Professionals

“Wow, that sounds like an Olympic debut… Well, I’m satisfied, very satisfied, it was a good day, a good result,” acknowledged Jon Rahm.

“I think I am improving and growing little by little as a player,” admits David Puig

Jon Rahm and David Puig, separated by almost an hour at the end of their respective days, could not repress their satisfaction at their respective Olympic debuts. Even knowing, due to the usual ambition that characterizes them, that the result could have been better, David Puig was especially burdened by a poor finish that partially cut short many previous positive actions.

“In the end, finishing under par is a positive result, but I am a little disappointed by the way I finished. I will take the positives, I hit the ball well and made some good birdies, which always give you confidence,” acknowledged the Barcelona golfer after his first 18 holes, who says he believes he is improving and growing little by little as a player on a day “that I consider positive.”

Almost an hour later, through the storm, it was Jon Rahm who repeated the meaning of those words. “Uff, how does that sound like an Olympic debut… Well, I am “I’m satisfied, very satisfied, it was a good day, a good result. I wasn’t as comfortable as I would have liked, but I managed to get through some very complicated situations with some very good shots, and it’s a shame about the shot into the water on the 16th, it was my fault,” the Spanish golfer summed up with satisfaction.

“One of the things that surprised me the most was the support from the crowd, on hole 1 and all over the course. I thought that the presence of Xander Schauffele, the reigning champion, would dominate everything, but I was very grateful for the affection they showed me at all times,” said Jon Rahm.

The honor of opening the Olympic competition

There are many players making their Olympic debut, including Jon Rahm and David Puig. Each of them will forever remember that first shot from the tee on hole 1 of the Golf National as part of their personal anecdotes. However, one of them has acquired an additional honour, being the protagonist of the first shot of the men’s Olympic competition in Paris 2024. This is the Frenchman Víctor Pérez, who had the privilege of hitting the tee shot of the entire tournament at 09:00.

Great television production from the tee of hole 1

The sport of golf is characterised by a plasticity and beauty that makes it ideal for television broadcasts. The coverage of the game by the official channel throughout the 18 holes is spectacular, capturing all the details of the trajectory of the ball and the gestures generated by the players depending on the result of their shots. Eurosport and RTVE offer extensive coverage of the Olympic golf tournament in Spain.

Very important turnout at the Golf National

From early in the morning, well before the competition started, long streams of people arrived by public transport or on foot from the car parks to ensure they didn’t miss the slightest detail of the opening day. Golf is deeply rooted in France since the 2018 Ryder Cup was held at the Golf National, which hosted thousands of people eager to witness the action of the best golfers in the world in this first round of the competition. Apart from the French, the course welcomed thousands of people of all nationalities who gave it a very special colour.

The Spanish, in vibrant red

Jon Rahm and David Puig wore the red shirt on the first day, a slogan that they both announced at the press conference prior to the start of the tournament and will be used again on the last day. The Spanish red shirt thrilled thousands of spectators throughout a spectacular first round. Jon Rahm was surprised by the enthusiasm and affection when he was greeted with a huge ovation on the first tee, a reaction that was repeated many times throughout a course packed with spectators.

Water everywhere

Golf National is characterised, among other things, by the existence of large and numerous lakes that make water strategically present on many holes, making it difficult for players to play. Many of them ended up relating to the wet element to their misfortune even though they are perfectly aware of the dangers it entails on certain holes.

And water is everywhere, as is evident when you consider that its presence is prominent on holes 1, 2, 3, 9, 10, 11, 13, 15, 16 and 18.

Special mention should be made of the final part of the course, with holes that form a natural amphitheatre under the main grandstand on the 18th green, where spectacular competition finals will surely be seen… with balls in the water as the destination. It is also worth noting that, at this time of year, the lakes at Golf National are full of some of the largest carp in the world.