Scottie Scheffler was inevitable once again at Le Golf National on Sunday as he produced a sizzling round of nine-under-par to claim the gold medal at the Paris Olympics.
Scheffler cried tears of joy on the podium as he collected his prestigious prize. It marked the latest chapter in an unforgettable year in which he has also won The Masters and cemented his place as the clear world No.1.
Jon Rahm appeared to have been on a procession towards the top prize on the 10th at the Games before Tommy Fleetwood and Scheffler closed in on the LIV Golf ace in the final round. Back-to-back bogeys from the Spanish superstar meant that he left his two rivals with an opportunity to seize a potential chance at glory.
In a memorable fight for the gold in the French capital, Scheffler dusted himself off after struggling to show his best form in the opening three rounds. Meanwhile, Fleetwood kept himself in with a major shot at the title as he drew level with Rahm to draw level on 18-under-par through 13 holes of the final round.
READ MORE: Xander Schauffele has extra motivation for seeking Olympic gold in Paris
READ MORE: Covid hits Olympic Village as athlete tests positive hours after medal win with 'precautions' taken
With a par on on the 18th, Scheffler set the clubhouse lead of -19, to equal the course record - with this display just one shot short of the Olympic record. The two-time Masters victor, boasting a one-stroke lead, was handed a crucial boost in his quest after Fleetwood missed a putt to keep proceedings tied on 17.
Fleetwood's woes worsened as it was confirmed that he would miss out on gold after needing a birdie on the 18th to level proceedings with Scheffler and force a playoff. Instead, he was forced to settle for silver after just falling short - handing glory to his rival.
Follow us on X for the best and latest in sports news
After losing to the world number one, Hideki Matsuyama joined the Team GB star in earning a podium finish after a thrilling final round at Le Golf National. Meanwhile, the aforementioned Rahm was left ruing his earlier collapse on the final day as he faltered in his efforts to medal.
Scheffler's gold medal is the latest in a sensational year for the PGA Tour star, who claimed his second green jacket earlier in the year.
His gold means Team USA's second in succession, with Xander Schauffele having won the gold medal in 2021 at the Tokyo games.
Most Popular
Comments / 0