SAINT-QUENTIN-EN-YVELINES, France – Scottie Scheffler’s legendary status continues to rise, now with a significant addition to his accolades.
The world’s top golfer showcased his skills on the back nine at Le Golf National during the Paris Olympics, overcoming a four-shot deficit to secure the gold medal for Team USA amidst a field of top competitors.
Entering the final round four strokes behind the leaders, Scheffler recorded a remarkable 9-under-par 62, tying a course record on Sunday. He quickly birdied his first three holes and managed to sink six additional birdies on the back nine, including a crucial stretch of four consecutive birdies that propelled him to the top of the leaderboard, a position he maintained until the end.
Scheffler finished the tournament at 19 under, edging out Great Britain’s Tommy Fleetwood, who took the silver medal at 18 under. Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama claimed the bronze with a total of 17 under.
This was Scheffler’s first Olympic appearance, and although he wasn’t satisfied with his initial three rounds, he performed well enough to remain in contention. He ultimately excelled as other top players faltered. Spain’s Jon Rahm, who had led by four strokes earlier in the day, struggled during crucial holes, carding a disappointing 4-over on holes 11 through 14, including a double bogey on 14.
Rory McIlroy of Ireland also faced difficulties, hitting his shot into the water on No. 15, leading to a double bogey.
Meanwhile, Scheffler took control of the lead with a 17-foot birdie putt on No. 17, putting him one stroke ahead of Fleetwood, who still had three holes to play. After Fleetwood birdied the par-3 16th to tie with Scheffler, his drive on No. 17 found deep rough. A poorly executed chip left him in trouble, forcing him to settle for a bogey and dropping to 18 under. Scheffler prepared for a possible playoff while Fleetwood missed his chance for a birdie on the 18th.
This victory marks the second consecutive Olympic gold medal in men’s golf for the U.S., as Scheffler follows in the footsteps of teammate Xander Schauffele, who won gold in Tokyo.
Schauffele began the day tied for the lead but fell apart in the last 11 holes, recording a bogey on No. 8 and struggling with wayward drives that led to further bogeys and a double bogey on No. 15, which effectively eliminated his chances for a medal.
Another American, Wyndham Clark, who had faded from view after an opening round of 75, finished strong with consecutive rounds of 65 to end the tournament at 11 under. Collin Morikawa, however, struggled to find his rhythm throughout the week, finishing at 6 under after shooting three rounds of 70.