Date: July 24, 2018
Author: Golf Australia

Tokyo 2020 within sight

It's two years today until the 2020 Olympic Games begin in Japan.

Tokyo 2020 will feature a record 33 sports and 339 events across 42 venues, including golf's second showing after its 112-year absence ended in Rio in 2016.

Ian Chesterman, Chef de Mission of the Australian 2020 team, said planning was well under way to send what will be one of our largest contingents.

"We are looking at a team of around 470 athletes and the two years to go mark provides a focus for everyone striving to be part of the Australian team in Tokyo," Chesterman said.

"We know that our athletes and coaches are really excited about the opportunity ahead and we wish them all the very best with their preparations."

The selection process for golf is, based on the Olympic Golf Rankings system, which are finalised on 22 June for men and 29 June for women in 2020.

So while the make-up of the golf squad is far from being set in stone, it's understood that players on the men's side are already more committed than they had been for Brazil where health concerns were rife.

And already, positions in the women's team look set to be hotly contested.

The OGR system uses points earnt from 1 July this year and 8 July for the men, leaving the best chance for "form" players to be selected.

Australia's team leaders are also yet to be finalised.