WATCH: Scottie Scheffler in tears on the podium after winning gold in golf at the 2024 Olympics
Scottie Scheffler shot an impressive nine under in the final round of the Paris Olympics, winning the gold medal and setting numerous records in the process. It was a monumental occasion, as evidenced by the heightened emotion Scheffler showed before and after the event.
During tournaments, even majors, Scheffler usually remains remarkably under wraps. He doesn't get emotional when things go well or poorly, and he always says his focus is on what's in front of him. However, at the Olympics, he let out a big cheer after taking the lead late on. And of course, like many before him, tears were shed on the podium.
The Star-Spangled Banner serenaded Scheffler as he stood with his gold medal on the podium. It will be one of the crowning achievements of his career, and he soaked it all in with tears in his eyes. He could hardly keep them open as he continuously tried to wipe the tears away.
Tommy Fleetwood, who bogeyed the 17th to give Scheffler a one-shot lead that held after the Englishman's par on 18, finished in second place. Japan's Hideki Matsuyama earned the bronze medal.
Each of these three golfers earned their first-ever Olympic medals. The quadrennial event has only hosted men's golf five times, and they all etched their names into the history books. For Scheffler, it was clearly an emotional win that he will never forget.
Scottie Scheffler enjoying historic year
Given the rarity of the Olympics hosting golf, it's not hyperbolic to say that Scottie Scheffler has had a year unlike any other. Even before his gold medal, he was having a historic season.
He won the Masters Tournament, the Players Championship, and four other PGA Tour events (three of them being elevated Signature Events). It has been one of the best statistical years, and also the year he celebrated the birth of his first child.
Now that a gold medal is part of the list of accomplishments, it's a truly historic and unprecedented year for Scottie Scheffler, who continues to cement his status as one of the top players in the sport.