Justin Rose: “I rate the Olympic Games up there with my US Open win.”

Justin Rose won gold at the 2016 Rio Olympics

Justin Rose was golf’s first Olympic Champion in 112 years, and he rates his gold medal up there with his US Open win.

The Englishman, whose stellar performance at the 2024 Open Championship left him tied for second place, will be absent from the Paris games, but he has already etched his name into the record books by becoming golf ’s first Olympic champion in over a century.

If there were such a thing as an Olympic ambassador for golf, Justin Rose would be a pretty good man to recruit. He has spent the last eight years showing off his gold medal at every opportunity and firing back at anyone who believes golf doesn’t belong in the Olympics.

Here, in his own words, he reveals what it was really like in the Olympic village and the unexpected invite that was waiting when he returned home.

“Being an Olympic champion has really surprised me in terms of what it means – not just in the world of golf, but the world of sport and with the general public. The reaction after the event felt five to 10 times bigger than when I won the US Open in terms of the support and recognition from the crowd. It validates you as a sportsman and an athlete. Forever more now I’ll be an Olympic gold athlete, which puts you in a wider group of people. It doesn’t just place you in terms of a golfing audience, it places you in a much wider audience. From that point of view, it’s been such a huge honor and achievement.

• What is the format for Olympic Golf in Paris?

“Before getting to Rio, I didn’t really appreciate how much you feel connected to the wider team that’s down there to represent Team GB. When I checked into the athletes’ village I really felt like I was made welcome and part of something bigger than just golf. I felt like there was a collective goal and a collective spirit among all the sports – and that resonated with me. Being around like-minded people was incredibly inspiring and I felt connected to every medal that went up on the board for Team GB. Some of my fondest memories were training in the gym with the rugby sevens lads.

“Team GB was recognised with a fantastic reception at Buckingham Palace. Going to the Palace was something that really wrapped up the Olympics for me and put a nice big bow on it. If I was to win a couple of Majors, or whatever it might be, I’m not going to be in front of the Royal Family. It was just unbelievable to have that opportunity and be part of something that is bigger than your own sport.

“I rate the Olympic Games up there with my US Open win in terms of achievement and what it means to me. I think at the end of my career the Olympics will hold a special place in my heart. It’s going to be the icing on the cake of my career.”

• Open Champion Xander Schauffele is looking to make golf history at the 2024 Paris Olympics

About the author

Michael Catling – Features Editor

Michael Catling is Today’s Golfer‘s Features Editor and an award-winning journalist who specializes in golf’s Majors and Tours, including DP World, PGA, LPGA, and LIV.

Michael joined Today’s Golfer in 2016 and has traveled the world to attend the game’s biggest events and secure exclusive interviews with dozens of Major champions, including Jack Nicklaus, Jordan Spieth, Tom Watson, Greg Norman, Gary Player, and Justin Thomas.

Get in touch with Michael via email and follow him on Twitter.