RIO DE JANEIRO _ Golf's return to the Olympics after 112 years produced a thrilling Sunday _ two major champions dueling in the afternoon sun and a cheery American firing an 8-under 63 to win bronze.
Matt Kuchar did everything right Sunday except this: Even though he had locked in third place, he left a 17-foot birdie putt inches short on No. 18 to finish at 13-under.
Kuchar then watched Britain's Justin Rose and Sweden's Henrik Stenson fight for gold on the final hole.
Stenson's birdie putt from 23 feet scooted eight feet past the cup, and he missed that one to finish at 14-under.
Stenson's three-putt sucked the drama out of what might have been a nerve-racking 3-footer for Rose. Instead Rose had two putts to secure gold.
Rose (16-under) poured it home and celebrated in style, with a massive fist pump. Then he grabbed his shirt _ the area over his heart _ and displayed it to the ebullient spectators surrounding the green.
"It feels absolutely incredible," Rose said. "The whole week, I've been so focused. I've been so into it. I've been so up for it. I've been just so determined to represent Team GB (Great Britain) as best as I could. It was just the most magical week, it really was."
It was a strong ending to an event that so many professionals _ namely the top four players in the world _ blew off, most citing the Zika virus.
