(ATR) Golfers from a host of nations agree that the Olympic spirit is in the air after three rounds of the first golf tournament at the Games in 112 years.
American Rickie Fowler – who posted 64 on Saturday to put himself back into contention for medals – has repeatedly expressed his enjoyment and enthusiasm for Olympic golf in Rio.
"It’s definitely a different vibe at the Olympics and having other athletes out here and being able to go and watch other athletes compete – it’s a special week and something I’m going to remember forever," Fowler said after his third round.
Anirban Lahiri of India echoed similar thoughts, while admitting he misjudged how many spectators would come out to the Olympic course.
"It’s fantastic, It’s a great turnout," Lahiri said. "Honestly, among all of us, we are pleasantly surprised that so many people have come out and supported the event.
"It’s something I hope the media will highlight – this is the whole object of the Olympics, to grow the game and expose it to people in Brazil."
"All of the talk before the tournament of is golf really an Olympic sport - I think we should bury all of that," said Roope Kakko of Finland. "I’ve had a fantastic week getting to know all the Finnish athletes from other sports."
Some of the loudest chants of the afternoon were for Bubba Watson. The American two-time Masters champion was serenaded ‘Bubba, Bubba, Bubba’ by excited fans after he finished his interviews with the media.
"When you see these people winning gold medals, their dedication, their drive, their focus, it’s impressive," Watson said about witnessing athletes from other sports competing at the Games. "Sunday night they’re [running] under ten seconds. Think about that – four years they’re waiting just to run ten seconds.
"I’m just taking it all in, talking to different athletes," said Watson, who shot a four-under par 67, to place himself in medal contention, like his teammate Fowler, for Sunday’s final round.
Fowler pointed out the single most significant difference between playing Olympic golf versus one of the four major tournaments.
"Normally, you don’t get rewarded much for second and third, but here you can walk away with some hardware," Fowler said.
"Finishing with birdies on 17 and 18 gave me a chance," he said. "If I go out and play well tomorrow, I can sneak up there [for medals]."
South African Ace
South African Jaco van Zyl became the second golfer to score an Olympic hole-in-one, matching the feat of Great Britain’s Justin Rose, who did so during Thursday’s opening round.
Van Zyl notched his ace on the 173-yard, par three, eighth hole, using a seven-iron.
"I hit it to about three inches to the same hole during the same round," van Zyl said. "I chatted to my caddy that it would be something really special to be the only one [to do so] in the Olympics.
"Low and behold, two rounds later, we managed to hole one."
Great Britain’s Justin Rose, who carded 65 on Saturday, is the leader in the clubhouse after three rounds at 12-under-par. Sweden’s Henrik Stenson is one shot back with 18 holes left to award medals on Sunday.
Rose said "It's all about having a great performance tomorrow. I have this opportunity and I'm really looking forward to it.
"The crowds have been a lot of fun and there's been goodwill among the players."
Written by Brian Pinelliat Reserva de Marapendi
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