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Independence Day: Top 5 Team USA golf moments of the last 20 years

By Brandon Raper

CHASKA, MN - OCTOBER 02: Captain Davis Love III of the United States celebrates during the closing ceremony of the 2016 Ryder Cup at Hazeltine National Golf Club on October 2, 2016 in Chaska, Minnesota. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
CHASKA, MN - OCTOBER 02: Captain Davis Love III of the United States celebrates during the closing ceremony of the 2016 Ryder Cup at Hazeltine National Golf Club on October 2, 2016 in Chaska, Minnesota. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /
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Independence Day Team USA Golf Rio Olympics
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – AUGUST 09: Rickie Fowler, Matt Kuchar and Bubba Watson of the United States walk down a fairway with Gil Hanse during a practice round on Day 4 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at Olympic Golf Course on August 9, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images) /

When golf was first announced to return to the Olympic lineup for Rio 2016, the dream scenarios were endless. It was 2009, and Tiger Woods hadn’t had his personal issues come to light, much less the litany of injuries that would follow. It was the only accolade left for him to achieve, and it would be fitting for him to compete for Team USA as his sport returned to the world’s stage for the first time in over a century. Right?

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Well, as we know now, not so much. The limited field that was invited to Rio meant that only four Americans could represent the stars and stripes. Then, fears of the Zika virus – as well as an incredibly cramped summer PGA TOUR schedule – forced several of the sport’s top stars to bow out. The loss of Dustin Johnson and Jordan Spieth from Team USA felt like a massive blow at the time.

However, as it turned out, not only did the tournament go off without a hitch, but the American team had a blast in Rio. Patrick Reed (of course), Matt Kuchar, Bubba Watson and Rickie Fowler all performed well, and in the end it was Kuchar bringing home the bronze medal. He may not have a major, but no other American has an Olympic medal yet.

Watson and Fowler were especially visible throughout their stay in Brazil, too, taking in as many events as their schedules would allow. They even spent time in the athletes’ village, taking the potentially once-in-a-lifetime experience for all it was worth.

Considering the overall success of the 2016 Games, and golf in particular, these guys all set a tone for what’s to come in 2020 and 2024. I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait.

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