Final-round drama seals Scottie gold
Faith-filled golfer Scottie Scheffler roared back to win Olympic gold with a dramatic, record-equalling final round.
The US player was four shots back when he started the last round of his Paris 2024 title shot and, at the midway point, was an even more unlikely winner at six shots down.
But a barnstorming run of birdies in the last nine holes nailed victory for the 28-year-old Dallas-born believer.
Unfortunately for the Great Britain Olympic team, it meant Scheffler overtook Englishman Tommy Fleetwood, who won silver.
The American’s nine-under final round of 62 equalled the course record, and his four-round total of 265 set a new Olympic best.
He was preparing to meet Fleetwood in a top-spot playoff and was practising his putting when he learnt that the Briton had missed an 18th-hole putt, giving gold to the US.
Hideki Matsuyama of Japan won the bronze.
Scheffler took to the winners’ podium as wife Meredith and newborn son Bennett watched from the stands.
World number one Scheffler said: “It’s been a long week. It’s been a challenging week. I played some great golf today, and I’m proud to be going home with a medal.
“It was just very emotional being up there on stage there as the flag is being raised and sitting there singing the national anthem. That’s definitely one I’ll remember for a long time.
“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."
… story continues
