Three-way lead with Matsuyama and Schauffele

Great Britain’s Tommy Fleetwood had an inspiring 4-under par 67 on day one of the Olympics Golf Championship at Le Golf National near Paris to trail leader Hideki Matsuyama (Japan) by four shots.  Day two was equally as tantalising for the 33-year old from Lancashire.  He shot an exceptional 7-under par 64 to snatch a share of the lead on 11-under par with Matsuyama and defending Olympic Champion, Xander Schauffele (America).

 

Alas, Tommy Fleetwood closed his second round with a bogey.  However, he made six birdies and an eagle which paved the way for a tremendous 64.

 

After his opening 63, the leader Hideki Matsuyama was not quite so on form on the second day.  He carded a steady 3-under par 68 which gave Fleetwood and Schauffele a chance to level with him.

 

Indeed, Schauffele, the 30-year old from California, had another super round on Friday when he shot a 65 which sees him in good form with a share of the three-way lead on 11-under par.  Spain’s Jon Rahm has refound his form and stands fourth on 9-under.

 

Meanwhile, the round of the day went to Belgium’s Thomas Detry who stands in a share of fifth place after shooting a brilliant round of 8-under par 63 at Le Golf National.  The 31-year old from Brussels is really enjoying his Olympic experience.

 

Sadly, the Olympic Games have been frustrating for four-times Major winner, Rory McIlroy.  The 35-year old from Holywood lies in a share of 13th on 5-under par with Matt Fitzpatrick (Great Britain), Jason Day (Australia) and a few others.  He will be eagerly in search of a mass of birdies at the weekend.

 

So too is Tommy Fleetwood.  No doubt, the British will be backing him to clinch the Olympic Gold Medal.  However, the top of the leaderboard is looking pretty hectic at the moment.  And, as there is no halfway cut in the Olympics, each and every of the exclusive field of sixty players will be playing their utmost best for a medal.  So all I can say is, relax and enjoy the Olympics!

 

Wendy Hoad

Editor

 

 

MAIN PHOTOGRAPH:  Englishman Tommy Fleetwood grabs a share of the lead in the 2024 Olympics in Paris.