Golden golfer Xander Schaufelle has achieved the ultimate medal in Tokyo 2021. In an Olympic games delayed by Covid the American pro golfer reached the pinnacle over four days.  Xander held his nerve over the final few holes whilst other competitors like hometown hope Hideki Matsuyama faltered. Rory Sabatini representing Slovakia set the clubhouse lead with a scintillating 61 and got the silver medal. Taiwan’s CT Pan grabbed bronze after a 7-man playoff. Olympic gold for Xander Schaufelle in golf crowns an incredible beginning for this gritty competitor in his pro golf career.

Olympic Champion Schaufelle Driven by Dad

Xander’s dad is a big part of this sporting achievement narrative, as he has driven the career of his son. Schaufelle’s father had a dream of being an Olympic decathlete, but a car accident terminated that. Transferring his aspirations to his offspring he has now parked that dream on the podium in Tokyo via his son Xander. The sporting parent, often from migrant families, is a familiar sight in the world of upper echelon sports like golf and tennis. Living the dream via lots of dedication and hard work can transport these driven kids to the very top of their chosen fields of pursuit. Driven by dad to be the best is a storyline we all know well.

Golfing Gold at the Olympics

Hideki Matsuyama could not get the job done for golf crazed Japan but put in a good showing just the same. Putting let the Master’s champion down when it mattered most over those closing holes. Schaufelle sunk the putts when he needed them in contrast to many of his fellow competing golfers on the final day. Aussie Cameron Smith did not let his proud nation down with a good showing over the tournament. He finished a handful of strokes behind the leading golfers and medal winners. Marc Leishman never got going and had an Olympics to forget in terms of his performance.

Cam Smith really needs some input from a personal grooming consultant, in this golf writer’s opinion. The wispy mullet and facial hair should be put to bed for this fine young golfer. Let’s see a new buff Cam Smith mounting the world stage of pro golf going forward. He needs a new look to go with his incredible golfing talent. Image is more important than some of us might think on the world stage. Come on Aussie give our kids something to model when aspiring to reach the pinnacle of world golf.

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