Matsuyama makes redemption, brings home the bronze medal

Matsuyama erased the heartbreak of missing out on a podium finish on home soil three years ago when he clinched the bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games with a final round six-under-par 65 on Sunday.

The world No. 12 finished two shots behind American Scottie Scheffler, who fired a course record-equalling 62 to storm up the leaderboard and clinch the gold medal at Le Golf National. Great Britain’s Tommy Fleetwood closed with a 66 to secure the silver medal.

Starting the round in a share of fourth place, Matsuyama charged out of the blocks quickly with four birdies on holes two, four, five and six to reach the turn in 32. He birdied holes 10 and 12 before making five straight pars to end his week with a four-day total of 17-under-par 267.

"I missed a medal in Tokyo, so I'm glad I got one," Matsuyama said. "But I still have mixed feelings because the gold medalist was next to me on the podium."
"No spectators were allowed in Tokyo due to the coronavirus pandemic, so it was sad. I really enjoyed playing here this week in front of an enthusiastic gallery."
Meanwhile, Scheffler showed why he is the best male golfer in the world as he continued a remarkable season of dominance by winning the gold medal.

The World No. 1 fired nine birdies, including four in his last five holes, to claim victory with his 265 total.

"It's emotional sitting there on the podium and hearing your national anthem, it really is. It's been a long week. It's been a challenging week. I played some great golf today," said Scheffler.

Keita Nakajima ended his Olympics campaign in tied-49th place after signing with a 74 for a 287 total.