The final round of the Paris 2024 Olympics men’s golf competition is underway. The Golfing Gazette gives you five storylines to keep an eye on.
The golf at Le Golf National has been excellent so far, with the best players in the world going into battle at one of the finest courses in Europe.
The final round is already shaping up to be one to remember as there are so many high-profile names at the top of the leaderboard, as well as some who have never been in this position before.
Numerous storylines could unfold as the day progresses, so the Golfing Gazette picks out five of the best for you to follow on the final round at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
The best storylines to follow on day four of the Olympics men’s golf
Can Xander Schauffele go back to back?
Xander Schauffele won the gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and he has the opportunity to retain his title today. Golf was only reintroduced to the Olympics in 2016 so a victory for Schauffele would mean that he has won two out of three competitions in the modern era. Having come out on top at the Open Championship last month, you would be foolish to bet against the American today.
Scottie Scheffler’s 2024 vs Tiger Woods’ 2000
Scottie Scheffler’s 2024 season will go down in the history books regardless of what happens today. However, many have compared it to Tiger Woods’ 2000 campaign – recognised as the greatest ever. Woods won nine tournaments that year, three of which were majors, whereas Scheffler has won six tournaments in 2024, including The Masters. The debate is not particularly close at the moment but a gold medal for Scheffler would turn that on its head.
Jon Rahm’s return to the top
Jon Rahm’s 2024 season has been an interesting one. The former world number one has played well on the LIV Golf tour but struggled in the three major championships before The Open. He finished joint-seventh at Royal Troon and has carried his form over to the Olympics. While the world rankings will not show it, Rahm would reestablish himself as one of the best players in the world if he can take home the gold medal.
Gold medal for Rory McIlroy would change everything
Rory McIlroy’s woes at the majors have been well-documented – he has not won one since 2014. And, while that obviously will not change today, adding a gold medal to his resume would put to bed the idea the notion that he struggles on the biggest stage. The Irishman is already a legend of the sport but a gold medal would really cement his place as an all-time great.
Will Tommy Fleetwood win first major competition?
Tommy Fleetwood’s trophy cabinet does not show it but he is one of the best golfers in the world. The Englishman has won seven times on the European Tour but never on the PGA Tour. He has also finished in the top five at every major without getting over the line once. Fleetwood is capable of beating the likes of Scheffler, Schauffele, Rahm and McIlroy on his day and, if he does, his career will immediately be looked at very differently.
Receive exclusive golf news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
