Japan's Hideki Matsuyama claimed the bronze
medal a further shot back, going one better than on home soil
three years ago when he just missed bronze in a seven-way
playoff for third place at the Tokyo Games.
The Olympic title adds to a spectacular year for the 28-year-old
Scheffler, who bagged his second Masters title in April as part
of six tour successes.
The usually calm American punched the air on the 17th hole where
he holed a birdie to take the outright lead before letting out
tears on the podium after securing the gold.
"It's been a long week, it's been a challenging week. I played
some great golf today and I'm proud to be going home with a
medal," Scheffler told reporters.
Like the other participants, he was impressed with the exuberant
crowds who roared on French players as well as members of
Europe's Ryder Cup team. Fleetwood in particular was cheered on
for his starring role in Europe's 2018 Ryder Cup win over the
United States at the same venue south of Paris.
"I think golf showcased itself amazingly well this week," the
33-year-old Englishman said.
Scheffler's scintillating bogey-free round let him overhaul a
four-shot deficit against overnight joint leaders Xander
Schauffele and Jon Rahm.
Spaniard Rahm, a two-time major winner, surged into a four-shot
lead after a sparkling front nine holes on Sunday before fading
like U.S. defending champion Schauffele.
Fleetwood stayed in contention until the end but a bogey on the
17th hole left him a shot behind Scheffler and he was unable to
birdie the last hole to force a playoff.
Home supporters were thrilled with a final-day surge by Victor
Perez, who hit the second-best final round to end at 16 under in
fourth place.
That capped off a proud week in which the Frenchman was given
the honour of hitting the first shot of the competition on
Thursday.
The tight race for the podium will have heightened the appeal of
golf in the Olympics after a gripping climax in Tokyo that
followed the sport's return to the Games in Rio after a
century-long absence.
(Reporting by Gus Trompiz; editing by Clare Fallon) [© 2024 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.]
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