Xander Schauffele, the defending Olympic gold medalist, put on a strong performance in the first round of the Olympics in France. Despite a shaky start, Schauffele managed to finish just two strokes behind the leader, Hideki Matsuyama. The atmosphere at Le Golf National, with thousands of fans cheering on the players, provided an unexpected inspiration for Schauffele.
Schauffele started the day with a chip-in birdie, followed by an up and down on the second hole. Although he struggled on the third hole, he managed to recover and score his second birdie. Throughout the round, he added five more birdies before dropping a stroke on the 17th hole. This marked the 17th time this year that Schauffele had shot 65 or better.
Despite being the defending champion, Schauffele admitted that he didn’t really feel like one. The experience in Tokyo, where he won the gold medal three years ago, was vastly different due to the lack of fans and closed city. The lively atmosphere and support from fans in France made Schauffele feel like he was experiencing the Olympics for the first time.
The Olympics in France have allowed Schauffele to appreciate the dedication and pressure that athletes in other sports face. Watching the swimmers compete made him realize the immense pressure they are under for just a few seconds of performance. Schauffele is grateful for the pacing of golf, which allows him some breathing room to perform at his best.
With three rounds remaining, Schauffele is focused on making the most of his chance to win back-to-back gold medals. He acknowledges the opportunities on the course for low scores but is also aware of the challenges that come with it. Despite the competitive field and challenging course conditions, Schauffele is confident in his abilities to navigate through the tournament.
Overall, Schauffele’s strong performance in the first round of the Olympics showcases his talent and determination to succeed. The defending champion may not feel the pressure of defending his title, but he is focused on giving his best effort to potentially win another gold medal. With his experience and skill, Schauffele is a top contender in the Olympics and will continue to showcase his abilities in the remaining rounds of the tournament.
