golf, both are big favorites due to their dominance on the global circuit.
Now that you know the biggest names in golf today, let’s meet some great athletes from other sports:
