Exclusive: PGA Tour winner doubles down on Olympic golf claim

PGA Tour rookie of the year nominee Matthieu Pavon doubled down on his claim that winning Olympic gold medal would rank above winning a major title. 

Pavon made the declaration when we sat down with the French golfer before Christmas to chat about his stellar 2024 along with his goals for the new campaign. 

The 32-year-old will look a bit different on the course in January as he has just been confirmed as the latest J. Lindeberg ambassador. 

Pavon has signed a multi-year contract with the Swedish clothing company. 

He will be wearing their Pre-Spring Golf Collection when he tees it up in Hawaii next week at The Sentry. 

Other topics from our conversation included his first victory on Tour at Torrey Pines, the differences between the North American circuit and the DP World Tour, his Ryder Cup hopes and why he recently decided to change coaches. 

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You've just been announced as the latest JL ambassador. Can you tell us how that came about? How much interest did you have from other brands and why did JL stand out for you?

MP: "With J.Lindeberg, it happened naturally. Their vision of golf, blending style and performance, immediately appealed to me. They have a modern and bold approach, and that’s exactly what I was looking for. There were other options, but JL has that extra edge: they dare to push boundaries while staying elegant."

Is style something that is important to you? Who do you think is the most stylish player on Tour?

MP: "Yes, absolutely. Style is a way of expressing yourself, even on the course. I like my look to reflect my confidence and personality. In terms of style, I think Viktor Hovland or Matt Wallace always stand out. JL dares with bold colours and modern cuts while maintaining a certain elegance."

Obviously we're at the end of the year now and it's been a long and arduous season. How would you assess it from your perspective and what grade would you give yourself?

MP: "This season was intense. Winning the Farmers Insurance Open in January was a dream come true. Then finishing 12th at The Masters in April and fifth at the U.S. Open, my best result in a major, were definite highlights. If I had to grade myself, I'd give a solid 9 out of 10. There's always room for improvement, but I'm proud of how far I've come this year."

You obviously had your first PGA Tour victory relatively quickly in dramatic circumstances at Torrey Pines. I read that you told your caddie it was your call when playing that third shot from the thick rough. How nervous were you with the tournament on the line?

MP: "That was a key moment. Yes, it's true, Woody (Mark Sherwood), my caddie, suggested a more conservative shot. But I felt it wasn't the right decision. I took responsibility and played the more aggressive shot... I had visualised it in my head and felt confident I could pull it off. In the end, it remains one of the greatest moments of my career."

I remember at the time the tattoo on your hand made quite a few headlines. Have you added any more tattoos since?

MP: "I'm still thinking about it."

I know Nick Dunlap has just pipped you to the rookie of the year honour, but what did it mean to you to even be nominated?

MP: "It was a tremendous honour, and I'm very grateful to the PGA Tour for the nomination. It shows that my efforts and results were recognised on such a competitive stage. Congratulations to Nick Dunlap; he had an incredible season with his two victories. This nomination motivates me even more to keep improving."

Did you vote for Scottie Scheffler as the player of the year?

MP: "Yes, Scottie is incredible. There's nothing to say about his consistency and dominance this season. He absolutely deserves this recognition."

Why do you think you have made the transition to the PGA Tour so easily whereas others, for a multitude of reasons, have struggled?

MP: "I think it's thanks to solid preparation and effective management with my entire team on all fronts. Beyond that, it was a dream come true for me, which definitely helped me adapt quickly."

Some players, such as Bob MacIntyre, for example, have suggested that the DP World Tour has more of a family feel. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

MP: "I agree. The DP World Tour has a more intimate, almost family-like atmosphere. On the PGA Tour, everything is bigger and faster, but both tours have their charm. That said, I feel very comfortable on the PGA Tour."

I saw on X you recently posted about switching coaches to Mark Blackburn. I'm just wondering why you felt that change was necessary given a stellar year and what you have been working on so far with Mark?

MP: "Mark Blackburn brings a new perspective. Even after a good season, I always want to find ways to improve. It was the right time to make the change."

Going into 2025, I assume Ryder Cup qualification is something that is at the forefront of your mind. How are you feeling about that?

MP: "The Ryder Cup is a dream for every European player, and of course, it’s on my mind. But I know the only way to get there is to stay focused on my game and give my best in every tournament. I want to put myself in the best possible position to earn my spot, and I'll do whatever it takes to make it happen.

Obviously, there has been a lot of talk about U.S. Ryder Cup players being compensated for the very first time. Is this something that you feel strongly about?

"It's a tricky question. I think the Ryder Cup is first and foremost about the pride of playing for your team and continent. It's a unique honour to represent your continent in such an event."

Hypothetically, if you were to make it to Bethpage Black, what do you think you would bring to Team Europe?

MP: "I'll let the captain (Luke Donald) answer that question when the time comes, if I'm selected... For now, my role is to focus on my game and do everything I can to earn that spot."

Just going back to your highlights for 2024, that obviously included the Olympic Games. Are you behind the proposals to have a mixed team event in LA?

MP: "Yes, absolutely. Team golf, especially in such a unique setting as the Olympics, would be fantastic. It would add another dimension to the event, much like the Grant Thornton Invitational. Playing in that mixed tournament with Céline Boutier was an incredible experience. I think this format can really bring a new energy to golf."

If I recall correctly, you said that after a few days in the Olympic village you felt as though winning the gold would rank higher than a major. Do you still maintain that view?

MP: "Absolutely. In the context of the Paris Olympics, the Olympic spirit is something truly unique. Representing your country at that level is incomparable. A gold medal would have had a value beyond symbolism, something that transcends golf itself. That said, winning a major remains a key objective for me."

Speaking of majors, how do you rate your chances in 2025?

MP: "Honestly, I don't think much in terms of chances. What matters to me is continuing to work seriously and being ready when it counts. One step at a time. If I do what's necessary, the results will likely come over the course of the season."

You played with Bryson DeChambeau at the U.S. Open and he was box-office viewing. He's clearly changed the perception of how he's viewed through his YouTube channel. I'm just wondering if you consume any content on social media and who do you follow?

MP: "I follow golfers, of course, but also many American and international athletes. Their mindset and pursuit of performance, whether in the NBA or NFL, inspires me a lot."

Finally, you played at Tiger Woods' event in the Bahamas. What was that experience like? Did you have any personal interaction with him? How do you rate his chances next year? Can he win again?

"Playing in an event organized by Tiger was an honour and a unique experience—who could say otherwise? It was a special moment. As for next year, I'd say: one step at a time. I can only thank him for what he's doing for golf and for creating such a special event."

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