Final round recap
To no one’s surprise, Scottie Scheffler claimed another victory by winning gold in the men’s golf. But it was not straightforward, as he came from behind to win by one from Great Britain’s Tommy Fleetwood. Scheffler tied the course record with a nine-under 62.
He started the day four back of compatriot Xander Schauffele and Spain’s Jon Rahm, but they both faltered on the back nine. Tommy Fleetwood was the only one in the final group still in contention coming down the stretch. But the Southport man made a pivotal bogey on his penultimate hole and failed to birdie the difficult 18th to force a playoff.
Scottie Scheffler began his final round with three birdies in his first three holes to get off to a blisteringly hot start. But he then stalled and made par on the rest of the front nine. He moved to the closing nine, coming home in 29 to set the clubhouse target.
Fleetwood close again
It was enough for the gold medal, with Fleetwood again agonisingly missing out on the big stage. You can never count Scottie Scheffler out; it was between Rahm and Fleetwood for the golf.
But Rahm blew up on the back nine while Scheffler made a flurry of birdies when it mattered. Scottie’s success and dominance have been well-documented in 2024. But this adds another win to his 2024 collection that now includes The Players, The Masters and the gold medal at The Olympics.
Tommy Fleetwood made a 5-footer on the last to ensure he claimed the silver medal for Great Britain in a valiant display. Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama, who led independently after round one, secured the bronze medal at 17-under par. It was a compelling final round, and several big names were in with a shout of the medal. But only three people could get one at the end of 72 holes.
Home favourite Victor Perez got the local French fans in attendance riled up late on. He shot a final round 63, but he just missed out on the medals by one. Players praised the audible support from all of the fans at Le Golf National, and some likened it to a significant championship feel.
Golf is at home in the Olympics
Golf’s return to the Olympics in 2016 was questioned not just by golf fans and the media but also by the general media. Does it deserve to be an Olympic sport? Should something else be in its place? But, after its third run since returning, it has produced entertaining endings and gained popularity from casual sports fans. The quality of golf on display and the fans’ involvement illustrated golf’s deserved place as an Olympic sport for years to come.
guys i think we should keep golf in the Olympics
— Dylan Dethier (@dylan_dethier) August 4, 2024
The 2018 Ryder Cup venue proved fitting, with the women taking centre stage on Wednesday as their competition gets underway. However, the course has variety and the right balance of risk and reward. To an extent, America got a small revenge as the USA won gold after losing to Europe in 2018.
In a wider scope, America has now swept all four majors this year and the Olympics—ostensibly the five biggest events in professional golf in 2024. They are in a period of dominance with their extensive talent, making it hard for others to keep up. Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele have been at the forefront of that, mainly because Xander, who won gold in Tokyo, won 50% of the majors this calendar year.
Scottie vs the field
Tommy Fleetwood and Rory Mcilroy were flying the flag for Europe this week. Jon Rahm, and they were outdueled again by the unstoppable Scheffler. After only winning one major at The Masters in April, it was discussed whether Scottie had wasted one of the most consistent years ever. Even though he will be over the moon with his win this week and was emotional on the podium when receiving his medal, his failure to win more than one major can still be somewhat scrutinised.
A look to the future
The FedEx Cup playoffs are next up to round off 2024 on the PGA Tour, and you would not bet against Scottie Scheffler winning that as well. But most of the prestige golf action is over until The Masters next spring. It is a well-earned off-season for the game’s best, but from a viewing perspective, it is hard to have to wait so long until we see the elite compete against each other once again.
What a day for Olympic golf, and the next one’s at Riviera. This week has been the springboard the event needed. We only care if the players care, and finally all the top guys showed up with the right attitude. Feels like we’ve been gifted a 5th major every 4 years.
— Dan Rapaport (@Daniel_Rapaport) August 4, 2024
Although four years away, the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles have chosen Riviera Country Club as the venue for the Men’s and Women’s events. It is a course that players are familiar with on Tour and one of the most highly rated courses in the States.
Tiger Woods’ course, which hosts the Genesis in February, will be on display in mid-summer—giving golf fans something to look forward to at the next Games, where Scheffler will be in his home country to defend his title. However, one thing that no one can ever take away from him is his gold medal, which means the most to him.
Photo by Freddie Collins on Unsplash
