For the fourth time golf will be part of the Summer Olympic games. On Thursday 60 of the best golfers in the world will start chasing Olympic glory at Kasumigaseki CC. Some of the big names in the game decided not to travel to Tokyo, some like Jon Rahm made the trip to Japan, but will not play as they were tested COVID-19 positive. But still the field is very strong and promises a lot of drama and great golf.
Who are the favorites?
Collin Morikawa
Collin Morikawa © Getty Images
Collin Morikawa will make his first appearance since he won the 149th Open at Royal St George’s GC. Morikawa, ranked third in the world, is in great form and has a win and two others top 5s in his last four starts. With a win in Tokyo Morikawa could climb to second in the world.
Justin Thomas
Justin Thomas © Getty Images
Just like Morikawa, Justin Thomas took a few weeks off after the Open Championship where he finished tied for 40th. The American plays solid golf, but posted only one top 10s finish since his win at THE PLAYERS in March. This will be Thoma's first start at the Olympics, he didn't qualify for the 2016 Games.
Hideki Matsuyama
Hideki Matsuyama © Getty Images
Hideki Matsuyama is the home favorite this week. It will be interesting to see in what condition the Japanese star will be as he hasn't played since the Rocket Mortgage Classic where he withdrew after the first round. In April Matsuyama became the first golfer from Japan to win a major after winning the Masters Tournament. What a story it would be if he wins a gold medal on home soil, ah?
Form-horse
Paul Casey
Paul Casey at the 149th Open © Getty Images
Paul Casey arrives in Tokyo after a good run of results where he posted three top 10's in five starts. The Englishman hasn't played since The Open where he finished tied for 15th. With a win Casey will become the second golfer from the UK after Justin Rose with a gold medal from the Summer Olympics.
Wildcard
Siwoo Kim
Siwoo Kim © Getty Images
Siwoo Kim will have some extra motivation for a good result this week. Kim and his countryman Sungjae Im need a medal from the Olympics to avoid the mandatory military service in South Korea. Kim skipped The Open in order to prepare better for the Olympic start in Tokyo. Earlier this season the Korean claimed his third PGA Tour title and posted top 10s finishes at THE PLAYERS and The Memorial.
Do you know who are the golfers with a medal from the Olympic Games?...The answer is here
