Scottie Scheffler produced a sensational final-round performance to pip Tommy Fleetwood and secure the gold medal for the U.S. in the men’s individual event at the Paris Olympics.
In what turned out to be a dramatic day, the 28-year-old American found himself four shots behind the lead entered the final round at Le Golf National. The deficit extended to six shots early on the back nine but the world No. 1 produced a sensational comeback thanks to five birdies down a six hole stretch and went to tie the course record of nine-under 62 to end the event on 11 under, a shot clear of Great Britain’s Tommy Fleetwood.
“It’s been a long week. It’s been a challenging week. I played some great golf today, and I’m proud to be going home with a medal,” Scheffler said. “These guys played tremendous golf, and I think we should all be proud of the golf that we played this week.”
Representing Great Britain, Tommy Fleetwood put up a valiant challenge as he came tantalizingly close to earning the gold. He held the lead after the 14th but faced a setback with a bogey from the rough on the 17th. Needing a birdie on the final hole to tie Scheffler, Fleetwood’s approach shot went long, and he had to settle for par and the silver medal.
“There’s part of me that’s disappointed, of course, but at the same time I never dreamt I would be an Olympic medallist,” the 33-year-old said.
“I haven’t been in the mix that much recently and being back there, playing well and feeling how that felt again, I enjoyed it so much and I’m unbelievably proud to be an Olympic medallist.
“It feels unbelievably special and I know I didn’t win gold – a very good golfer did – but standing on that podium with a medal was one of the most amazing moments I’ve had as a golfer. I’ll remember those times for the rest of my life.”
Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama hit a six-under 65 in the final round featuring six birdies and no bogeys to finish one shot further back on 17 under to take home the bronze.
The golf at the Paris Olympics will continue with the women’s individual event set to start on Aug 7.