Scottie Scheffler likely arrived in Paris feeling anxious. After all, it had been over a month since he claimed victory in his last of six tournaments for 2024. However, the world No. 1 had little to worry about; with a sensational Sunday back nine of 29, finishing with a round of 62, he secured Olympic gold to add to his impressive portfolio. Tommy Fleetwood found himself in second place once again, overshadowed by the brilliance of the 28-year-old. While Scheffler took the main accolades, it was undoubtedly Fleetwood who captivated the audience here.
“I feel some disappointment but never imagined I would become an Olympic medallist, so I am incredibly proud and happy with how the week unfolded,” Fleetwood shared. “Standing on that podium with a medal was one of the most special moments of my life.”
Scheffler, whose total score of 19-under edged out Fleetwood by one, became another athlete moved to tears by the performance of his national anthem. This reaction seemed unexpected. Hideki Matsuyama, the Masters champion of 2021, secured the bronze medal for Japan with a score of minus 17.
“I am proud to represent America; I got emotional watching the ceremony for the women’s gymnastics,” Scheffler expressed. “This is a moment I will cherish for years. My parents instilled in me, from a young age, what it truly means to be American.”
This day could be considered the highlight of the golf season so far. It was exhilarating from the start. The International Olympic Committee would certainly have reason to keep this sport at Golf National indefinitely. Scheffler made birdies on two of the course’s challenging final three holes.
Rory McIlroy delivered an insightful comment about the event. “Amazing,” he remarked on the Olympic atmosphere. “We were discussing it out there; Nicolai [Højgaard] believes this is the best tournament he’s ever participated in, and he’s played in a Ryder Cup.”
“I still maintain that the Ryder Cup represents the pinnacle of competition in golf, and I think this has the potential to rival it.”
“Given the current state of chaos in golf, when considering the two events that perhaps best exemplify pure competition in our sport, we don’t compete for money in either.”
“This underscores what is truly significant in sports. Every single player this week has enjoyed an incredible experience.”
As Jon Rahm birdied the 10th hole, he initially led the field by four. He had started the back nine three strokes ahead of Fleetwood and Matsuyama. However, he experienced a downturn, recording dropped shots at the 11th and 12th, followed by a double bogey at the par-five 14th, eventually finishing tied for fifth alongside McIlroy.
“I feel like I’ve not only let myself down but also disappointed my entire country, which makes this much more painful than I anticipated,” Rahm confessed.
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McIlroy made a strong push, notching five consecutive birdies from the 10th, including a remarkable approach shot at the 12th. However, disaster struck at the 15th when he hit the ball into the water. McIlroy slumped over, fully aware of how that penalty stroke would impact his chances for a medal.
“After 10 or 11, I noticed the board—I was at 14 under and Jon had made it to 20,” McIlroy recounted. “I didn’t believe I had any shot. Then after birdying 14, I glanced at the board again and found myself just one behind. I thought: ‘Wow, what just happened?’
“I executed the shot I intended on the 15th, but I didn’t manage to elevate the ball enough for the wind to carry it an extra three or four yards. I aimed to be aggressive and land a wedge perfectly between the front edge and the hole; missing my target by even three or four yards ultimately cost me a medal.”
McIlroy champions the inclusion of a mixed team format in future Olympics, alongside traditional individual competitions, which seems very likely. Victor Perez enlivened an already electric atmosphere with a stunning performance, finishing just one shot off the podium after a closing nine in 29. The crowd erupted in cheers for him as he made his way to the clubhouse.
Scheffler often does not garner such fervent admiration, yet his consistent victories merit every bit of it. Olympic golf has found its champion, one who validates its very existence.
