Golf returned to the Olympics after a 112 year hiatus and certainly didn’t disappoint. Justin Rose of Great Britain won the gold, beating Henrik Stenson to the medal by one single stroke. Matt Kuchar of the United States of America put in an inspired performance to seal bronze for his country.
Justin Rose remained solid throughout the course of the four days, saving his best for the third day. He recorded rounds of 67, 69, 65 and 67 to end at -16 under par 268 and secure the gold medal. On the final day, he shot a -4 under par 67, one better than Henrik Stenson who shot a -3 under par 68. Henrik takes home a silver medal for Sweden.
The golfers couldn’t be separated going into the final hole with both of them on -15 under par. Justin Rose recorded a birdie, while Henrik ended up bogeying the hole, proving to be the difference between the two.
Matt Kuchar of the United States of America recorded a -8 par 63 on the final day to secure bronze for his country. It was an inspired performance that equalled the lowest that was seen in the event.
Marcus Fraser of Australia, who started with a -8 under on the first day couldn’t keep up the momentum and ended in 5th place with his total of -8 under par 276.
A number of pre-tournament favourites including the likes of Sergio Garica, Bubba Watson and Rickie Fowler performed nowhere close to their potential and weren’t in the reckoning going into the final holes on the last day.
It was a disappointing performance from the Indians at large in Rio. SSP Chawrasia, who had offered a glimmer of hope at various stages, faded away in the last round with a +7 over par to finish at +5 overall for the event. The disastrous last day was enough to ensure he finished 50th in the 60 man field.
Anirban Lahiri had a torrid time at Rio. He recorded 4 over par rounds to finish 57th with a total of +10 over par 294.
