In a surprising turn of events at the Olympics, World No. 1 golfer Scottie Scheffler pulled off an incredible comeback to win the gold medal at Le Golf National. Starting the final round four shots behind the leaders, Scheffler shot a nine-under 62, with six birdies on the back nine, to secure the victory for the United States. England’s Tommy Fleetwood finished second to claim the silver medal, while Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama took home the bronze.
The final round of the Olympics saw the 54-hole leaders, Xander Schauffele and Jon Rahm, start strong with back-to-back birdies to reach 16 under. Matsuyama also made a strong start with three birdies in his first five holes to get back into contention at 14 under. Schauffele took the lead at the sixth hole with a birdie, and Rahm extended his lead with two additional birdies, pulling away from the pack.
As Rahm seemed poised to secure the gold medal, his game faltered with back-to-back bogeys at 11 and 12, allowing Fleetwood and Matsuyama to catch up. Rory McIlroy also made a charge with five consecutive birdies on the back nine, moving within one shot of the lead. However, a double bogey at the 15th hole derailed McIlroy’s chances.
Meanwhile, French golfer Victor Perez thrilled the local crowd by making a late charge to get into medal contention. Scheffler quietly hung around for his moment to strike, reeling off three consecutive birdies to tie Rahm and Fleetwood for the lead at 18 under. Rahm’s double bogey at the 14th hole further opened the door for Scheffler’s comeback.
Scheffler took the lead with a birdie at the 17th hole, setting up a dramatic finish with Fleetwood. Both players were tied at 19 under going into the final hole, where Scheffler secured the victory with a birdie on his way to a 62. Fleetwood’s bogey on the 17th hole ended his chances of overtaking Scheffler, but a clutch par putt on the final hole secured the silver medal for England.
In the end, Scheffler’s incredible comeback and impressive performance on the final day of the Olympics solidified his place as the gold medalist in a thrilling finish at Le Golf National. The event showcased the talent and resilience of the world’s top golfers, providing fans with an unforgettable display of skill and determination on the biggest stage in golf.
