U.S. Golfer Xander Schauffele Wins Gold At Tokyo Olympics

NPR | By Tom Goldman

Published August 2, 2021 at 5:53 AM EDT

USA's Xander Schauffele watches his drive from the 5th tee in the final round of the men's golf tournament during the Tokyo Olympics on Sunday.

TOKYO — U.S. golfer Xander Schauffele won the Olympic men's individual stroke play competition Sunday. Schauffele sank key putts near the end of the final round while Japan's top golfer faded out of medal contention.

The 27-year-old clinched what he called the biggest win of his career with two pressure putts. On the 17th green, he sank a six-footer for birdie to break a tie with Rory Sabbatini, representing Slovakia. On the final green, Schauffele sank a 4-foot par putt to give him a one shot victory over Sabbatini.

Schauffele's German-born father dreamed of being an Olympic decathlete but was injured in a car crash as a young man and never realized the dream. After winning Sunday, Xander said he was happy to deliver the gold medal to his dad.

Japan's Hideki Matsuyama was near the lead but couldn't deliver a medal for his golf-crazed nation, after missing several key putts down the stretch. Taiwan's CT Pan won the bronze.