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

The site of the 2018 Ryder Cup is producing Ryder Cup-like vibes once again.

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

Both players have played tremendously over the first three rounds, as massive crowds have cheered everyone on all week, creating an atmosphere not unlike golf’s most famous team competition.

“It’s been an enjoyable week. The reception we’ve had on the first tee has been fantastic,” Rahm said.

“It’s definitely elevated [compared] to a regular event. It might have been new in golf, but it is the Olympics. I think the crowd knows it is, and we are all aware of what’s at stake.”

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

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

Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

“Unlike every tournament we play, there is a reward for the top three. Money aside, I would say that in normal events, even when you finish second or third, you don’t feel great about it. But if you’re able to podium, it’s always special.”

Rahm, meanwhile, signed for a 5-under 66, one week after winning the first LIV Golf of his career and two weeks after finishing in the Top 10 at The Open.

“I’ve been playing well all year, but I haven’t been able to give myself the best chances. For this last month, to be playing as good as I have and slowly getting better; the win last week and giving myself an opportunity this week, as well, is very, very gratifying,” Rahm said.

“It’s nice to see things going so well for the last month and, after having won, to be in this position again so quickly.”

No European is playing better than Rahm, and no American is currently in better form than Schauffele.

But many others are in the mix, too, including Tommy Fleetwood, who sits one behind at 13-under. The Englishman will join Rahm and Schauffele in the final group.

Then, Hideki Matsuyama and Nicolai Højgaard are 11-under, while Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler are among a group of players who will begin the final round at 10-under, four strokes back.

Yet, Rahm and Schauffele have the potential to make this a final round for the ages and boost the popularity of Olympic golf even more.

Jack Milko is a golf staff writer for SB Nation’s Playing Through. Be sure to check out @_PlayingThrough for more golf coverage. You can follow him on Twitter @jack_milko as well.