Ex-Sun Devil Takes Center Stage in Star-Studded Olympic Golf Battle for Gold

Seven of the leading 10 qualifiers for the Paris Games were within five shots of the lead.

SAINT-QUENTIN, France — Golf has found its Olympic groove, attracting a substantial and enthusiastic gallery. The field heading into the final round boasts impressive star power, with medals on the line.

Former Arizona State University standout Jon Rahm and Team USA’s Xander Schauffele sit tied for the lead, just one shot ahead of Tommy Fleetwood. A day of dramatic swings also saw Hideki Matsuyama fighting back, and Scottie Scheffler along with Rory McIlroy staying within reach of the gold.

Seven of the leading 10 qualifiers for the Paris Games were within five shots of the lead.

“I’m very, very excited to play,” Fleetwood noted, highlighting the competitive leaderboard. “It’s like a leaderboard that you would expect at the Olympics and probably what the sport deserves.”

Schauffele turned a two-shot deficit into a one-shot lead with an eagle on the par-5 14th, as Rahm’s bogey on the previous hole opened the door. The momentum shifted frequently, leaving many possibilities open for Sunday.

Rahm achieved a 5-under 66, his last big stage appearance for the year before returning to LIV Golf. Schauffele, having secured the PGA Championship and British Open this year, recovered with a back-nine score of 32, finishing at 68.

They both tied at 14-under 199, matching the 54-hole Olympic record Schauffele set in Tokyo.

“I’m off to a slow start here,” Schauffele remarked, referring to his opening struggles. “I had to steady the ship coming in.”

Schauffele is eyeing another gold to complement his recent major victories.

The gallery’s enthusiasm, enhanced by pleasant weather, is notable as this marks the second time they’ve seen Olympic golf since its reintroduction. France, with a storied history in golf dating back to the 1906 French Open, is a fitting host.

“The crowd knows what’s at stake,” Rahm said. “We are all aware of the importance of this event.”

Fleetwood, who led alongside Schauffele and Matsuyama at the start of the third round, managed three birdies and a crucial 6-foot par to finish with a 69, one shot back.

Matsuyama’s 71 performance recovered from a rough start, leaving him three shots behind, alongside Denmark’s Nicolai Hojgaard, who matched his twin brother Rasmus’s 18-hole record score of 62 at Le Golf National.

Schauffele acknowledged the impressive scores as he looks ahead to the medal round.

“A 62 is something up there on the leaderboard,” he said. “I’ll need to keep my position and rely on previous experience.”

Scheffler and McIlroy are also eyeing medals, possibly even gold. Scheffler’s back-nine surge included three birdies in six holes but was hindered by a few errors, leading to a 67 finish.

McIlroy, with a 66, Scheffler, Tom Kim of South Korea (69), and Thomas Detry of Belgium (69) are all within striking distance.

“I need my best round of the week to have a medal chance,” McIlroy stated. “That’s the objective.”

The race for medals will be a high-stakes sprint, a contrast from golf’s typical pace, and Schauffele is ready for the challenge.