What Rory McIlroy needs to do to have a proud moment
Rory McIlroy has rethought his Olympic plans, but he still has a long way to go before he returns to Paris with a medal for Ireland.
The world No. 3, who competed in 2016, has previously expressed doubts about golf being included in the Olympics. The Northern Irishman also faced the dilemma of whether to represent Ireland or Great Britain. But after missing out on a bronze medal in a sevens play-off at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, he’s got a fresh perspective and is eager to try again for Ireland. Makiroy is happy to be able to play in the August 1 tournament in the National Golf, one hour southwest of Paris.
“I felt that I was RES in the Olympic game. Because I was always going to stay in neutral, so what are you going to do because I presented this option?” I told the teacher. “I’ve had to get over that, I’ve played for Ireland my whole amateur career. I’m very proud to be an Irish player. Why should I, as a professional, act any differently? “Tokyo took me back to my amateur days,” he said. The federation was also in attendance, and he met amateur footballers he hadn’t seen in years. It was a lot of fun. I think it will be even better than I expected because you can participate in additional events in Paris. I commented before I actually experienced it, but it’s similar to the Ryder Cup. I can’t wait to visit again.
But McIlroy faces a formidable obstacle. He’s had a tough few months, losing his first major title in a decade at the U.S. Open last month and missing out on the cut at the British Open by five strokes last week. The 35-year-old has also had mixed results at Golf National, site of the 2018 Ryder Cup. Although McIlroy had a mixed week personally, Europe easily beat them 17.5-10.5.
Behind world number one Scotty Scheffler and new Golfer of the Year Xander Schauffel, McIlroy is third in betting on the event. Meanwhile, Tommy Fleetwood and Matt Fitzpatrick will represent Team GB. In particular, Fleetwood has an incredible record for national golf. He won the French Open in 2017 and combined with his teammate Francesco Morinari to play a decisive role in the European victory in the next year’s rider cup. The team, known as ‘Mollywood’, scored every possible point in foursomes and four-ball that week and Fleetwood will be hoping to repeat that performance.