Rory McIlroy blames his ‘ignorance and naivety’ for initial Olympic scepticism

Rory McIlroy Reflects on Past Olympic Skepticism and Eyes Medal Contention with Strong Round

Rory McIlroy has recently acknowledged that his initial skepticism about Olympic golf stemmed from a blend of ignorance and naivety, revealing a significant shift in his perspective over the years. The Holywood native, a four-time major champion, previously opted out of the 2016 Rio Olympics, citing a reluctance to choose between representing Team GB or Ireland, despite his history of representing Ireland in underage and amateur levels. His change in attitude towards the Olympic Games is akin to his evolving stance on the Ryder Cup, demonstrating how personal experiences have reshaped his outlook.

 

McIlroy’s transformation in attitude towards Olympic golf has become particularly evident with his performance in the current tournament. His bogey-free, five-under-par round on Saturday has significantly boosted his chances of securing an Olympic medal. This impressive performance positions him well behind the tournament leaders, offering him a solid opportunity to make a significant impact on the final day.

 

Reflecting on his change of heart, McIlroy admitted that his initial dismissal of Olympic golf was a result of a lack of understanding and a somewhat dismissive attitude. Speaking after his third round, where he shot a 66 at Le Golf National, McIlroy described his previous indifference as a form of ignorance. He recalled his experience in Tokyo, noting how he was taken aback by the enthusiastic support and the sheer number of spectators.

 

“I think the one thing that we’ve been taken aback by is just how many people are out there,” McIlroy said. “My first Olympic experience was Tokyo, and it was striking to see the contrast between the empty practice days and the bustling atmosphere with 20,000 people cheering. It was really cool and eye-opening.”

 

McIlroy’s initial skepticism and indifference were replaced with a newfound appreciation as he experienced the Olympic atmosphere firsthand. His mindset has evolved, mirroring his career’s pattern of shifting perspectives based on new experiences. This realization highlights how he has come to value the Olympic experience, viewing it as a significant event with its unique flavor.

 

In the current Olympic competition, McIlroy has positioned himself as a strong contender for a medal. His bogey-free round on Saturday, shooting five-under-par, has left him trailing closely behind the leaders. With Jon Rahm and Xander Schauffele tied at 14-under-par, and Tommy Fleetwood just one shot behind them, McIlroy is in a favorable position, sitting at 10-under-par. His performance underscores his ability to improve steadily throughout the tournament.

 

“I’m sort of getting a little better each and every day,” McIlroy noted. “The first two days were marred by mistakes, but today I focused on minimizing those errors. It was a solid round, and it puts me in a good position for a medal tomorrow.”

 

McIlroy’s strategy has involved consistent play on the front nine, where he has scored three-under-par each day so far. He believes that replicating this performance on Sunday will place him in a strong position to contend for a medal as the tournament nears its conclusion. The final round at the 2018 Ryder Cup venue promises to be an exciting challenge, given the presence of many top competitors.

 

The leaderboard features several prominent names, adding to the excitement of the final round. McIlroy highlighted the competitiveness of the field, mentioning players like Xander Schauffele, who has had an impressive year, and Scottie Scheffler, the current top-ranked player in the world. He also noted the remarkable performance of younger players like Nicolai Hojgaard, who shot a 62 on Saturday. The strong field makes for a thrilling conclusion to the tournament.

 

While Jason Day has compared the Olympic atmosphere to that of a major championship, McIlroy offers a slightly different perspective. He finds the Olympic environment distinct from the traditional major tournaments, describing it as more fun and celebratory. “It’s hard to compare this atmosphere to that of the Masters,” McIlroy said. “It’s different—more of a celebration, with a crowd that’s perhaps a bit more enthusiastic.”

 

Looking ahead to Sunday, McIlroy’s goal is to deliver his lowest round of the week, aiming for a score of at least 65. He recognizes that achieving this will depend not only on his own performance but also on how the leaders perform. With the competition as tight as it is, McIlroy remains focused on his target, hoping that a strong finish will secure him an Olympic medal and affirm his evolved perspective on the event.