Tommy Fleetwood showed his true colors by delivering a remarkable performance, but it was Scottie Scheffler who charged to Olympic gold, leaving Fleetwood agonizingly short of the top spot.
Tommy Fleetwood of Great Britain came agonizingly close to winning a silver medal in the men’s golf competition, ultimately falling just one stroke short of world number one Scottie Scheffler. Scheffler, who has been enjoying a phenomenal 2024 season, added another remarkable achievement to his resume, continuing his dominant run after securing six titles, including the prestigious Masters in April, with a record-breaking final round at the Olympics.
As the final round commenced at Le Golf National, Fleetwood, who had started the day in a provisional bronze position, faced a formidable challenge. He was grouped with the leading contenders, Jon Rahm of Spain and Xander Schauffele of the USA. Scheffler got off to a blistering start, birdieing his first three holes. However, his early momentum was tempered as he settled into a series of six pars, momentarily pushing him out of the immediate medal conversation. Despite his solid play, the competition around him was intense and unyielding, with Rahm building a substantial four-stroke lead by the 11th hole.
Jon Rahm, known for his typically unflappable demeanor, experienced a sudden and dramatic downturn in performance. After an impressive start, Rahm stumbled with two bogeys, initiating a shocking sequence of errors. His struggle continued as he recorded five bogeys and one double bogey on the back nine, ultimately missing crucial putts on the final two holes. This unexpected collapse prevented him from securing at least bronze, a position that seemed within reach before his faltering finish.
In the midst of Rahm’s unraveling, Fleetwood seized the opportunity. He made a remarkable comeback from a four-stroke deficit, drawing level with Rahm in just two holes. As Rahm faltered, Fleetwood’s play began to shine, bringing him to a tie with Scheffler as the American champion mounted an aggressive assault on the course record. The atmosphere at Le Golf National was electric, with the crowd cheering fervently for home favorite Victor Perez, who shot a 63, further enhancing the day’s excitement.
Scheffler’s performance was nothing short of spectacular. He reeled off six birdies in just eight holes, solidifying his lead. By the time he reached the 18th hole, Scheffler had set a formidable target of 19-under-par. Fleetwood, now thrust into the spotlight, faced a high-pressure situation. On the 17th hole, he found himself in the rough after his tee shot, and on the 18th, his bid for a birdie—a birdie that was crucial to force a playoff—fell just short. Despite his best efforts, Fleetwood missed the chip for that pivotal birdie, which meant he was unable to challenge Scheffler for the gold.
However, Fleetwood managed to avoid a playoff for bronze against Hideki Matsuyama, securing Great Britain’s second Olympic golf medal. This was a remarkable achievement for Fleetwood, especially considering it was just one stroke shy of the gold medal won by his compatriot Justin Rose in 2016, when golf made its return to the Olympic Games.
Fleetwood’s performance in this final round was one of the finest of his career. He pushed several major and PGA Tour winners to their limits, demonstrating his exceptional skill and resilience. His play captivated the audience and could potentially elevate his career to new heights, despite ongoing distractions and challenges in his hometown of Southport.
On the other hand, Scottie Scheffler’s victory marks another triumph for the USA in Olympic golf, following Xander Schauffele’s gold medal win in 2020. Scheffler’s continued dominance underscores his place at the pinnacle of the sport.
As the final results were confirmed, the narrative of the day was clear: Fleetwood won silver, while Scheffler clinched the gold. The key moments of the day were highlighted by Fleetwood’s near-miss, Scheffler’s record-setting performance, and Rahm’s dramatic fall from grace.
