Olympics: Rahm, Schauffele share lead; Ryder Cup-like showdown on faucet

The location of the 2018 Ryder Cup is producing Ryder Cup-like vibes as soon as once more.

Spaniard Jon Rahm, who defeated Tiger Woods in Sunday Singles on this golf course in 2018, and Xander Schauffele, who helped lead the People to a Ryder Cup victory in 2021, share the 54-hole lead on the Males’s Olympic Golf Competitors in Paris at 14-under par.

Each gamers have performed tremendously over the primary three rounds, as large crowds have cheered everybody on all week, creating an environment not not like golf’s most well-known staff competitors.

“It’s been an pleasurable week. The reception we’ve had on the primary tee has been unbelievable,” Rahm mentioned.

“It’s undoubtedly elevated [compared] to a daily occasion. It may need been new in golf, however it’s the Olympics. I feel the gang is aware of it’s, and we’re all conscious of what’s at stake.”

What’s at stake are the gold, silver, and bronze medals—a comparatively new prize for the game, as golf made its Olympic return in 2016. However the Olympics are rising in significance as time wears on.

“It’s acquired a big-stage really feel to it,” added Schauffele, who shot a 3-under 68 on Saturday.

Photograph by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Photographs

“In contrast to each event we play, there’s a reward for the highest three. Cash apart, I might say that in regular occasions, even while you end second or third, you don’t really feel nice about it. However if you happen to’re in a position to podium, it’s at all times particular.”

Rahm, in the meantime, signed for a 5-under 66, one week after profitable the primary LIV Golf of his profession and two weeks after ending within the High 10 at The Open.

“I’ve been enjoying effectively all 12 months, however I haven’t been in a position to give myself the most effective possibilities. For this final month, to be enjoying nearly as good as I’ve and slowly getting higher; the win final week and giving myself a possibility this week, as effectively, could be very, very gratifying,” Rahm mentioned.

“It’s good to see issues going so effectively for the final month and, after having received, to be on this place once more so rapidly.”

No European is enjoying higher than Rahm, and no American is at present in higher type than Schauffele.

However many others are within the combine, too, together with Tommy Fleetwood, who sits one behind at 13-under. The Englishman will be a part of Rahm and Schauffele within the last group.

Then, Hideki Matsuyama and Nicolai Højgaard are 11-under, whereas Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler are amongst a gaggle of gamers who will start the ultimate spherical at 10-under, 4 strokes again.

But, Rahm and Schauffele have the potential to make this a last spherical for the ages and enhance the recognition of Olympic golf much more.

Jack Milko is a golf employees author for SB Nation’s Enjoying Via. Make sure to try @_PlayingThrough for extra golf protection. You’ll be able to comply with him on Twitter @jack_milko as effectively.