RORY attempted to snatch Xander Schauffele’s Tokyo gold medal - but it was the 'wrong Rory'!
Rory Sabbatini shot a spectacular final round of 61, two shots less than the previous Olympic record. This allowed him to jump from nowhere into contention.
Xander Schauffele celebrates his Olympic gold
Rory McIlroy did not win the bronze medal in seven-man playoffHowever, silver was not to be taken as Schauffele, third round leader, made a stunning up-and-down from 98 yards for Par at the last hole to win by one shot.
McIlroy, the 'other' Rory, was in a seven-man playoff for bronze with Paul Casey, Ryder Cup teammate and Ryder Cup player. They finished three shots behind Schauffele, an American ace.
However, CT Pan of Chinese Tapei claimed the prize. He was another man who broke out of the pack thanks to his closing 63.
Casey was part of the final group along with Schauffele, Hideki Matsuyama (Masters champion), another player who failed to qualify for the bronze medal playoff.
The Team GB golfer looked very good at first. Schauffele increased his lead by one shot with four birdies in the first 8 holes.
Casey, who had two back starts, maintained his hopes with three early birdies. McIlroy paired a bogey of seven with four birdies and McIlroy was well-placed heading into the back nine.
Tommy Fleetwood, Casey's GB teammate, and Shane Lowry, McIlroy’s Ireland partner, both started the final round in top ten but lost their cool.
Sabbatini was the only one who could provide the final round of fireworks.
Sabbitini, who is now married to a Slovakian, switched his nationality from South Africa to Slovakian in order to be able to compete for an Olympic spot.
That was made possible by a stunning final round, which included an eagle and ten birdies as well as a few bogeys.
Shauffele was briefly unable to walk on the par 5 14th. He had to take a penalty shot because a wild drive crashed into the trees.
He was an Olympic champion because of his birdie on 17 as well as the incredible par save at the end.
Schauffele, whose grandparents are from Tokyo, expressed his joy by saying, "I really wanted my dad to win." He is probably crying right now, I'm sure.
"I wanted this one more than any others.
"You're trying to represent your country as best you can, and then you add your family stuff.
"I think I'm going to have a nice conversation with my grandparents tonight.
"Everyone is watching from home. I felt the love from San Diego, Las Vegas and all throughout.
"I am a little speechless right at the moment, quite honestly."
McIlroy said: "It's disappointing that I have to leave without any hardware. I've never tried as hard to finish 3rd in my entire life!"
"But, this has made me hungry for the Olympics. I can't wait to go to Paris in three years."
Casey was already a big fan of the Games and commented that he loved being a part of it all. We've seen so much success and so much heartbreak this week, and now we know what it's like being on the receiving end.
It's been an amazing experience. "I came here thinking that this might be my only chance at 44. But I will do everything I can to qualify for Paris."
Sabbatini settled on silver
Casey was not able to participate in the bronze play-off
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