Scottie Scheffler Clinches Olympic Gold in Thrilling Golf Finale

Shubhankar Sharma achieved India's best-ever finish in men's golf at the Olympics with a tied 40th position. Meanwhile, World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler claimed the gold medal with a sensational final round, winning by one shot over Tommy Fleetwood. Other notable performers included Hideki Matsuyama who took bronze.

Shubhankar Sharma ended in tied 40th position for India's best-ever finish in men's golf at the Olympics, while compatriot Gaganjeet Bhullar signed off in tied 45th place on Sunday.

India's previous best result in men's golf at the Olympics was tied 42nd, achieved by Anirban Lahiri at Tokyo three years ago.

World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler played a mesmerizing final round of nine-under to grab the gold medal at Le Golf National. Tears of joy marked his podium moment as he received his medal.

The year has been phenomenal for Scheffler, who has cemented his top position with seven wins this season, including the Masters and the PLAYERS, culminating in an Olympic gold.

Scheffler's 9-under 62 saw him finish at 19-under, winning by one shot over Britain's Tommy Fleetwood who was at 18-under. Hideki Matsuyama took the bronze with a 17-under total, following a resilient performance that fell just short in a seven-man playoff in his home country, Japan.

India's Sharma finalized his campaign with a modest 1-over 72, ending at 1-under 283. Gaganjeet Bhullar, with four birdies and three bogeys, secured a tied 45th position with his final round of 70.

Victor Perez of France, who initiated the 2024 Olympics, finished fourth after a round of 63 totaling 16-under, while Rory McIlroy and Jon Rahm were tied fifth.

Rahm had an early lead but stumbled in the back nine, bogeying the 11th, 12th, 17th, and 18th. He finished with a 70 after his promising front nine.

In the dramatic race for gold, Scheffler displayed exceptional skill, especially in the final round. Fleetwood tied with Rahm at 18-under through 13 holes but faltered, missing a putt that led to a crucial bogey.

Scheffler's steady play on the 18th set a clubhouse lead of -19, equaling the course record. Fleetwood parred the final hole to secure silver, while Matsuyama's strong start saw him through to bronze.

(With inputs from agencies.)