MEN'S OLYMPIC GOLF COMPETITION

August 3, 2024

Jon Rahm

Le Golf National

Quick Quotes

Q. Can you talk about how similar or different the feeling is in the third round in an event like this versus a typical major or tournament? Seems like there's a lot more Spain-specific cheering?

JON RAHM: We are very close to Spain compared to most of the other majors. But yeah, you know, like obviously every country, but Spain, they are very passionate people towards their country. They usually travel very well for big sporting events, and obviously a lot of them came to the Olympics to watch whatever they wanted to watch. Many of them have decided to come here, as well, right.

There's a lot bigger Spanish presence than I expected. They usually obviously wear the flag colours which are very visible from any distance and they tends to be about the loudest usually on the course, as well, no matter where I am, and it really helps out.

But I must say, the rest of the crowd has been fantastic as well. It's been an enjoyable week. The reception we've had on the first tee has been fantastic.

Q. The overall environment of competing in this event, is it elevated?

JON RAHM: It's a little different. It's definitely elevated (compared) to a regular event. It might have been new in golf but it is the Olympics. I think the crowd know it is and we are all aware of what's at stake.

Q. Do you feel like you're getting some love from the French crowd, like Rory and Tommy?

JON RAHM: Possibly. Every time I've played in France, the crowd has been great. Not only the French crowd; all of the crowds have been supportive. It's great to come to a golf course that's this good, to a big event like the Olympics, everything seems to be going well. It's been a lot of fun to be a part of.

Q. Has anything surprised you so far at this Olympic Games?

JON RAHM: As it comes to our tournament? No, luckily I know what to expect. I've played here before, a few events here, but nothing special that really stands out.

Q. How about how you're playing in this moment? Looks like you're rising to the occasion.

JON RAHM: You know, for -- I've been playing good all year, but I haven't been able to give myself the best chances. For this last month, to be playing as good as I have, and slowly get better; the win last week, and give myself an opportunity this week, as well, is very, very gratifying. It's nice to see things going so well for the last month, and after having won to be in this position again so quickly.

Q. Does it feel similar to a previous stage in your career, like around the U.S. Open, Masters?

JON RAHM: Yeah, I mean, every time I've played good, it's going to be similar to other times that I've played well. I feel just as comfortable as some of those that you mentioned and other wins that I've had in the past.

Q. You were pretty much lurking a lot of the time at The Open.

JON RAHM: Yeah, I think the leaderboard, I think the game felt better than what the leaderboard ended up showing, right.

When you're playing under the weather conditions we played, it doesn't take a lot to fall one to two shots back each day. That's basically what ended up happening to me. Had a good Sunday. I was just a little too far back to throw my hat in contention going into the back nine.

But it was better golf than I think, not the score reflected, but the leaderboards showed. I think I was 15 going into Sunday and I played fantastic golf.