Nelly Korda kicks off her attempt to defend her women’s Olympic title on Wednesday, looking to replicate the triumph of her male counterpart, the world number one.
Following Scottie Scheffler’s remarkable victory in Paris last Sunday, the women’s event is set against a backdrop that has undoubtedly silenced any doubts about golf’s legitimacy in the Olympic realm.
Scheffler’s impressive gold medal win, alongside a course record-equaling final round of 62, narrowly edged out GB’s Tommy Fleetwood during an unforgettable last day at Le Golf National.
As the competition unfolded, Jamie Spence, a former European Tour player and GB Olympic manager, sent a text stating: “Best golf of the year.”
His assessment was accurate; I’m still trying to think of a better tournament. The event boasted enthusiastic crowds, an outstanding leaderboard, and a genuine sporting legacy; it had it all.
The format, consisting of 72-hole stroke play, was justified with numerous players vying for medals through thrilling back nine surges, like the one that saw home favorite Victor Perez finish just a shot off a medal.
Moreover, the event was especially compelling as it centered purely around the quest for athletic glory on behalf of the golfers’ nations.
Typically, Scheffler demonstrates little emotion; winning has become routine in his illustrious career.
His victories are often met with a modest shrug and a content smile, nothing more. Remarkably, this was his seventh win in a stellar 2024 season.
Yet, this particular victory brought tears to the eyes of the two-time Masters champion. “I take great pride in coming here and representing my country,” the American remarked.
“It was so emotional standing up there as the flag was raised and singing the National Anthem. Yes, that’s definitely one I’ll cherish for a long time.”
While Scheffler’s tears stemmed from pride, Jon Rahm lamented his surprising collapse that led to him falling out of medal contention after starting with a four-shot lead with just eight holes remaining.
He resembled a middle-distance runner with a solid lead when the bell rang, only to trip over his shoelaces. Meanwhile, competitors like Scheffler executed more controlled final laps, finishing with just 29 strokes.
“To not come through for the entire country of Spain is more painful than I’d like it to be,” Rahm conceded. Consistent play from the 11th hole onward would have earned Spain gold.
“By losing, I believe I’m gaining a deeper appreciation for what this tournament means to me than if I had won any medal,” he added. “I’m now realizing how significantly it mattered.”
“I’ve been honored to represent Spain in numerous events, and not succeeding here stings quite a bit.”
Rory McIlroy made a strong charge with five consecutive birdies on the back nine, but faltered when he found water at the 15th hole from just 130 yards out, extinguishing Team Ireland’s hopes.
Silver medalist Fleetwood wrestled with his swing throughout the week but suddenly found his rhythm. It was only towards the end that the Southport star stumbled.
He strayed off the fairway on the 17th and failed to regain control on the following two shots on that penultimate hole, resulting in a bogey that cost him his share of the lead.
“It feels incredibly special,” Fleetwood expressed. “Standing on that podium with a medal in front of the crowd was one of the most extraordinary moments I’ve experienced as a golfer.”
McIlroy remains without a medal from two Olympic appearances, but this former critic of Olympic golf has been thoroughly won over, especially as much of the men’s game is currently embroiled in a lucrative civil conflict.
The Team Ireland star now ranks Olympic golf just behind the Ryder Cup as the premier tournament in the sport.
“Considering the current state of the game, you think about the two tournaments that stand out as the truest forms of competition in our sport, and neither involves playing for money,” he noted.
“That speaks volumes about what truly matters in sports. I believe every single player this week has had an incredible experience.”
