By: Max Bechtoldt
We have firmly reached the players who I believe to be in heavy contention to win a medal at the Olympics as we enter the top 10. Today, we see three major champions, one of whom is representing the host country France. The other two are young stars who have rebounded after a tough couple of years.
10. Celine Boutier – France – If not for the incredible play of Lilia Vu, Celine Boutier would’ve been the LPGA Tour Player of the Year in 2023. Boutier won four LPGA Tour events last season, including her first major, the Evian Championship in her home country. Boutier rose to No. 1 in the world for the first time, and got to six wins in her career. She also has three additional LET wins. Boutier hasn’t followed up her season great, with only one top-10 finish, a runner-up early in the year. That being said, she is consistent, with no missed cuts and six top-20 finishes. I think she gets a boost from the home-country fans here.
9. Yuka Saso – Japan – Every player at their best, I’m not sure anyone is more well-rounded as a player than Saso. She can hit it long, hit greens and putt lights out. She showed all those skills at the U.S. Women’s Open, which she won, her second major title of her career. Her first came in 2021 at the same championship, then came a long winless drought in the meantime. This year she has played strong, giving her this opportunity. Saso has six top-20 finishes, including that win and ranks No. 12 in the CME Standings. Saso really feels like a strong contender to get the gold.
8. Patty Tavatanakit – Thailand – In my mind, Patty Tavatanakit and Yuka Saso will always be linked, which is maybe why they place right next to each other here. Like Saso, Tavatanakit won her first major as a rookie in 2021, and went two years without another win. The struggles were greater for Patty T though, who struggled to even make cuts. This year, those struggles came to an end, beating a strong field in Saudi, and then the next week in her home country. In total, Patty T has four top-10 finishes on the LPGA Tour in 2024 and is in strong recent form, with a third-place finish in her last event, the Evian Championship.
