MEN'S OLYMPIC GOLF COMPETITION

August 1, 2024

Matthieu Pavon

Le Golf National

France

Quick Quotes

Q. Your impressions on the day, how neat it was and the support possibly, if it was different than playing another tournament?

MATTHIEU PAVON: That was an experience I never experienced before, even though when I played the last round Torrey this year wasn't that big.

That was a crazy moment which I wasn't prepared. At that moment, too big, took emotions, too many people screaming just your name.

So it's very special, so yeah, that was something I had to fight a little bit, those emotions, and it was a tough day overall because like the emotions out there, every single shot, every single tee shot, every putt, everybody is pushing you, wants to do great. So it's tough to manage all of this. It takes a lot of energy, and I'm pretty pleased the way that I did so far today.

Q. So you were overwhelmed on the first tee?

MATTHIEU PAVON: Completely. I think it's normal, no?

Q. How was it hearing your National Anthem?

MATTHIEU PAVON: The thing is, which is nice, is I've been two different competitions since Friday. I experienced a little bit the Olympic atmosphere but you're in the grandstand, you're not like the hero in the middle of the arena.

It's a bit different, and you can feel like how big is the atmosphere, how like shiny it is, and when you step up and you go up the stairs, which I think is phenomenal for us, you go down the stairs, it's the same kind of entrance, you're surrounded by the love and warmth.

Q. How would you assess the fans?

MATTHIEU PAVON: I think they were just perfect. Sometimes it was too much for me, I don't know if it's too much for me but as I say I wasn't prepared. You don't really have a hole where you can calm down and breathe and take some water. It's always you get back to that tee box and everyone screaming your name, and stuff like this, so you never get some rest. That was a very tiring day for me.

Q. Is there any sense that this could give France as a country a boost in golf? Like more attention, maybe gets people more interested?

MATTHIEU PAVON: It will be interesting to see the stats on how many non-golfers were here today.

I mean, if I am part of this, it's big and I love to take that role model, let's say, but we'll see. Ryder Cup helped a little bit and Olympics helped a little bit more. I think what we need is to win a medal or win a major.