MEN'S OLYMPIC GOLF COMPETITION

August 4, 2024

Hideki Matsuyama

Le Golf National

Quick Quotes

Q. What do you think? I'm sure you must be feeling quite a lot right now.

A. I had my sights set on the gold medal and up until we finished 17, I think I had a chance at it. In Tokyo I tried my best to get this, but fell short, so I'm really happy I was able to make it happen this time.

Q. You had a tough day yesterday, but the fourth round was much different, you seemed to be really focused and in the zone, how did you feel about your play?

A. I was really focused and tried hard all four days, and although things didn't go so well yesterday, whenever I missed today, I was fortunate to still find myself with a good lie, so I thought to myself that yesterday just was what it was, and I think that mindset paid off.

Q. While you were practicing, you were hearing the results of the other athletes, Coach Maruyama was also in tears, but how did you feel at that moment?

A. I wasn’t able to play Rio, and last time I failed to win a medal in the playoff, but Coach Maruyama has been with the team now for 12 years and even though it’s not a gold, I’m still very happy was able to win this medal.

Q. I’m sure Japanese fans were watching with great anticipation until late into the night. I'm sure all the fans, as well as people who don't usually follow golf, including children, were moved today. How do you feel about the future of Japanese golf, especially for the children and the future ahead?

A. I'd love for this to be a catalyst for promoting men's golf even more. I’m also really looking forward to working hard for the next Olympics.

Q. You'll soon be back playing PGA TOUR and have the Tour Championship to look forward to. How do you feel about playing for the rest of the year and the next season?

A. I had a break last week and have been only concentrating on this week. So for the next few weeks and beyond, the first thing I’ll do is take care of my body and go from there.

Q. I’m sure you are happy just to win a medal, however you were in the lead for the first two days and I’m sure you had sights set on the gold…

A. To be honest, I really did want to win the gold medal and up until then, we finished 17, I think I still had a chance, so it's disappointing in a way, but I worked hard to win the bronze medal in Tokyo and fell just short, so I'm happy to have won the bronze medal this time around, even though I didn't get the gold.

Q. Did you feel a bit relieved considering the expectations placed on you?

A. Compared to other sports, I don't think there were that high of expectations for us.

Q. Today you made three consecutive birdies and your performance was much better compared to yesterday. How do you feel about your golf today?

A. I really wanted to close the gap a bit on the front nine to set up a good fight in the back nine, and I would like to have played a little better down the stretch. I just couldn’t get any putts to drop there at the end, but I’m still very satisfied with my results and being able to go home with the bronze medal.

Q. Did you feel any pressure or real tension on the back nine?

A. Yes, I did. But I knew that coming out my practice session, so I was glad that I could execute my shots and feel good about my play today.

Q. How about the atmosphere of this tournament? The gallery was very polite, and everyone seemed to be in high spirits. Did you feel like you were representing your country even more than in Tokyo?

A. I think other players may have felt that way. Even though we are playing here in France, Tommy was getting a lot of support from the crowd. I hope I can get that same kind of support in Los Angeles as well.

Q. Like your Masters win, do you feel like you made history in men's golf?

A. I don't know about that, but I'd be happy if this accomplishment helps encourage more people to start playing golf.

Q. Many people who don't really know or watch golf probably watched you during the Olympics. Do you think they found value in that?

A. I definitely think it's better to have won something than nothing at all.

Q. Do you feel different after winning today?

A. I think so. Getting rewarded for taking 3rd place is something that never happens in our sport, so honestly, I'm very happy about that.

Q. What were you thinking when you got up on the podium?

A. I wasn't thinking about anything.

Q. How is the weight of the medal?

A. It's very heavy.

Q. Your hands seemed a bit shaky during the final putt. Did you feel a lot of pressure?

A. Well, I think anyone's hands would be shaking.

Q. After this, do you feel a stronger desire to compete in Los Angeles?

A. I already won on that course earlier this year, I also have a lot of friends in Los Angeles, so in that regards, I definitely want to participate, I just need to work hard for the next four years so I can get in.

Q. As an athlete, what does it mean to you to even just to receive a medal?

A. I didn't really think about it that much. Now that it's over and I won, I can appreciate it more, but I really wanted to take home the gold.

Q. Before the event started, you mentioned you had a friend you got close to this year couldn't play in the Olympics. Any thoughts on that?

A. I could talk about it, but who knows what might have happened if he had made it into the games.

Q. Did that person congratulate you?

A. I haven’t been able to check yet, but I'll be sure to show it to him when I get back.