Rory McIlroy’s two-word Olympics verdict speaks volumes after being taken aback

Rory McIlroy was taken aback by the immense level of support he received during the first round of the Olympic golf tournament held in Paris. The 35-year-old golfer, representing Ireland, wrapped up his opening round in a commendable joint-14th position with a score of three-under-par. Despite the strong start, McIlroy was notably surprised by the sheer volume of spectators who turned out to watch him play.

McIlroy was paired with fellow golfers Scottie Scheffler and Ludvig Åberg for the initial round of the tournament. The trio attracted considerable attention from the crowd, which was estimated to be around 25,000 strong at Le Golf National. The impressive turnout left McIlroy visibly astonished and pleased, as it exceeded his expectations for the first day of the competition.

When asked about his expectations for fan support prior to the start of his round, McIlroy gave a succinct yet heartfelt response: “Not this!” His reaction reflected his genuine surprise at the scale of the crowd. He elaborated on his amazement, noting the wide array of events taking place throughout the city and the effort it must have taken for fans to come out to the golf course. McIlroy appreciated the unique atmosphere created by the large audience, especially given the bustling schedule of events across Paris. He had anticipated a larger turnout over the weekend and expected the early days to be somewhat quieter. The reality, however, was far from his expectations, and he found the atmosphere to be exceptionally vibrant and engaging.

This appearance in Paris marks McIlroy’s second Olympic participation, following his debut in Tokyo three years prior. During the Tokyo Games, he narrowly missed out on a medal, with Xander Schauffele claiming gold, and Rory Sabbatini and Pan Cheng-Tsung securing the silver and bronze medals, respectively. Reflecting on his previous Olympic experience, McIlroy compared it to his current situation in Paris, noting a significant difference in crowd support and overall atmosphere.

“Tokyo was a ghost town,” McIlroy remarked, contrasting it with the lively and enthusiastic crowd he experienced in Paris. He observed that the support this time around was much more palpable, with a noticeable increase in the presence of flags and a heightened sense of nationalism among the spectators. He appreciated the diverse nature of the audience, noting that about 25 percent of the crowd comprised casual sports fans rather than dedicated golf enthusiasts. This mix, according to McIlroy, contributed to a more energetic and spirited environment, which he found invigorating.

As he reflected on his performance in the opening round, McIlroy described it as a “solid start” but expressed a desire to continue improving as the tournament progresses. He acknowledged that his round was somewhat inconsistent, with moments of strong play interspersed with areas that needed work. McIlroy admitted that he had not done extensive preparation between The Open and the Olympics, which might have contributed to the fluctuations in his performance. Despite a minor disappointment with a three-putt on the final hole, he remained positive about his overall showing. McIlroy is focused on building upon his solid start and is determined to enhance his game as the tournament continues.

In summary, Rory McIlroy’s experience during the first round of the Olympic golf tournament in Paris was marked by an unexpectedly large and enthusiastic crowd that left him both surprised and pleased. Comparing it favorably to his previous Olympic outing in Tokyo, McIlroy expressed appreciation for the vibrant atmosphere and diverse crowd. He is committed to improving his performance and building on his solid start as the tournament unfolds.