Planet Golf News for Monday, August 5, 2024

Scottie Scheffler WINS Olympic gold medal after late heroics

Monday, August 5, 2024

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Paris 2024 golf: USA’s Scottie Scheffler comes from behind to take Olympic gold, Team GB's Tommy Fleetwood wins silver as Hideki Matsuyama clinches bronze

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Today’s Top Golf News in Two Minutes

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In an unforgettable week of golf at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Scottie Scheffler delivered a breathtaking performance to claim the gold medal in the men’s golf tournament. Scheffler, known for his calm demeanor and consistent play, surged from a four-shot deficit with a remarkable final round of 9-under 62, tying the course record at Le Golf National. His final score of 19-under par narrowly edged out silver medalist Tommy Fleetwood by just one stroke, while Japan's Hideki Matsuyama secured the bronze medal with a score of 17-under.

The final round was a rollercoaster of emotions and drama. Scheffler's stunning comeback was marked by precision and composure, making clutch putts and avoiding mistakes. The American's victory was sealed with an emotional podium moment, where he was moved to tears during the national anthem. It was a proud moment not just for Scheffler but for the entire U.S. men's golf team, as it marked the second consecutive Olympic gold for the team following Xander Schauffele's triumph in Tokyo.

Fleetwood, who had been in contention throughout, experienced a mixed bag of emotions. Despite a solid performance, a late bogey on the final hole cost him the chance to force a playoff, leaving him with a bittersweet silver medal. Nevertheless, he expressed pride in representing Great Britain and emphasized the honor of being an Olympic medalist.

The tournament was not without its disappointments. Jon Rahm, who had led by four shots with eight holes to play, suffered a dramatic back-nine collapse. A double bogey on the par-5 14th was a particularly painful moment for the Spaniard, who finished just off the podium. Similarly, Rory McIlroy's hopes for a medal were dashed by a double bogey on the 15th, resulting in a tie for fifth place.

The Olympics also highlighted the importance of golf in the global sporting arena. Scheffler and Fleetwood both advocated for maintaining the 72-hole stroke play format for future games, praising its fairness and competitiveness. They also showed interest in the potential addition of a mixed team event, which could bring even more excitement and opportunities for Olympic medals.

Beyond the Olympics, the golf world was bustling with action. The LPGA's Portland Classic saw Moriya Jutanugarn clinch her third career title with a superb final round. Jutanugarn's bogey-free play over the first 71 holes was a testament to her consistency and skill, securing her a two-stroke victory. The Korn Ferry Tour's Utah Championship witnessed Karl Vilips’ first professional win, marking a significant milestone in his burgeoning career.

In the realm of senior women's golf, Leta Lindley finally captured the U.S. Senior Women’s Open title after two consecutive second-place finishes. Her impressive final round sealed her victory, showcasing the competitive spirit and high level of play across all age groups in the sport.

This year's Olympic golf competition not only provided thrilling sports drama but also cemented the sport's place in the Olympics. It highlighted the importance of representing one's country, the camaraderie among competitors, and the unique pressures of competing on the world stage. As players and fans alike look forward to the next Olympics in Los Angeles, the legacy of the Paris games will undoubtedly inspire future generations of golfers.

[ Today’s Top Golf News ] 

Golf Tournaments happening this past weekend

Paris Olympics - Men’s Golf

On Sunday the final round of the Men's Golf Tournament at the Paris Olympics concluded with a stellar performance by Scottie Scheffler of the United States. Scheffler, who entered the tournament as the favorite, dominated the final round at Le Golf National by shooting an impressive 62, finishing with a cumulative score of 19-under par. His exceptional play secured him the gold medal, adding to his illustrious career achievements.

The reigning Olympic champion, Xander Schauffele, also from the United States, finished in ninth place, unable to defend his title. Scheffler's remarkable final round solidified his position at the top, showcasing his skill and composure under pressure. The victory ceremony followed the conclusion of the round, celebrating Scheffler's triumph and the culmination of the men's golf event at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Portland Classic Videos

Portland Classic - LPGA - Columbia Edgewater CC - Portland, OR

Moriya Jutanugarn emerged victorious at the 2024 Portland Classic, held at Columbia Edgewater Country Club in Portland, Oregon. She clinched her third career LPGA Tour title and her first individual victory in over six years with a final round of 6-under 66, finishing at 22-under 266. Jutanugarn, who had been three strokes behind the leader Andrea Lee at the start of the round, played the first 71 holes without a bogey and secured her win with a series of birdies on holes 13 through 15. Despite a bogey on the final hole, her performance was enough to claim a two-stroke victory over Narin An, Nataliya Guseva, and Angel Yin, who all tied for second place.

Guseva, a 21-year-old rookie from Russia, came close to making history as the first Russian player to win on the LPGA Tour but ultimately fell short. Yin, who had been recovering from a broken ankle earlier in the season, also put in a strong performance but couldn't make a decisive charge on the back nine. Andrea Lee, the overnight leader and a past champion of the event, struggled in the final round, shooting a 74 to drop into a tie for ninth place.

Jutanugarn's victory was notable as she became the fourth Thai player to win on the LPGA Tour this year, joining Patty Tavatanakit, Atthaya Thitikul, and Chanettee Wannasaen. Her win also highlighted her consistent hard work and dedication, as noted by her sister Ariya Jutanugarn, herself a 12-time LPGA Tour winner.

The tournament saw a mix of seasoned players and rising stars competing, with the absence of many top-ranked players who were preparing for the upcoming Olympics. The only Olympian in the field, Aditi Ashok of India, finished tied for 22nd. The total purse for the tournament was $1.75 million, with Jutanugarn taking home $262,500 for her victory.

Portland Classic Videos

Utah Championship - Korn Ferry - Oakridge Country Club - Farmington, UT

In the final round Sunday of the Utah Championship at Oakridge Country Club in Farmington, Utah, Karl Vilips emerged victorious with a final-round score of 5-under 66. This win marks his first Korn Ferry Tour title, achieved in just his sixth professional start. Vilips finished the tournament at 24-under par, securing a two-stroke lead over his closest competitors, Joe Weiler and Matt McCarty, who both posted scores of 22-under par. William Muow finished in fourth place at 21-under par, while a three-way tie for fifth place at 20-under par included Carter Jenkins, Austin Hitt, and Thomas Rosenmueller.

Vilips' performance throughout the tournament was remarkable, highlighted by a career-best 9-under 62 in the second round, which included an eagle, nine birdies, and a double bogey. He followed this with a 64 in the third round, placing him tied for the lead at 20-under par. On the final day, Vilips maintained his composure, recording five birdies and a single bogey on the last hole, which did not affect his lead.

This victory makes Vilips the 15th first-time champion on the Korn Ferry Tour in the 2024 season, which has seen 20 events so far. The tournament featured a competitive field and showcased several impressive performances, but it was Vilips' consistency and skill that ultimately led him to triumph.

Utah Championship Videos

US Senior Women’s Open - LPGA - Fox Chapel

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UPCOMING TOURS

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