The Paris Olympics 2024 have been caught in a whirlwind of back-to-back opt-outs from LIV golfers. From Brooks Koepka to Tyrrell Hatton and Louis Oosthuizen, many have withdrawn their names from consideration, as per ElPeriodiGolf. This has led to widespread disarray regarding the hidden reason behind such a decision and the technicalities involved.

The primary concern revolves around the crux of such a hasty decision to opt out by golf world headliner Brooks Koepka. Although, as per the report, he decided to “opt out,” the question arises, was the reigning PGA Championship winner even eligible to get selected? Especially, in light of LIV Golf not getting OWGR?

The short answer to this is that it is highly unlikely. Keeping in consideration that the Olympic golf field is limited to 60 players only, which will include only the top 15 players in the OWGR with a limit of 4 players per country, the 33-year-old currently does not meet the eligibility criteria for the same as he is currently at world no. 31.

Further, apart from the top 15, eligibility rests on LIV Golf’s perceived rival, the OWGR. It is clearly stated that a maximum of two players are allowed under this who belong to countries with inadequate representation in the top 15. Koepka, for one, is the 18th highest-ranked American, a technicality that makes it even harder for the Smash GC Captain to qualify.

Therefore, it is being reported that it is highly likely that Koepka made this very public WD to save face, in light of the prevalent situation. A decision to opt out of participating alongside Koepka, Hatton, and Oosthuizen also included Thomas Pieters, Adam Scott, and Marcel Siem as well. But have all LIV golfers given up their Olympic hopes? Interestingly, that is not the case.

David Puig’s Olympic dream

After several withdrawals, David Puig seems to have dared to dream the Paris 2024 dream. The Spaniard has expressed his clear willingness to play; however, destiny does not seem to be on his side. Although he is eligible to qualify, it is unlikely that Puig would be able to. Why? Because of his current OWGR rank of 106 and the line of four even more talented and highly-ranked Spanish golfers preceding him.

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This includes Jon Rahm, Pablo Larrazabal, Jorge Campillo, and Adrian Otaegui, all of whom are ahead of the 22-year-old in terms of their track record and world rankings. Puig realizes this, “There’s three Spanish guys that we’re all kind of close and they have a lot of more tournaments than I do. It’s obviously probably my biggest plan, and just hopefully playing the Olympics, that’d be great.” However, this has not stopped the 22-year-old from trying to increase his chances. His “main goal” lately has been to boost his world ranking in the Top 100. Undoubtedly, the road is lined with hurdles for Puig, but his determination offers a fresh perspective.

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Along with the Spanish stars, players such as Adrian Meronk, Joaquin Niemann, Mito Pereira, Abraham Ancer, Carlos Ortiz, and Kalle Samooja are also some of the LIV golfers who are eligible to qualify for the upcoming Olympics post-Koepka and Co.’s rushed withdrawals.

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