Golf news - International Golf Federation sets out new 2021 Tokyo Olympics qualification criteria

The games were due to take place this summer, but were pushed back a year due to the coronavirus pandemic, along with a host of other sporting events.

Qualification for the golf tournament will now end on June 21 for the men's event, and June 28 for women. Both fields will consist of 60 athletes each.

“Having received from the IOC confirmation of the dates for when the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games will be held and the qualification principles, the fairest and most equitable way to determine the qualifying athletes was to align the previous qualification system with these new dates,” said Antony Scanlon, IGF Executive Director.

"We are pleased that the IOC swiftly approved these changes to provide clarity on this important area. The IGF will continue to work closely with the IOC and Tokyo 2020 to address the other areas that the postponement of the Games affects our sport and our athletes, to develop the necessary plans to resolve these.

"We remain fully committed to providing safe and fair golf competitions and a memorable experience for our athletes when these Olympic Games are held in 2021."

The statement went on to set out tiebreaking criteria, should players end up on equal ranking points.

The men's competition is due to take place from July 29 to August 1, with the women's event following between August 4 and August 7.