Matthieu Pavon goes bold on the value of the Olympic gold medal in golf: “Would now rank higher than a major for me”

French golfer Matthieu Pavon has made waves with his recent declaration that winning a gold medal at the Olympics would be a greater achievement than claiming victory in one of golf’s prestigious Major tournaments. His sentiments come as the excitement builds for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, where he will represent Team France on home soil.

Pavon’s declaration marks a significant shift in his perspective. Traditionally, golf’s Major tournaments—The Masters, the PGA Championship, the U.S. Open, and The Open Championship—are considered the pinnacle of a golfer’s career. However, the unique experience of competing in the Olympics, especially in his home country, has transformed Pavon’s view.

“I always felt like the majors for golf are more important because we have not really grown up with the Olympics,” Pavon explained. “Golf only came back to the Olympics in 2016 in Rio. So that was a different feeling at first.”

This sentiment changed dramatically after Matthieu Pavon spent time in the Olympic Village and participated in the Opening Ceremony in Paris, surrounded by the enthusiastic home crowd.

“It really feels like a gold medal would now rank higher than a major for me,” he said.

Matthieu Pavon has been a notable figure in the golf world, especially with his recent performances. He won his first DP World Tour title at the Acciona Open de España last October, and soon after, secured his first PGA TOUR title at the Farmers Insurance Open in January. This victory marked a significant milestone in Pavon’s career and catapulted him into the global spotlight.

Matthieu Pavon: A New Chapter for Golf in the Olympics

Matthieu Pavon’s rise over the past year has been remarkable. Reflecting on his journey, he said:

“It shows that highs and lows can come pretty quick, and this is what happened. We work hard with my team, and all the work we’ve achieved over the last few years has come together. It’s like part of a puzzle.”

His consistent performances and dedication have been pivotal in securing his spot in the Olympic team. Initially, the Olympics were not a major focus for Pavon.

“When we started putting some points to qualify, it wasn’t that big in my mind,” he admitted. “I was feeling I had steps to do before qualifying for the Olympics, and this is what I did. Qualifying for the PGA Tour was my first goal.”

His victory at the Farmers Insurance Open significantly boosted his chances, making the dream of competing in the Olympics a tangible goal.

Matthieu Pavon’s teammate, Victor Perez, is also set to compete in the Olympics. Perez, a three-time DP World Tour winner, has been preparing diligently for this moment. Despite the pressure of performing on home soil, Perez remains optimistic.

“I don’t think anybody in this room is going to be able to put more pressure on ourselves than we are already putting on ourselves,” Perez said. “Yes, there’s pressure, but there will be pressure next week and the week after for different reasons.”

Matthieu Pavon’s comments highlight a growing debate in the golfing community: the relative prestige of an Olympic gold medal versus a Major championship. This debate has intensified since golf returned to the Olympics in 2016 after a 112-year hiatus.

For many players, the Majors have historically been the ultimate goal. However, the unique experience of the Olympics, with its global audience and diverse competition, is beginning to shift perspectives.

“After a few days in the Olympic Village, the Opening Ceremony in Paris with all the crowd in front of the Eiffel Tower and all the great moments we’ve had the last few days, it really feels like a gold medal would now rank higher than a Major for me,” Pavon reiterated.

His sentiments echo those of other top golfers, including Rory McIlroy, who has also expressed the view that an Olympic gold could be his biggest achievement since his last Major win in 2014.

As Pavon prepares to compete at Le Golf National, the same venue that hosted the 2018 Ryder Cup, he carries the hopes and expectations of his nation. His recent performances, including a top-five finish at the U.S. Open and a strong showing at other tournaments, have positioned him as a strong contender for Olympic gold.

The Paris 2024 Olympic Games present a unique opportunity for Pavon and his fellow competitors. With the support of the home crowd and the experience of the Opening Ceremony fresh in his mind, Pavon is poised to make a significant impact.

“Qualifying for the PGA TOUR was my first goal. Then I won the tournament in Torrey, and all of a sudden, you’re almost guaranteed to be in the team. From that moment, I realized that dream became a goal that I had to prepare for,” Matthieu Pavon said.

As the men’s golf tournament kicks off on August 1, all eyes will be on Matthieu Pavon and his quest for Olympic glory. The journey from a dream to a goal has been a transformative one for the French golfer, and he now stands on the brink of achieving what he considers the pinnacle of his career—an Olympic gold medal.