There’s not much golf superstar Scottie Scheffler hasn’t accomplished on the golf course.
He’s the No. 1 ranked player in the world and he’s won multiple majors and countless other tournaments during his career.
He’s also had a lot of big moments this year, winning his second Masters title among six total victories. But none of those victories brought Scheffler to tears — until yesterday.
On Sunday, Scheffler completed a masterful comeback and shot a course-record-tying 62 at Le Golf National to finish 19 under, beating Great Britain’s Tommy Fleetwood by one stroke. The 28-year-old became the first No. 1-ranked golfer in the world to win Olympic gold and the second straight American male to win gold, along with Xander Schauffele who came out victorious in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Scheffler was so amped about winning the gold medal, the megastar simply couldn’t hold back his emotions during the medal ceremony.
While the U.S. national anthem was playing, Scheffler was seen crying on the podium and wiping tears off his face.
Profound emotions for Scottie Scheffler hearing the Star-Spangled Banner after winning Olympic gold. 🥹🇺🇸
📺 Golf Channel and Peacock | #ParisOlympics pic.twitter.com/kgsOVOBZjD
— Golf Channel (@GolfChannel) August 4, 2024
During his post-round press conference, he expanded on why he got emotional during the medal ceremony.
“I would say, first and foremost, I’m proud of the country that I’m from; I’m proud to be an American,” Scheffler said. “You know I got emotional the other night watching the gold medal ceremony for the [U.S.] women’s gymnastics [team]. It’s the same thing like when you go to a sporting event and you hear everyone in the stands sing the national anthem, it’s a pretty special thing to be a part of… it was just very emotional being up there on stage as the flag is being raised and sitting there singing the national anthem. It’s definitely one I’ll remember for a long time.”
After the ceremony, reporters from the Golf Channel also asked Scheffler where his Olympic comeback ranked among his long list of career wins.
“It’s pretty high up there. Anytime you’re able to represent your country is pretty special. This was a fun week and it was great representing the USA, and I’m proud to be going home with a medal,” Scheffler said, continuing later, “I’m not big on comparisons or anything like that. I’m just going to enjoy this moment. Like I said I take tremendous pride in representing my country, and I’m very proud to be going home back to the USA with a medal.”
Scottie Scheffler very emotional at his medal ceremony after winning Gold for Team USA.
What it’s all about. This matters.
— Daniel Hussey (@DanielHussey2) August 4, 2024
Here’s on more look at Scheffler’s patriotic reaction for good measure. What a proud moment for him — and the United States!
Scottie Scheffler getting teary-eyed on the medal stand is a lasting image for what the Olympics means to even some of the world's most successful professional golfers. pic.twitter.com/pOnzwBFCRG
— Jason Sobel (@JasonSobelGolf) August 4, 2024