American Johnson, the British Open champion who will not be playing in Rio, questioned on Monday whether the sport really belonged on the Olympic program.
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Fears over the Zika virus have been cited by a number of top players for pulling out, despite such concerns not appearing to trouble athletes in other sports, or indeed the world’s leading female golfers.
“Honestly, I don’t think it was as hard a decision for me as it was for him [Spieth]”, said McIlroy. I’ve never been to an Olympic games in any capacity.
“On average I probably get tested four to five times a year, which is very little compared to the rest of the Olympic sports”, said the world No 4. I got into golf to try to win championships and win major championships.
“I can understand why people are sceptical, they’re as passionate about the Olympics as I am, and they also are not in my shoes”.
‘This was harder than deciding what university to go to, whether to turn pro and leave school early, harder than any decision I’ve had to make in my life, ‘ he said.
“Listen, this was probably the hardest decision I’ve ever had to make in my life – at 22-years-old”, said Jordan Spieth.
Asked which events he’d watch, McIlroy replied: “Probably the events that…track and field, swimming, diving, the stuff that matters”.
The world’s third-ranked golfer joins a list which includes top-ranked Jason Day of Australia, second-ranked Dustin Johnson and fourth-ranked Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland, among others, of players skipping the Rio games.
Golf’s long-awaited return to the Olympic Games has endured its share of jabs and uppercuts. It came down to a very personal decision and I believe I’ve made the right one for myself and my future.
“I’ve been tested by the IGF (International Golf Federation) once this year… but it was only a urine test. I haven’t been blood-tested yet”.
“There are drugs that can make you stronger and make you concentrate more, but not that can make you a better all-round golfer, as far as I am aware”.
A few days ahead of the British Open, Spieth said health concerns were the reason he’s opting out this year.
“I texted Rickie immediately after I decided and said, ‘Rick, I’m sorry, buddy, but I’m not going to be joining you down there”, added Spieth. “I will be, I’m sure, at times pretty upset that I’m not down there”. He stressed that it wasn’t just Zika concerns but health issues in general, whatever that means.
Rose, who will represent Great Britain in Rio alongside Danny Willett, Catriona Matthew and Charley Hull, is looking upon the Rio Games as a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity”. “But if you get it breezy, like in any Open venue, this place really shows its teeth”.
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Justin Rose has led the counter arguments to Rory McIlroy’s suggestion that Olympic golf does not matter to elite players.
