PGA Tour winner backs Rory McIlroy over bold Olympics claim

Rory McIlroy went as far to call professional golf a “s***show” last week, after just missing out on a medal at the Olympics.

The 35-year-old used his disappointment in the state of the professional game to reiterate his belief that the Games represent the purest form of competition.

That was despite finishing in a tie for fifth place, as thousands of fans descended on Le Golf National in Paris.

“I still think that the Ryder Cup is the best tournament that we have in our game,” he said afterwards. “But I do think this has the potential to be right up there with it.

“Think how much of a s***show the game of golf is right now and then think about the two tournaments that might be the purest form of competition in our sport, we don’t play for money in it.

“It speaks volumes for what’s important in sports and I think every single player this week has had an amazing experience.”

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And now that the dust has settled on the men’s competition, McIlroy has been offered backing from another multiple PGA Tour winner.

Speaking ahead of this week’s Wyndham Championship, Jhonattan Vegas said it ‘felt good to hear’ the Northern Irishman’s honest assessment.

“It was a shame that I wasn’t there this past week,” he said. “I was there in Rio and Tokyo.

“We just get so caught up here with professional golf and money and all the benefits we have by playing the best tour in the world that we sometimes forget, you know, what golf is all about.

“It’s playing for everyone out there that is supporting you and wants to root for you.

“That’s what Olympic golf is, you’re playing for your country, you’re playing to give your country a medal, you’re representing your colours.

“When you’re playing for something bigger than yourself, you realise that golf is a lot bigger than this. That’s kind of what a lot of guys are realising.

“I saw what Rory was talking about at the end of last week and it kind of felt good to hear what he said.”

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How important the Olympics is in comparison to other events – including major championships – has been the question posed to players in recent weeks.

Australian Min Woo Lee said he had a tear in his eye on the first tee, while Aussie partner Jason Day was “caught off guard” with emotion.

Meanwhile, others flocked to heap praise on the event. Eventual silver medalist Tommy Fleetwood said it’s “hard to describe” the feeling fans have towards cheering their nation’s players.

That’s what makes McIlroy’s point so valid, reckons Vegas.

“It’s a whole different feeling,” he added. “It’s either those three [medals] or nothing and when you’re playing for that, it just means so much more.”

John Turnbull A graduate of the University of Stirling, John joined the bunkered team in 2023 as a Content Producer, with a responsibility for covering all breaking news, tour news, grassroots content and much more besides. A keen golfer, he plays the majority of his golf at Falkirk Golf Club. Top of his 'bucket list' is a round of Pebble Beach... ideally in the company of Gareth Bale.