5 things from 2024 Olympics men's golf including Xander Schauffele's battle with ants and Hideki Matsuyama's tough finish

The first 36 holes of the 2024 Olympic men’s golf competition are in the books and the top of the leaderboard is packed with the game’s biggest stars. Hideki Matsuyama, who was in a playoff for the bronze medal three years ago in Japan, leads the way at 11 under alongside Xander Schauffele — reigning gold medalist — and Tommy Fleetwood.

The Japanese star entered the week as one of the best tee-to-green players in the world, ranking fourth on the PGA Tour. However, his putting struggles have continued this year, ranking 135th (-.230). So far this week in Paris, Matsuyama has figured out the greens at Le Golf National, ranking first in Strokes Gained: Putting through two rounds.

Matsuyama was 13 under as he teed off on 18, but after a wayward tee shot and a water ball with his third, he made double bogey to fall back to 11 under.

Fleetwood, who won the 2017 Open de France on this golf course, fired a 7-under 64 on Friday to tie the lead after an opening 4-under 67. With three top-20 finishes in his last five starts, Fleetwood’s good form has carried over into one of the year’s biggest events despite feeling a bit uneasy over the ball.

“I haven’t felt particularly comfortable with my swing all week,” he said. “But I’ve been doing the things that I know are right and I’ve put the ball in play a lot and I’ve been doing the right things, and I think gradually as you keep hitting enough good shots, obviously you confidence build and you keep drawing on those feelings.

“It’s coming.”

If you missed any of the early-morning action from Paris, no worries, we have you covered. Here are five things to know from the second round of the Olympic men’s golf competition at Le Golf National.

More: USA Today’s 2024 Olympics hub | How to watch | Full men’s field | Full women’s field