Golf gave the 2016 Rio Olympics what it needed on Sunday.
Golf gave its best, it gave the world a showdown between two world-class players that went down the the 72nd hole.
It was Justin Rose, 12th-ranked in the world, head-to-head with fifth-ranked Henrik Stenson, the hottest player in golf.
They started the final round a shot apart and put on a stunning showdown that wasn’t decided until Rose stuffed his third shot on the final hole within two-feet. It was that singular shot that would determine the outcome and win the Gold Medal for Great Britain’s best player.
Both Rose and Stenson came to the final hole, deadlocked at 15-under par. Both hit drivers and three-metal second shots. What made the difference in the end was Stenson found himself 50-yards short and to the right while Rose moved his to the left, within 30-yards, giving him the angle and best look at the hole. When Stenson’s shot came up 30 feet short, the door was open for Rose and he stepped through it, pitching his ball stiff, inside two feet.
Stenson blew his first putt six-feet by and missed coming back, handing the Gold to Rose. Stenson’s bogey left him with the Silver, 14-under par, two in back of the Gold Medalist.
Matt Kuchar of Team USA gave the world a show with a blazing 63 that jumped him to 13-under par, a shot in back of Stenson. Kuchar started the day at five-under par but put together a round that tied the record 63 recorded by Aussie Marcus Fraser on Thursday. A three-putt for par at the short 16th wound up costing Kuchar a 62 and a new record. Still, he bagged the Bronze and made it to the podium.
Rose closed with a 67, Stenson 68.
Rose’s emotions took over as he holed the winning birdie putt. He gave a huge fist pump and let out a roar.
“I did all the right things,” Rose said of his run to the Gold. “Took care of business the best I could. I stayed focused. I was hungry for it. It’s a huge honor just to be part of The Games.”
Rose sang on the podium as “God Save The Queen” played to the crowd. “That was a very special moment. It makes you realize what it’s all about. The major season came and went but I came here and felt very prepared.”
It became clear after three rounds that it would be a battle between Rose and Stenson. Rose held the lead most of Sunday until he made a bogey after missing the green at the par three 14th. Stenson took the lead despite missing a short birdie attempt. But Stenson’s lead lasted just a hole. Rose birdied the 15th to get back to 15-under and set up the fireworks at the 72nd hole.
“It was gonna be tough match,” Stenson said of the battle with his Ryder Cup teammate. “It came down to the last couple of shots on the last hole. I didn’t play my best. It was a great atmosphere and a great match. Justin was the better player out there today, that’s why he has the Gold Medal and I got the Silver.”
