Sensational Scottie Scheffler Claims Olympic Gold in Paris

Scottie Scheffler produced a sensational final round of 62 to succeed fellow American Xander Schauffele as Olympic champion, pipping England’s Tommy Fleetwood by a shot, with Hideki Matsuyama of Japan claiming the bronze medal.

On a day of high drama at Le Golf National, the world number one made 10 birdies to record an unlikely victory after starting the day four shots behind Jon Rahm and Fleetwood.

Before this week, Scheffler had won six tournaments in 2024, including The Masters, pocketing more than $28m. He didn’t receive a dime for this win but if anybody doubted how much it meant to him they only had to watch his reaction when he holed a crucial birdie putt at the 17th that took him into the lead.

Fleetwood was tied with Scheffler on 19 under walking on to the 17th hole but a bogey after missing the green and a poor chip left him trailing Scheffler going down the last. 

The 33-year-old Englishman also misjudged an approach on the 18th as he attacked, having to settle for a par to secure 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. He is from Southport, a town that has been touched by horrific tragedy, and there was a feeling that a victory here was written in the stars for Fleetwood. But it was not to be.

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

Fleetwood started the final round one off the lead as he trailed playing partners Rahm and Schauffele. After Saturday's third round, he said he was not "swinging freely" and lamented his lack of birdie chances.

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. Another bogey on the seventh threatened Fleetwood's chances, but 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 playing a few holes ahead - after another birdie on 16.

Fleetwood adores 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.