Earlier this week top golfer Rory McIlroy dished out a scathing attack on the Olympics, maligning the inclusion of golf in the games for the first time since 1904. He spoke bluntly and honestly about his decision to not compete in the games, citing the fact that the Olympics are not, and never have been, the pinnacle of the sport.
His absence from Rio has been seen as a disappointing move during a time where golf is trying to expand. However, McIlroy did not believe that he had any obligation to be a part of this process.
“I didn’t get into golf to try and grow the game, I tried to get into golf to win championships and win major championships,” McIlroy said.
Asked which events he would watch, McIlroy said, “Probably the events like track and field, swimming, diving—you know, the ones that matter.”
These views reinforce his opinion on the inclusion of golf in the Olympics. Recently, the former world number one explained why the Olympics were not as important to golfers as they are to other athletes.
“Most other athletes dream their whole lives of competing in the Olympics, winning Olympic gold. … We dream of winning Claret Jugs and we dream of winning green jackets.”
McIlroy joined a long list of top golfers not travelling to Rio, including Jason Day, Jordan Spieth, and Dustin Johnson. The quartet are the top four golfers in the men’s game, and their absence will cloud all golfing events in Rio.
However, New Zealanders Danny Lee and Lydia Ko will both be competing, with the latter the favourite to take home the gold in the women’s event.
The men’s event will be held from August 11-14, with the women playing from August 18-21.