With golf making it’s reappearance in the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro after a 112-year absence, the focus leading up to the event was who was not showing up. Some of the world’s best and biggest names including Rory McIlroy, Jason Day, Dustin Johnson, Jordan Spieth and Adam Scott had declined to join the field in Brazil. Even so, we were treated to some phenomenal golf throughout the week.
It couldn’t have been a better finish on Sunday for the men’s tournament with 2013 US Open Champion Justin Rose and reigning Open Champion Henrik Stenson dueling all day, reminiscent of the final round at Royal Troon just a few weeks prior. Both players went out in 32, but it was not until the 72nd hole at the Olympic Golf Course where the race for gold was down to literally a pitch and a putt.
Both players were tied at 15-under-par going into the par-5 18th – Rose would birdie to get to 16-under par while Stenson made a three-putt bogey to fall to 14-under par. In addition to the head-to-head match between the two, Matt Kuchar had probably the round of the day and of his life. He shot a final round 63 to get into contention and win a “backdoor” medal, finishing at 13-under-par and good for a Bronze for the USA.
“It feels absolutely incredible,” said Rose. “The whole week, I’ve been so focused, really, to be honest with you. I’ve been so into it. I’ve been so up for it. I’ve been just so determined, I suppose, to represent Team GB (Great Britain) as best as I could. It was just the most magical week. It really was.”
All the players who committed to the Olympics and competed seemed to have had an amazing experience. Not just with the competition itself, but with the entire Olympics. We often saw golfers attending other events and cheering on their fellow country athletes. It’s an experience we’re sure a lot of golfers wish they took advantage off, although more of the world’s best will likely commit to Tokyo 2020. After such an amazing week for the men, we can’t wait to see how the women’s competition will turn out!
Source: Olympic Golf
