On Thursday, Justin Rose made the first hole-in-one in Olympic golf history during round one. Three days later, the 2013 U.S. Open winner became the first gold medal winner in 112 years.
In what seemed like a replay of the British Open, Rose played what was essentially a match play with Sweden’s Henrik Stenson in the final round. But this time the Swede played the part of Phil Mickelson and came up just short.
The two top-ranked golfers were dead even through 71 holes. And it stayed that way through the first two strokes on the final hole, as both players were off the green for their third shots. But Stenson left his shot about 25 feet below the pin, while Rose stuck his chip to about two feet. Stenson two-putted for bogey to settle for the Silver medal. Rose, though, made birdie to make golf history.
“That felt better than anything I’ve ever won. It was the best tournament I’ve ever done,” said Rose. “Hopefully we’ve shown Brazil what golf is about. I’m glad it was close. Not for my nerves. But for golf.”
Rose finished the day with a 67 to reach 16-under par, two clear of Stenson, who shot a final-round 3-under 68.
Matt Kuchar had the round of the day, shooting a record-tying 8-under 63 to grab the Bronze medal. The unheralded American finished at 13-under par, one shot behind Stenson.
2016 Olympics: Top 10
1: Justin Rose -16
2: Henrik Stenson -14
3: Matt Kuchar -13
4: Thomas Pieters -9
5: Rafa Cabrera Bello -8
5: Kiradech Aphibarnrat -8
5: Marcus Fraser -8
8: Sergio Garcia -7
8: Bubba Watson -7
8: Emiliano Grillo -7
