Hideki Matsuyama leads Xander Schauffele as golfers hail Olympic experience

PARIS – It is a different experience compared to playing in the Majors, and many golfers have said that they are enjoying themselves at the Paris Olympics.

On Aug 1, Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama shot a sparkling eight-under 63 opening round to take the lead in the men’s competition ahead of Xander Schauffele in a packed field at Le Golf National.

Former Masters champion Matsuyama missed out on a bronze medal in a play-off three years ago when he was one of the faces of his home Tokyo Olympics.

But he made a magnificent start to his latest medal bid, rolling in eight birdies to move two shots clear of reigning champion and world No. 2 Schauffele at the top of the leaderboard.

“I had a lot of chances, so I’m happy,” said Matsuyama after missing tying the course record of 62 at the 2018 Ryder Cup venue by only one shot.

Schauffele took his brilliant run of form into his tilt at becoming the first golfer to win multiple Olympic golds.

The American, who won his first two Majors at the PGA Championship and the British Open this season, made seven birdies in a 65.

World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler also looked in ominous form on his Olympic debut as he eased to a bogey-free 67, while Rory McIlroy is only one shot further back despite four bogeys.

McIlroy is hoping to put the pain of his US Open heartbreak – when he missed two short putts in the final three holes to lose to Bryson DeChambeau by one shot – behind him.

Thousands of fans followed McIlroy and playing partners Scheffler and Ludvig Aberg around the Albatros course.

“Unbelievable. It was surprising. With so many events going on spread all across the city, for people to venture out here and to watch us play, it was a really cool atmosphere to play in,” said McIlroy, who is representing Ireland.

Golf was controversially reintroduced to the Olympic schedule after a 112-year absence in 2016, and Paris is the first time either of the world’s top two-ranked men have featured.

The Rio Games were hit by a series of withdrawals, mainly due to the Zika virus, as was Tokyo due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

But Joaquin Niemann, who fired a 66 to sit tied-third, insisted it was “special” to be an Olympic golfer, despite the men’s pinnacle events undoubtedly being the four Majors.

“I grew up representing my country and and having my flag on my side,” said the Chilean. “It does feel like back then. It does feel more special than any other golf tournament.”

Former world No. 1 Jason Day echoed Niemann’s comments after signing for a 69.

“It feels totally different. This is the most I’ve felt nervous standing on a tee box, wearing a set of clothes (Australia team kit) that I’m wearing for the first time,” said Day, whose fellow Australian Min-woo Lee said he had tears in his eyes when his name was announced on the first tee.

Victor Perez was roared on by the home crowd and the delighted Frenchman said: “The French really enjoy having golf here.” AFP