GB’s Fleetwood pipped to Olympic gold by Scheffler

Paris 2024 Olympics final leaderboard

-19 Scheffler (US); –18 Fleetwood (GB); -17 Matsuyama (Jpn); -16 Perez (Fra) -15 McIlroy (Ire), Rahm (Spa)

Full leaderboard

Great Britain’s Tommy Fleetwood had to settle for Olympic silver in the men’s golf after falling agonisingly short of American world number one Scottie Scheffler in an enthralling finale.

On a tense last day in Paris, Fleetwood was tied with Scheffler on 19 under walking on to the 17th hole.

But a bogey after missing the green and over-hitting a chip left him trailing Scheffler – who shot a course record-equalling nine-under 62 – going down the last.

The 33-year-old Englishman also misjudged an approach on the 18th as he attacked, settling for a par which secured the silver medal.

Fleetwood, who shot a wonderful 66, tipped his head back in disappointment before breaking out into a beaming smile as thousands of fans chanted his name.

“Part of me that is disappointed, of course, but at the same time I never dreamt I’d be an Olympic medallist,” said Fleetwood.

“I’m still unbelievably proud and happy of the way the week went. I’m proud of the way I played today.”

Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama took bronze on 17 under.

Home favourite Victor Perez finished fourth on 16 under, a shot ahead of Rory McIlroy, representing Ireland, and Spain’s Jon Rahm.

As one of the finest players without a major title, Fleetwood was aiming to win the biggest individual title of his career by earning Olympic gold.

Fleetwood started the final round one off the lead as he trailed playing partners Rahm and American defending champion Xander Schauffele.

After Saturday’s third round, he said he was not “swinging freely” and lamented his lack of birdie chances.

It was a steady if not spectacular round – but Sunday started in a different manner.

A bogey on the first was quickly wiped out by a birdie two on the second, followed by two more birdies on three and four.

The problem was everyone else – Rahm and Scheffler in particular – made even better starts.

Another bogey on the seventh threatened Fleetwood’s chances, but a run of four birdies between the eighth and 12th holes kept him in the hunt.

Rahm had surged ahead with a five-under 31 on the front nine. Then, his round unravelled after the turn.

Bogeys on 11 and 12 were followed by a very costly double on 14, allowing Fleetwood a clear run at Scheffler – who was just finishing on the last – after another birdie on 16.

Fleetwood knows how to perform at Le Golf National.

He won the 2017 French Open here before famously leading Europe to Ryder Cup glory – as one half of ‘Moliwood’ with Italian Francesco Molinari – in 2018.

However, the popular Englishman could not see the job through and faltered as Scheffler – who shot a six-under 29 on the back nine – continued his recent dominance of the men’s game.

“As a young boy taking up the game of golf, none of us had a chance to win Olympic gold so it was never on our agenda,” said Fleetwood.

“That quickly changes when you’re part of the Olympics and it feels unbelievably special.

“I know I didn’t win gold but standing on that podium with a medal was one of the most amazing moments I’ve had as a golfer.”

Since its return as an Olympic sport at Rio 2016, the jury has been out on golf’s place at an event which is the pinnacle for so many other athletes.

After a successful four days at Le Golf National, culminating in an eagerly anticipated final round which did not disappoint, it feels like the men’s event has arrived and finally been accepted.

An initial lukewarm response has gradually improved and the field featured eight of the world’s top 10 players.

Only American pair Patrick Cantlay and Bryson DeChambeau were not present – because they were beaten to qualification by the four United States players above them in the rankings.

Many of those who were there spoke glowingly about the event.

The noise and colour provided by almost 30,000 jovial fans each day helped, as did a leaderboard – stacked with superstars, major winners and a French favourite in Perez – chopping and changing on the final day.

McIlroy, who was among the sceptics before Rio 2016, said it felt more fun than a major.

“It was an amazing experience. Probably one of the best individual competitions I’ve been a part of,” said the former world number one, whose medal chances were ended by double bogey on 15 after finding water.

Golf will return to Paris 2024 later this week when the women’s individual event starts on Wednesday.