Rio de Janeiro - South African-born Justin Rose became golf's first Olympic champion in over 100 years, as the Brit outlasted British Open champion Henrik Stenson, in a brilliant advert for the game.
“Hopefully we've shown Brazil what golf us all about, Rose said.
“It felt like a cross between a golf tournament and a carnival. Coming up with that pitch in 18, when I really needed it, was magical.”
Rose shot a final round 67, while Stenson's 68 saw him hold on for second place and a silver medal, two shots adrift.
Matt Kuchar had earlier blitzed an eight-under 63, to equal the course record set by Marcus Fraser on day one. Kuchar's birdie rush allowed him to get the 'back-door medal' that his American teammate, Rickie Fowler had spoken about.
Rose had traded birdies on the first hole, but Stenson then took the ascendancy with another on the second. They both ended the front nine with three birdies, but a a Swedish charge looked on when Stenson gained a stroke on the 10th, his long game imperious as it had been all week.
But Rose and his short game proved the difference, as he made birdies on the 15th, and then chipped close on the final hole to shut the door on Stenson.
Their duel, though not living up to the crescendo of The Open recently, have the game the grandstand finish it needed to leave a mark on the Olympic community.
Rose already had a special memory from the Rio Olympics, after his hole-in-one on the 4th hole, on the first morning.
He was joined in that exclusive club by South Africa's Jaco van Zyl on Saturday, after his ace on the 8th hole.
“I loved it the minute it was off the face, Van Zyl explained.
“I hit it to three inches there in the first round, and I said to my caddie that it would be special to do it in the Olympics.
“It is a feeling that will never go away. I pyres it and got a result.”
It wasn't the first time for Van Zyl, either.
“I've had 15, with nine in tournament play.”
For his troubles, Van Zyl received a commemorative fountain pen.
FINAL RESULTS for Olympic Golf
GOLD MEDAL - Justin Rose (GBR)
SILVER MEDAL - Henrik Stenson (Swe)
BRONZE MEDAL - Matt Kuchar ( USA)
Independent Media