American golfer Scottie Scheffler boasts an impressive record with two Masters titles, 42 Top-5 finishes, a No. 1 world ranking, and $70 million in career earnings.
However, until Sunday, he was still missing an Olympic gold medal. The tears he shed during the medal ceremony underscored the profound significance this new accolade holds for the 28-year-old.
Scheffler fired a 9-under-par 62 in the final round in France to edge the United Kingdom’s Tommy Fleetwood by one stroke for the gold medal with a four-round total of -19. Fleetwood (-18) captured the silver, while Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama (-17) won the bronze.
During his country’s National Anthem, a visibly emotional Scheffler wiped tears from his eyes. A video of the moment went viral on social media.
Later, Scheffler explained his emotions.
“I would say first and foremost, I’m proud of the country that I’m from,” Scheffler told media members. “I’m proud to be an American. I [also] got emotional the other night watching the gold medal ceremony for the women’s gymnastics.”
Like Scheffler, the American women won gold in team gymnastics.
“I take tremendous pride in coming over here and representing my country,” he said. “…It was just very emotional being up there on stage there as the flag is raised, sitting there singing the national anthem. [It’s] definitely one I’ll remember for a long time.”
Asked about his family’s heritage, Scheffler said his mom’s side is Italian, and his father’s side is German.
“We’ve been over here for a few generations,” he said. “And I learned from a young age to take my hat off and hold my hand over my heart for the National Anthem. … My parents taught me from a young age what it would have meant to be an American and what it meant to be free, and I’m proud to be representing the country this week.”
In April, Scheffler went viral at the Masters when he said his Christian faith, not golf, defines who he is.
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