Scottie Scheffler is the No. 1 golfer in the world, and his gold medal comeback in the Olympic Games Paris 2024 was the latest accomplishment amid his otherworldly season.
But it was a more emotional showing from Scheffler, who cried as he stood atop the podium with the gold medal around his neck while the national anthem played.
"I would say, first and foremost, I'm proud of the country that I'm from. I'm proud to be an American," Scheffler told reporters, as seen on Golf Channel. "I take tremendous pride in coming over here and representing my country. When you go to a sporting event you hear everybody in the stands singing the national anthem -- it's a pretty special thing to be a part of. I think that's something we take tremendous pride in and it was just very emotional being up on stage there as the flag is being raised and sitting there singing the national anthem. That's definitely one I'll remember for a long time."
Scheffler's final round in the 72-hole event at Le Golf National tied a course record of 9-under par 62 and included six backside birdies as he carded a 29 on the back nine. Scheffler entered the day four strokes back of co-leaders Xander Schauffele and Jon Rahm, neither of whom claimed medals, and concluded 19-under par.
Scheffler, who oddsmakers had 16-1 to claim gold entering the final round, overcame silver medalist Tommy Fleetwood (18-under), bronze medalist Hideki Matsuyama (17-under), Rory McIlroy and others. He became the first gold medalist to come from behind in the final round.
"It's pretty high," Scheffler told Golf Channel when asked where it ranks among his all-time wins. "Anytime you're able to represent your country, it's pretty special and, yeah, this was a fun week. It was great to represent the USA and I'm proud to be going home with a medal."
Scheffler added: "I hit some really nice shots on the back nine, holed some nice putts, and really was trying to do anything I could to make some birdies and was fortunate to be able to get it done."
