No free-to-air golf at the Paris 2024 Olympics: “I hope France TV will be up to the task” for women, hopes the president of the Federation

Victor Perez was able to count on the magnificent support of the French public, rarely seen on public television. EPA – ERIK S. LESSER

While many golf fans complained about not seeing the end of the tournament in the clear on France Télévisions, the president of the French Federation Pascal Grizot hopes that this will not be the case this weekend for the women's tournament.

A completely crazy comeback during the last round with a birdie-birdie-eagle-birdie-birdie sequence from hole N.11 to 16, in front of a completely crazy Golf National crowd and a Victor Perez only missing out on a play-off for a bronze medal… Here is what many golf fans were unable to see on television on Sunday, August 4.

Such is the harsh law of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games on France Télévisions, where many disciplines are fighting to be shown in the clear on the group's three channels and the digital channel.

“Victor Perez's final charge would have deserved a detour via the Golf National”

Media coverage that did not please the president of the French Golf Federation, who had already spoken out to criticize the number of visitors coming to the Golf National each day, as well as the organization in general.

“Their priority seems to be given to the chances of medals, he declared on the FFG website this Tuesday, August 6, speaking of Delphine Ernotte's group. We easily understand this position. And quite legitimately, we could think that the final charge of Victor Perez, which left hope for a medal until the end, would have deserved a detour via the Golf National."

"Disciplines will be behind us"

"Priority was given to events that were still far from their conclusion when Victor was achieving exceptional performances, in an incredible atmosphere. We deeply regret it,” he continued.

Before putting a little pressure on the public broadcasting group before the women's tournament scheduled for Thursday to Sunday, with the French Céline Boutier and Perrine Delacour: “I really hope that France Télévisions will be up to the task if they play the leading roles. Disciplines like judo or swimming, deeply rooted in the Olympic heritage and with always significant chances of medals, will be behind us.”