It is the Olympic Sunday money could not buy. Those responsible for returning golf to the Games, despite no shortage of scepticism from inside and outside the sport, must be giddy with excitement.
Jon Rahm and Xander Schauffele, major champions, are at the head of proceedings with 18 holes to play. Tommy Fleetwood, something of a legend in these parts, is one adrift of their 14 under par aggregate. Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler lurk within four. Denmark’s Nicolai Højgaard threw in a third round of 62, a course record, for good measure. The race for medals will be a blue chip one. There is no more Olympic-related scorn.
Fleetwood’s brilliance here in the 2018 Ryder Cup continues to resonate. “Hideki [Matsuyama] and Wyndham [Clark] said over the first two days, ‘Is this your home country?’” he said.
“It’s definitely a different crowd to what we are used to. It’s an Olympic crowd and the atmosphere has been amazing. I always consider myself very lucky with the support and connections with people that I make but this has been great. To be playing the Olympics, to be in contention and to have this support; they are things you dream of. If you don’t enjoy this then what’s the point?” Indeed, Tommy.
McIlroy’s tournament burst into life thanks to a 66. A podium place would see the 35-year-old’s Olympic journey come full circle, given his initial unease about the sport being a part of the event. The best thing he can do for any competition is to contend. “It’s a little more fun than a major,” he said. “Sort of like a celebration in a way. It has the feel of a big-time event for sure. Maybe the crowd is a little more enthusiastic.”
Rahm had not won an individual tournament between the 2023 Masters and a triumph at LIV Golf’s stop in the UK last weekend. He has previous for succeeding in streaks. “I have been playing good all year but I haven’t been able to give myself the best chances,” the Spaniard said. “For this last month, to be playing as good as I have, and slowly get better; the win last week, and give myself an opportunity this week as well, is very, very gratifying.”
Jason Day and Ludvig Åberg retain hope at minus nine. Tom Kim, seeking to be given a pass from military service with South Korea by taking home a medal, joined McIlroy and Scheffler at 10 under. Kim has done well to dodge questions relating to conscription all week. That would surely change if he finishes in the top three. You almost wonder if the other players would collude to let him sneak bronze.
As Fleetwood plots what would be an immensely popular victory, Matt Fitzpatrick, his teammate, withdrew at the end of round three. He had slumped to an 81 after feeling the increasing effects of a thumb problem that had been troubling him before the Games.
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“I feel for Fitz,” Fleetwood said. “The Olympics is something that’s very special. Pulling out for injury is part and parcel for the sport but it’s a horrible time for it to happen.”
