PARIS: Rory McIlroy is hoping to ease some of his recent major struggles by claiming “probably” his biggest title in 10 years at the Paris Olympics this week.
The Northern Irishman fell agonizingly short of winning his first major title since 2014 at this year’s US Open, missing two short putts on the final three holes to lose by one shot to Bryson DeChambeau.
The world number three then missed the cut at the British Open in Troon.
“I’d say my focus is pretty high. I want to make sure I’m exactly where I need to be hitting.” Thursday.”
McIlroy will have plenty of competition when the first round kicks off on Thursday at Le Golf National, the venue for the 2018 Ryder Cup that Europe won outright.
World number one Scottie Scheffler will be making his Olympic debut, while reigning champion Xander Schauffele will also be among the favorites following his 2024 PGA Championship and British Open titles.
“(In) the Olympics, you want the best players to be able to participate,” said two-time Spanish major champion Jon Rahm. “In every tournament you want the best players to represent their country.”
Organizers are reportedly considering adding a mixed team event to the golf schedule for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The decision to include only 72-hole singles tournaments – the same format most major tours use week after week – was controversial when golf was first reintroduced to the program.
“I think some people were surprised that it was just single-shot play and they didn’t try to mix it up with different formats,” McIlroy said.
“I think that would be a great format to bring to this competition. McIlroy will begin his quest for gold alongside Scheffler and Swedish sensation Ludvig Aberg on Thursday, while Schauffele partners Rahm and Nor Viktor Hovland in the other marquee.
