Scheffler adds another title to his list in Paris
Fleetwood (Silver) Scheffler (Gold) and Matsuyama (Bronze) – image PGA Tour / IGF
It was going to take something very special from the world’s undisputed number one golfer Scottie Scheffler if he was going to chase down the leaders heading into the final round of the Men’s Olympic competition in France, and he produced just that.
A final round of 62 which included a final nine of 29 resulted in a stunning one-shot victory over Tommy Fleetwood whose bogey at the 17th cost him the chance of the Gold Medal, while Hideki Matsuyama recorded a final round of 65 to claim the Bronze Medal .
Scheffler added this title to his six PGA Tour victories in 2024 (including the Masters and Players Championship titles) and he stands, clearly, at the top of the men’s game.
Needing a fast start after starting the final round four behind both Jon Rahm and Xander Schauffele, Scheffler birdied his opening three holes but he was still three behind at the turn before unleashing his powerful finish.
When asked as to how this win might affect his legacy Scheffler replied; “Yeah, I mean, I don’t really think too much about my legacy as a golfer. That’s not really something that comes to mind. I love being out here competing. It’s one of my favourite things in the world to do and it’s a great joy in my life. I’m proud to be out here competing.
“As far as my legacy goes, I really don’t think about it too much. This is just part of my life that I do out here and it’s something that I work very hard at. I’m proud to be sitting here with a Gold Medal.
“I would say first and foremost I’m proud of the country I’m from. I’m proud to be American. I got emotional the other night watching the Gold Medal ceremony for the women’s gymnastics. I take tremendous pride in coming over here and representing my country.
“And yeah, same thing, like when you go to a sporting event, you hear everybody in the stands singing the National Anthem, it’s a pretty special thing to be a part of, and I think that’s something we take tremendous pride in.
“It was just very emotional being up there on stage there as the flag is being raised and sitting there singing the National Anthem. Yes, that’s definitely one I’ll remember for a long time.”
Scheffler has now finished either first or second on 13 occasions in the last eighteen months.
The surprise of the final round was that neither of the 54-hole leaders, Rahm or Schauffele, could match those chasing, Rahm finishing 5th and defending champion Schauffele 9th.
Jason Day headed the Australasian challenge when he finished with a round of 68 to share 9th place after starting with two early birdies himself but it was a week he will never forget.
“It was very impressive this week. It was fascinating and kind of I was in awe the first few days and even today, especially playing right behind Victor (Frenchman Victor Perez). I would have been absolutely nervous if I was him to be honest.
“He fed off the crowd and he played wonderful golf and I think that will be probably one of the best memories that he’ll ever have in golf, especially playing at home, in front of the home crowd.
“Like I said before, other than Viktor, I have no idea what they were saying and they were supporting him very, very hard and it was impressive to watch.
“I said earlier in the week, it’s amazing what sport can do to bring people together. This is a week that we are not playing for money. We are playing for a medal and your country. You’re weighing it on your chest and it’s brought out old feelings that I thought I didn’t have and I still have deep down and why we play golf and why we love it so much.”
Min Woo Lee added another round of 68 to finish in a share of 22nd place which after his struggles in round one completed a solid comeback.
Ryan Fox finished 35th and Daniel Hillier 55th.
Jason Day – tees off the first in the final round – image PGA Tour/ IGF
