By: Max Bechtoldt
Today on our Olympic ranking, we have some real heavy hitters in the field, including a two-time major champion, a modern Solheim Cup legend and one of the top finishers in Tokyo. Take a look as we enter the top 20 of our countdown.
21. Nanna Koerstz Madsen – Denmark – On the surface, this placement might feel a bit high for the 29-year-old with just one LPGA Tour victory and one LET victory. Quietly though, Koerstz Madsen has put together a rock-solid LPGA Tour season. While her inconsistency has kept her down in the CME and Rolex Rankings, she has six top-15 finishes this year, including top 10s in two of her last three starts. She played very well in Tokyo, finishing top 10 despite a bad third round. If you are looking for a dark horse pick, I think this is a strong one.
20. Leona Maguire – Ireland – Leona Maguire has had a very quiet season for her standards in 2024. She did reach the finals in the match play event and has posted a few more top 15s, but she hasn’t really been in contention in a stroke play event. We all know from watching Maguire in the Solheim Cup though, that something in her changes when there is more than just a trophy on the line. Maguire can be one of the most exciting and fiery players while representing her country/continent, and I expect that to continue here.
19. Minjee Lee – Australia – While Koerstz Madsen’s spot may seem high to some, this will undoubtedly seem low to others. Minjee Lee is probably a top-five player of the last 10 years, with two majors and 10 wins overall on her resumé. The issue? Her 2024 has been a big time let down. Lee has just three top-10 finishes with four missed cuts. She gets the benefit of the doubt because her game is generally so well rounded. She can hit it long, when her irons are on nobody is better on approach and her short game can come alive. If she puts it all together, a medal stand finish wouldn’t surprise me.
