An Olympic superstar arrived in Paris, the sun was shining, the thunder was roaring and a host of top players performed well on the opening day of the men's golf tournament at the National Golf Club, attracting a large crowd.
Swimming star Phelps enjoys Olympic energy
When it comes to Olympic royalty, Michael Phelps reigns supreme. The American, who is currently in Paris as a commentator for NBC Sports' swimming coverage, was in attendance when the golf tournament got underway Thursday. A noted golf enthusiast who has competed in the DP World Tour's Alfred Dunhill Links Championship as well as several PGA Tour pro-ams, Phelps interacted with some of the players as they stepped up to the first tee. But it was the warm reception that local favorite Matthew Pavin received on the opening tee that impressed Phelps most. “When Matthew Pavin stepped up to the tee and the whole crowd started singing (the national anthem), it was just incredible,” he said. “I mean, the hair on my arms stood up, and I think it really shows what the Olympics is all about. It's about bringing so many countries together in one city to compete.”
This photo wins the gold medal for best selfie. 🥇🤳#OlympicGolf https://t.co/uMi8AFT0y1 pic.twitter.com/z8HjHFNfxx
— Olympic Golf (@OlympicGolf) August 1, 2024
British tennis players take part in golf tournament
Golf looked to be the hot sport on the opening day, with British tennis player Joe Salisbury also on hand to watch some elite sporting action. The world number six doubles specialist kept a close eye on the fortunes of Team GB's Tommy Fleetwood, while also watching Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy and Ludwig Oberg. “I finished tennis earlier than I would have liked but had a day off to watch some of the other Olympic sports,” he told DP World Tour at the National Golf Club. “I love golf so was keen to be on this amazing course and watch some of the world's top players.” Earlier this week, Andy Murray said he wanted to be a scratch golfer when he retires, and Salisbury played at a good level. “I'm a keen golfer, officially I'm four years old. But I've been on and off and it's been a long time since I started playing golf. Andy is also a keen golfer and I'm sure he'll be even more keen on it when he stops playing tennis.”
Friends and Family
A big part of what makes the Olympics so special is the opportunity for family and close friends to share in the joy of competing at the world's biggest sporting event. Matteo Manassero is one of the most prominent figures in golf and he has enjoyed a remarkable resurgence over the past few years. The Italian, the youngest champion in DP World Tour history, returned to the DP World Tour with two wins on the Challenge Tour last season. He has since ended a long wait for a fifth DP World Tour title by winning the Jonsson Workwear Open in South Africa, while his good form has also seen him appear at the US Open and British Open. His wife Francesca was in the crowd cheering him on this week and couldn't hide her joy when the DP World Tour caught up with her. “I'm so proud of Matteo and so happy to be here,” she said. “I caddied for Matteo on the Challenge Tour last year and we won twice! It's amazing.” Manassero finished with a two-under 69 to finish just outside the top 20 on the leaderboard.
Everything is currently going on in full swing.#OlympicGolf pic.twitter.com/xLnXLEJaCm
— Olympic Golf (@OlympicGolf) August 1, 2024
Hideki Matsuyama leads Schauffele
Hideki Matsuyama made a brilliant start to his bid for the podium after missing out on bronze in a play-off on home soil three years ago. The 2021 Masters champion led by two shots after a low first-round score. “It was a good day today,” he said before warm, sunny skies gave way to lightning, which forced two of the latter competitors to stop play. “So I'll take it as a good thing. I holed my putts well today. My shots went into the fairway as well. So I had a lot of chances, so I'm happy.” Defending gold medalist Xander Schauffele of the United States, who maintained the momentum from winning his second major of the season at the British Open last month, finished second with a 65.
The first round set the standard. 🇯🇵
Hideki Matsuyama led with an 8-under 63.#OlympicGolf pic.twitter.com/qNvf8Ujqj9
— Olympic Golf (@OlympicGolf) August 1, 2024
Perez humbled by starting honours
This week, France fielded DP World Tour and PGA Tour dual members Victor Perez and Mathieu Pavon. Perez was given the tee shot, while Pavon was included in the big-card group in recognition of his rise over the past year. An enthusiastic hometown crowd welcomed Perez to the tee, and the three-time DP World Tour member admitted that the welcome he received created an atmosphere that is unlikely to be replicated in his career. “It was definitely a once in a lifetime experience. [experience]“I’m never going to hit a tee shot like that again,” he said, recovering from a sluggish start with four birdies on the back nine for a one-under 70. “Starting out in Paris, being French and having great support from the home crowd, there’s no more pressure whether I’m there for 10 minutes or four minutes, so I just figured, you might as well be there and just try to take it all in and enjoy the people, and it’s been awesome.”