Tommy Fleetwood’s thoughts clear on Scottie Scheffler after definitive eight-word claim

Tommy Fleetwood has branded Olympic champion Scottie Scheffler as the “best in the world” after he was pipped to the gold medal by the American athlete. The world number one shot a record nine-under 62 on the final day of the men’s golf tournament at Le Golf National in France to beat Team GB’s Fleetwood by just one stroke.

Fleetwood had been playing well throughout the week but had to settle for silver – and admitted that coming up against Scheffler meant that he had to play at his best. Speaking to talkSPORT, the 33-year-old summed up his feelings on the outstanding Scheffler.

“It’s annoying, isn’t it? He is the best player in the world, he’s having a phenomenal year and he had an amazing day yesterday,” he said.

However, Fleetwood admitted that he didn’t think much of Scheffler during the final round and that he’d been just focusing on his own game. The golfer added: “He wasn’t really one that we were thinking of for a lot of the round but then I saw that he was getting close.

“He’s the best player in the world and is now the Olympic champion as well. So if you’re going to get beat by someone, I guess you get beat by the best.”

Fleetwood admitted that he was a bit sad when he realised he’d have to settle for silver, but that it was an extremely proud moment to secure an Olympic medal for his country.

He said: “Obviously, there’s a small part of you that’s a bit gutted when you come so close and not to win gold. But still, having an Olympic medal is something that’s very special. I really wanted no part in having to go into a playoff for silver and bronze.

“I had a really good chip [on 18] and there was a period where I thought I might have chipped in to get a playoff for the gold. In any other tournament, you’re not that fussed. You know, it can go in or it doesn’t but I was actually still pretty nervous over that [final putt]. I just wanted to get it over and done with.”