Reason Rory McIlroy is not representing Team GB at Paris Olympics

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Rory McIlroy is looking to bring Olympic gold back to Ireland (Image: Getty)

Rory McIlroy is setting his sights on gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics - but he won't be seeking success in the name of Great Britain. And after a disappointing display at The Open in July, the golf legend is as hungry as ever to bring honour to Irish shores.

Three years after narrowly missing out on a medal at Tokyo 2020, the Holywood-born golfer is returning to the Summer Games with hopes of glorious gold. The men's tournament runs from Thursday and culminates in Sunday's finale when the three medal-winners will be announced in the French capital.

However, Northern Irishman McIlroy will be competing on Ireland's behalf, just as he did during his Olympic debut in Japan three years prior. Despite being eligible to represent either Ireland or Team GB at the Summer Games, the decision has always been straightforward for the four-time major winner, reports The Mirror.

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McIlroy, 35, has never wavered in his allegiance despite having the unique privilege of choosing between two teams. Just like in Tokyo, the golf icon is eager to bring glory to the Emerald Isle this weekend.

"Once I left trying not to upset anyone aside, then it was actually a pretty easy decision," he said ahead of Tokyo 2020. "The decision was I'm going to play golf for the country or the nation that I've always played for through my junior and amateur days and now into the professional game. And that's Ireland."

Despite the political divide, when it comes to the Olympics, athletes from both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland unite under a single banner. McIlroy found himself in a complex situation due to his background but has always represented Ireland in golf.

Things didn't go to plan for McIlroy at The Open (Image: Getty)

"I made it more difficult for myself than I needed to," he added. Despite the Olympics offering a choice, for McIlroy there was none, as his lifelong allegiance to playing for Ireland has never been up for debate, as he sees it.

He continued: "Even though the Olympics has given me this choice, there really wasn't a choice because all I've done throughout my life is play golf for Ireland so why would that change just because the tournament has changed. That was my decision."

McIlroy missed his initial chance to compete at Rio 2016 after withdrawing due to fears over the Zika virus. But he's since said he later regretted that decision before seizing his opportunity in Tokyo three years ago.

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He came tantalisingly close to medalling and said afterwards: "I'd never tried to finish third so hard in my life." But alas, he still finished just off the podium after losing out in a bronze medal play-off.

As McIlroy chases an elusive win 10 years on from securing his last major title, Olympic glory could offer some solace. And in some ways, snatching the title from American Xander Schauffele could be an even more special feat considering such a chance arises only once every four years.

Reason Rory McIlroy is not representing Team GB at Paris Olympics

Reason Rory McIlroy is not representing Team GB at Paris Olympics

Reason Rory McIlroy is not representing Team GB at Paris Olympics

Reason Rory McIlroy is not representing Team GB at Paris Olympics

Reason Rory McIlroy is not representing Team GB at Paris Olympics