Hideki Matsuyama will be hoping to redeem himself with a podium finish at the Olympic Games after a disappointing week at The Open where a final round three-over-par 74 saw him finish tied-66th—21 shots back of 2024 Champion Golfer of the Year Xander Schauffele of the United States.
Related: Matsuyama, Song continue to struggle at The Open
The 32-year-old had a week to forget at Royal Troon Golf Club as his rounds of 75, 72, 75 and 74 never put him in contention for his second Major title since his victory at The Masters tournament in 2021.
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“I really wanted to finish with an under-par score today, but I didn’t play well in my back-nine. My putter turned cold and it didn’t work out the way I wanted it to be. I need to improve on my putting and iron play with the Olympics coming up next for me. My goal is to win the gold medal in Paris,” said Matsuyama.
Like Matsuyama, Song Young-han, a two-time JGTO winner, also ended his final round with a 74. His four-day total of 14-over-par 298 meant he finished in tied-72nd place together with Germany’s Marcel Siem and Tom Hoge of the United States.
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“The wind was very strong again today and it was difficult. I missed a few short putts today and it’s certainly frustrating that things didn’t go well for me. This is my fourth time competing at a major and the standards are indeed very high,” said Song.
At the opposite end of the leaderboard, Schauffele emerged from the pack and produced the round of his life to become the seventh man from the United States to lift the Claret Jug.
The 30-year-old broke away from the rest of the field with a run of four birdies in six holes on Troon’s treacherous back nine. His closing 65 was enough to give him a two-shot win over Justin Rose and Billy Horschel.
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“As a kid you dream of it. I tried to force myself to dream of it as of late. It’s surreal. It is a dream come true. It’s always a special trip coming over here. Growing up in the States, it’s a privilege to travel playing golf.
“It’s something I always look forward to. The wind, the rain, the fans, the deep bunkers – you name it. It’s something I always enjoy and it probably helped me win this thing,” said Schauffele.
