I think that's the way it should be played. It would be more interesting as to who could win. I also think they should have a long drive competition

I totally agree...
In my humble opinion, they should play round one as stroke play with the 60 entrants to the Olympic Golf. Only the top 20 plus ties should move on to the second round which would be match play. This would be a one loss and out format until you are left with the top four who could then play a round robin format for the gold, silver, and bronze. Because it is the Olympics which spans two weeks, they do not absolutely have to be all done in four days. The final could ultimately be decided after six rounds if necessary giving those in the finals a couple of days off before the finishing rounds.
It would be a lot more exciting to watch as I found this to be nothing more than a mid level PGA or European Tour event.
Darius

I don't really know how it would work to be honest. With the Olympics it's all about every person getting a fair chance at the title but with a knock out match play tournament it's hard to do that. Saying that it works for the tennis, amongst others. Maybe they could run both side by side

I understand the concern about fairness Alex, however if you look at many of the other events where there are multiple contestants, a lose and you are out fits right in. For swimming, they run heats and only the top swimmers from each heat move on to the quarter and semi-finals until they get down to the last few who get to swim in the final. Runners do the same thing in the 100, and 200 meter races. The goal is to pare down the individuals until you have a manageable handful to fill the lanes in the pool or the lanes on the track.
There are multiple sports in the olympics where if you do not post a decent result in your first attempt - you are done until the closing ceremonies.

I would prefer to see a match play format as well. Rather then competing against the course you would be competing against the other competitors which is inline with how all other Olympic events work.

I think it would also increase attendance at the later matches

I was thinking of three round stroke play followed by the top 64 advancing to the match play round. With that they could also expand the field to maybe 120 players as well.

Another option would be to make it a team event, top two scores for stroke play.

There are many options more compelling than 72 hole individual stroke play.

Hey Darius - I totally agree with you. I think you meant to address ADonaldson. Unless of course they are an Alex as well - if so, great name ;)