Rory McIlroy has retold LIV Golf defectors what it means to chase Olympic glory, as he sets his sights on making history at Le Golf National. Already renowned for clinching four major championships, the golfing titan is vying for a first-ever Olympic medal for Team Ireland, with ambitions to elevate his already illustrious career to new heights.
Teaming up with the formidable Shane Lowry, the pair aim to secure victory and pride for the Emerald Isle at the Games. Discussing his aspirations, McIlroy said: "It would be the achievement, certainly of the year. I think for me, it's well documented that I haven't won one of the big four in 10 years. It would probably be one of, if not the biggest in my career for the last 10 years.
He added: "My focus is pretty high. The last time you guys saw me, I didn't give a very good account of myself [in the Open] at Troon. I want to make sure I'm right where I need to be teeing off on Thursday. I've been asked this question a lot, where would an Olympic medal sit in sort of the hierarchy of my career achievements and it's something I probably won't be able to answer until everything is said and done."
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When comparing the Games to other events, he went on: "I don't know if anything will be able to sit alongside the majors. We have our four events a year that are the gold standard. But I think this is going to be, in time, right up there among that."
As he reflects on the Summer Games, McIlroy's views might not go down well with certain LIV Golf members who didn't make the cut. Despite seven LIV Golf players making it to this year's Olympics, notable figures like Bryson DeChambeau fell short of earning their spots.
DeChambeau just missed out on representing Team USA in Paris by three places, while other well-known golfers like Brooks Koepka, Dustin Johnson, Cameron Smith, and Sergio Garcia also won't get the chance to compete for their countries. McIlroy didn't mince his words while addressing those who failed to qualify, candidly saying at Thursday's event launch: "If you want to qualify for the Olympics, you knew what you had to do.
"Just like if you wanted to qualify for the Ryder Cup, you knew what you had to do. They were very aware of the decision they made when they did." He added: "I don't think there's any other way to do (Olympic qualifying) because it's hard to compare the golf that they play to the golf that we play. That's the reason they didn't get world ranking points, right?"
Despite not having won a major tournament since his 2014 PGA Championship triumph at Valhalla, McIlroy remains optimistic. After finishing the first round in France with a score of -3, placing him at T15, he is determined to narrow the lead held by Hideki Matsuyama, who currently sits at -8.
However, McIlroy faces a tough battle for Olympic success this summer, with formidable opponents such as World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele representing Team USA, and Tommy Fleetwood and Matt Fitzpatrick competing for Team GB.
