World number three Jordan Spieth, said he agonised over his decision to withdraw from the Olympics, however McIIroy says he’s comfortable with the decision not to play in Rio as golf makes it’s Olympic return after a 112-year absence.
Advertisement
World number nine Willett and 11th ranked Rose will compete in the August 11-14 men’s 72-hole stroke play event, which has been hit by several high-profile pullouts citing concerns of the Zika virus.
“This was something I very much struggled with”, Spieth said Tuesday at Royal Troon, home to the 145th British Open that begins Thursday.
LONDON (AP) – IOC President Thomas Bach says the absence of numerous top men from the Olympic golf tournament in Rio de Janeiro will be taken into account in evaluating the sport’s future in the games. “I got into golf to win championships and major championships”. I got into golf to win.
“It will loom over me throughout the Olympic Games, for sure”, Spieth said.
Saying he was “very happy” with his decision, the Northern Irishman went further in giving Olympic golf a little kick while it’s down.
He said it would be easy for golfers to get away with taking the likes of HGH and it’s time the sport takes drugs testing seriously.
Asked which events he would watch, McIlroy replied: “Probably track and field, swimming, diving, the stuff that matters”.
Jason Day, Dustin Johnson, Jordan Spieth and Rory McIlroy – the world’s top four players – have all pulled out of the Rio Games citing concerns over the Zika virus.
‘Unfortunately, it is going to be a very, very hard thing for me to do to watch the opening ceremonies and watch my peers compete for a gold medal or any medal, and watch people stand on the stage and hear the national anthem playing.
“I’ve made my stance and I feel like I have more peace of mind not going”. “I’m a huge believer in playing for your country, showing I absolutely look forward to Summer and Winter Olympics”.
“I think his comments are unacceptable, it think it’s a lack of appreciation for how the Olympics can just transcend an individual sport”.
“But, look, I get where different people come from and different people have different opinions”.
“It nearly seems a shame you can’t give that opportunity to athletes who would really, really want it”.
The departure of the sport’s top players has led to a war of words between golfing chiefs, who suggested they had “over-reacted” to the threat posed by the virus. I don’t want to force golf on anyone, but I feel like golf is a great vehicle to instil values in kids. “I thought about all this ahead of time”.
Redgrave said the International Olympic Committee and British Olympic Association had advised athletes that it was safe to go. “He says things in a very honest way it’s one of the most endearing things about him, particularly when it comes to press conferences”.
Advertisement
Two-time major victor Spieth, the world No. 3, had said last month he was “uncertain” about taking part amid Zika concerns. “I’m just not sure”.
