After much deliberation, McIlroy last month opted out of the Games, saying he was concerned about the Zika virus.
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But the Holywood star, who withdrew citing health reasons surrounding the Zika virus, said: “Honestly, I don’t think it was as hard a decision for me as it was for him”. When challenged if he thought he had betrayed the game, McIlroy said: “I don’t feel like I’ve let the game down at all”.
Call it his deep-rooted honesty or suggest it’s a reaction to veiled criticism by International Golf Federation officials that was directed toward McIlroy and others who pulled out of Olympic consideration, but the four-time major victor had some stinging remarks during a press conference in advance of the 145th British Open at Royal Troon.
In response to a subsequent question over how susceptible golfers may be to Zika, which is transmitted via mosquitos, Dawson replied with more than a touch of sarcasm: “I take great heart from the fact we haven’t lost a greenkeeper yet”. Do I think it looks bad on golf?
Golf will be played at the 2020 Tokyo Games but its future is uncertain after that.
“I’m very happy with the decision I’ve made, I have no regrets”, said McIlroy.
He continued: “I’ll probably watch the Olympics, but I’m not sure golf will be one of the events I watch”.
When quizzed on what events he would watch, McIlroy added: “I’ll watch track and field, swimming, diving – you know, ones that matter”.
Golf is returning to the Olympics for the first time since 1904 but none of the top four in the world – Jason Day, Dustin Johnson, Spieth and McIlroy – will play.
The PGA Championship should have been moved to a more accommodating spot – later in the year, at the very least, or more radically to a date ahead of the Masters, which wouldn’t have been a complete break with tradition. “I’m a huge believer in Olympic golf and playing for your country”.
“I’m making the decision of what I think is best for me”, he said. He believes “blood testing is something that needs to happen in golf just to make sure that it is a clean sport going forward”. I don’t feel like I have to carry the torch – see what I did there? – for the sport or anyone else.
“But from my point of view I see it as a once in a lifetime opportunity and it’s about being part of something bigger than your sport”.
“I can tell you that I’m not specifically pinpointing any one thing in my health concerns either”. But he refused to reveal any more. In fact, he made it sound as if golf doesn’t belong in the Olympics at all.
Spieth, though, was upset at being accused of pulling out over concerns about Zika, like Jason Day, world No.2 Dustin Johnson and four-time major victor Rory McIlroy. “I can understand why people are skeptical. They also are not in my shoes”. “I don’t know if there’s a ceiling, but if there is, it seems like it’s being nudged a little bit higher month after month, year after year”.
“Would people pull out if the Olympic Games were in Johannesburg? I’ll be texting with Rickie (Fowler), obviously, throughout as a good friend of mine”, Spieth said.
“Probably the first time I’ve been compared to the Beatles, ” he said, managing only the hint of a smile. When I watch the opening ceremonies, that’s going to be a big bummer. If he shows up in the Quad Cities, it would only add to golf’s gold medal fiasco.
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The Olympic Zika virus has overshadowed the run-up to the 145th Open Championship.
