The inaugural Olympic golf tournament in Paris exceeded expectations, showcasing compelling performances and crowd enthusiasm.

There were doubts about top players competing in the Paris Olympics, but all the world's best men and women traveled to Le Golf National. They didn't disappoint either.

Emotional Victories

World No.1  Scottie Scheffler produced the highlight on the final day. The American fired a stunning 9-under 62 to claim gold, then was overcome with emotion on the podium as his national anthem played. It was clear how much representing his country meant to him.

Lydia Ko also lived out a fairytale story. The Kiwi star already had silver and bronze medals, and winning gold in Paris allowed her to complete the set. She cemented her place in LPGA history by securing the victory needed for entry into their Hall of Fame.

“I mean, Cinderella’s glass slippers are see-through and my podium shoes are also see-through; I guess that’s something that we have going for us. I feel like I’m part of this [fairy]tale,” said Ko. “Going into this week, everyone was saying, oh, what if you finish and collect all the gold on top of the silver and bronze you have. Of course I want to do that, complete it, too, but it’s much easier said than done.”

Perspective for the game

As debates continue about money in professional golf, Scottie Scheffler provided a powerful reminder in Paris about what truly motivates athletes.

While the Ryder Cup and Olympics - two of the most iconic events in golf over the past year - carried no prize money, the world number one was overcome with emotion after winning men's Olympic gold.

Through tears as the US national anthem played during his medal ceremony, Scheffler spoke of how "very emotional" the moment was. For the six-time PGA Tour winner, it was clearly about more than money.

"It was just very emotional being up there on stage there as the flag is being raised and sitting there singing the National Anthem. Yes, that’s definitely one I’ll remember for a long time," Scheffler said of standing on the podium as his country's flag was raised. His reaction cut through any narrative of player greed.

Despite constant discussions around inflated purses and compensation, Scheffler showed the pride of representing your nation on sport's biggest stage still resonates deeply with athletes. Wearing your country's colors is enormously meaningful, with or without a financial reward.

While the importance of Olympic golf may continue to be debated, Scheffler's tears were a powerful reminder that for many players, the chance to play for your country is the greatest privilege and incentive that can't be quantified in dollars alone.

Dramatic Final Round

Jon Rahm's collapse cost him a medal for Spain on the last day. However, large crowds throughout the two weeks demonstrated how France had embraced golf during the Olympics. Interactions with other athletes also emphasized the Games' ability to unite competition.

Jon Rahm during the final round of the men’s golf competition at the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Le Golf National. (Michael Madrid-USA TODAY Sports)

"I don’t remember the last time I played a tournament and I felt this," Rahm said. "I don’t know what the word is because, you know, I not only feel like I let myself down but to just not get it done for the whole country of Spain, it’s a lot more painful than I would like it to be."

French Flare Brings Olympic Golf to Life

A rising tradition at the Olympics saw French stars Victor Perez and Celine Boutier given the honor of opening each golf tournament with the first tee shots.

Perez set the tone for the men's event, then injected further national pride by closing with a sizzling 63 that left him a single shot away from a bronze medal. Though falling short, he ignited the home support.

Supporting his fellow teammate 🇫🇷

Victor Perez watches French golfer Céline Boutier as she leads @OlympicGolf in their home country. pic.twitter.com/e5yWZ8uXft

— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) August 7, 2024

In the women's competition, Boutier played under the French flag from the start with an opening 65. Both players gave the crowds proud moments to latch onto.

While neither French athlete made the podium, the secret of Olympic golf's engaged fan presence was on full display - leaning into nationalism is a "force multiplier."

Olympic Emotion

Having home heroes to cheer for amplified spectators' investment in the tournament's drama. It showcased golf's potential to capture wider public interest when the stakes include national pride over mere money or titles.

The future appears bright for Olympic golf as more nations find their own stars to wave the flag and further engage sport-loving publics on the Games' biggest stage.

While many athletes only compete at the peak every four years, even experienced pros like Tom Kim found the pressure and passion of the Olympics overwhelming.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Kim came agonizingly close to a medal, needing an eagle on the final hole to force a playoff. When his bold attempt backfired with double bogey, securing just eighth, the emotions came flooding out.

Emerging from scoring in tears, Kim collapsed sobbing into his bag. "Never been really emotional after a round. I think these emotions are surprising, but I think it’s just all the hard work I’ve done this year to put myself in this position, those things are coming out," he said, stunned by the sudden rush of feelings. "Just the things Scottie [Scheffler] said to me after the round really kind of came out and I’m just trying to hold it together."

Beyond his drive for victory, Kim recognized the enormity of what was at stake - earning a medal could have exempted him from mandatory military service in South Korea.

Though a rising star playing regularly on tour, the size of the Olympic stage amplified the magnitude of the moment for Kim. Words of support from gold medalist Scheffler only added to the release of all the year's efforts.

The scenes underlined how even jaded professionals can still be profoundly moved by the rare privilege and burden of Olympic competition.

After initial doubts, Paris 2024 golf put concerns to rest. Skeptics questioned top participation and four rounds of stroke play. But stellar performances and fan turnout show it's grabbed sport's biggest stage. The stars now seem fully invested in golf's long-term Olympic future. A successful debut in the host nation sets the tournament up well going forward.

Read more: Lydia Ko Completes Gold, Silver, Bronze Medals at Olympics

Olympic spirit of admiration shines between golf and gymnastics

One of the great things about the Olympic experience is how it allows athletes from diverse sports to interact. In Paris, that mutual respect was on full display.

During the men's golf competition, American gymnast Paul Juda made his way to Le Golf National to cheer on Team USA.

"This is awesome. I just don't understand how they're able to do what they do," smiled Juda, in awe of the golfers' talents.

The admiration was surely mutual. While gymnasts defy imagination with their feats, golf navigating the nuances of a sport where millimeters mean everything is its own challenge.

These small moments of cross-sport camaraderie help make the Olympics more than just a competition. The spirit of learning from those in entirely different disciplines underscores the Games' power to unite competitors across all backgrounds.

For Juda and the golfers, being able to experience each other's sports first-hand no doubt left each with an even greater respect and understanding beyond their own areas of expertise.