Scheffler basks in national pride after comeback win
PARIS—Scottie Scheffler said he felt “proud to be an American” after a dramatic triumph in the final round of the men’s golf event to win Olympic gold on Sunday.
The world No. 1 was four shots off the lead heading into the last day, but fired a course record-equaling nine-under-par 62 to clinch the title by a stroke over Great Britain’s Tommy Fleetwood.
Scheffler followed in the footsteps of compatriot Xander Schauffele, who fell away after starting on Sunday tied for the lead, by winning the gold medal.
“I’m proud to be American,” said the 28-year-old, who was holding back tears on the podium. “I got emotional the other night watching the gold medal ceremony for the women’s gymnastics. I take tremendous pride in coming over here and representing my country.
“It was just very emotional being up there on stage there as the flag is being raised and sitting there singing the national anthem.”
Scheffler’s win in Paris was his seventh title of a remarkable season in which he has already sealed his second Masters green jacket and second Players Championship trophy.
His dominance was briefly threatened when he was arrested before a round in the PGA Championship in May. The charges were later dropped, but he quickly bounced back with victories in the prestigious Memorial Tournament and the Travelers Championship the following month.
Not so cool, after all
Scheffler is widely regarded as a cool customer, but says emotions often get the better of him after a win.
“Typically I’m fairly emotional as it is. I think with this tournament, there wasn’t much time in between winning, and then you kind of just get ushered through everything,” he said of having little time to himself before the medal presentation.
“I remember after the Masters this year, I took a bathroom break but really I just wanted to be by myself for a minute. I cried pretty good after that one.”
Scheffler started quickly with three successive birdies, including a chip-in on the second hole, to close the gap on overnight leaders Schauffele and Jon Rahm.
Fleetwood was tied for the lead with Scheffler before a bogey on the 17th and he had to hole out from off the green for birdie on the final hole to force a playoff for gold.
