The GOAT
Michael Phelps says the vibes on the first tee at Le Golf National on Thursday gave him chills
Keyur Khamar
Michael Phelps knows a thing or two about the Olympics. He’s the most decorated Olympic athlete of all time, with 28 medals in his trophy case, 23 of which are gold. He’s been celebrated, scrutinized and meme’d. He’s cheered on teammates and opponents with equal abandon. Merriam-Webster should change the definition of “Olympian” to a picture of him. No one would complain.
So when Michael Phelps says an Olympic moment made the hair on his arms stand up, you better believe him. That’s precisely what happened on Thursday morning when Frenchman Matthieu Pavon arrived at the first tee of Le Golf National with Phelps in the gallery. We’ll let the GOAT set the scene.
Pretty awesome stuff. There were questions early in the week about the appetite for Olympic golf in France. The crowds at practice rounds were sparse, and with plenty of other events on the menu, many wondered if golf would simply get lost in the shuffle. Thankfully, that couldn’t have been further from the truth on Thursday, as fans lined the fairways at the former Ryder Cup venue with Phelps among them.
Props to Phelps for being an ambassador not just for the Olympics, but Olympic golf. Many fans would still like to see changes—specifically a team format instead of individual stroke play—but perhaps with Phelps leading the charge, we’ll get our wish in 2028. If anyone can get the IOC to listen, it’s him.