Matsuyama sets the pace in Olympic men's golf

MANILA, Philippines – Hideki Matsuyama bolted out of the starting gates like a thoroughbred, upstaging a slew of pure-bred players with a solid eight-under 63 and setting the pace in a leaderboard filled with fancied names at the start of the Olympic Games’ men’s golf competitions in Paris on Thursday (Friday Manila time).

Birdies on Nos. 2 and 3, a three-birdie splurge from No. 7, and three more birdies over five holes on the back nine of Le Golf National thrust the Japanese former US Masters champion to the front, two strokes ahead of arguably the hottest player on the PGA Tour, Xander Schauffele.

The American, the defending champion and winner of two major championships this year, had a chance to close in on the lead on a day interrupted by threats of lightning that forced multiple suspensions. Instead, he finished two strokes behind with a 65.

Argentina’s Emiliano Grillo, South Korea’s young Tom Kim, and Chile’s Joaquin Niemann matched 66s, trailing closely behind. World No. 1 and crowd favorite Scottie Scheffler fired a 67 for a tie at sixth with Tommy Fleetwood and former world No. 1 Jon Rahm from Spain.

Meanwhile, it was an up-and-down day for Rory McIlroy, who finished one stroke further back in a tie for 15th after carding five birdies, an eagle, and four bogeys for a 68. His Ireland teammate Shane Lowry ended up with an even 72, tying for 47th in a field of 60.

The switch in tee-times on Friday could lead to a leaderboard shakeup, although the frontrunners are seasoned enough to withstand the tests and challenges on and off the course.

Meanwhile, the 60-player women’s field is preparing for their own duel starting on August 7, with the Philippines’ Bianca Pagdanganan and Dottie Ardina hoping to measure up against the world’s best. Nine of the current Top 10 players are set to compete next week.

The women's field is led by defending champion and World No. 1 Nelly Korda, along with Lilia Vu, Jin Young Ko, Amy Yang, Ruoning Yin, Hannah Green, Celine Boutier, Rose Zhang, and Yuka Saso. The campaigns of Pagdanganan and Ardina, like those of the top players, are also sponsored by ICTSI.