Olympic golf has its golden moment as momentum builds from dazzling show in Paris

SAINT QUENTIN-EN-YVELINES, France — Scottie Scheffler was in awe at the size of the gallery when he hit the first of his 265 shots in Olympic golf, and he was in tears when he stood at the top podium with the gold medal as the American flag was raised and the anthem was played. “I think with how much of a show the game of golf is right now, and you think about the two tournaments that might be the purest form of competition in our sport, we don’t play for money in it,” he said. “Two of the most meaningful weeks in my career is two events where we make no money,” said Rahm, whose signing bonus with Saudi-funded LIV Golf was said to be in the $400 million range. “I’ve said that a million times, and I’ll say it again because the Ryder Cup and this one are up there.” The golden glow of so many players — not just Scheffler and his amazing back nine for a 62 on Sunday to win — followed a final two hours that produced the best theater since golf returned to the Olympic program in 2016. If you’re not going to enjoy those times, then you’re not going to get much happiness from the game of golf.” Olympic golf sold its allotment of 30,000 tickets, and there was some question how many would actually show up.