'I Think This Has The Potential To Be Right Up There With It' - Rory McIlroy Draws Ryder Cup Comparison To The Olympics
Although McIlroy finished outside the medal placings, the four-time Major winner had nothing but praise for the thrilling finale in Paris
Although Rory McIlroy failed to secure a medal, his opinion of the Olympics only seemed to heighten following his final round at Le Golf National.
In the main event of the men's golf, World No.1, Scottie Scheffler, equalled the course record to win gold for Team USA, with Tommy Fleetwood claiming silver for Team GB and Hideki Matsuyama securing bronze for Japan.
It was an incredible finish and, following the finale, four-time Major winner McIlroy had nothing but praise for the event, as he compared it to the Ryder Cup in terms of drama!
"Amazing. We were talking about it out there and Nico (Hojgaard) reckons it's the best tournament he's ever been involved in, and he's played a Ryder Cup. I still think that the Ryder Cup is the best tournament that we have in our game, pure competition, and I think this has the potential to be right up there with it," stated McIlroy.
"I think with how much of a s**t show the game of golf is right now and you think about the two tournaments that might be the purest form of competition in our sport, we don't play for money in it. So it speaks volumes for what's important in sport and what's important, I think, every single player this week has had an amazing experience".
In the tournament itself, McIlroy would rue a costly shot at the par 4 15th that found the water, with the 35-year-old finishing two shots back of the bronze medal place and four back of Scheffler in first.
"(It's) probably one of the best individual competitions I've been a part of. I think just the atmosphere, even standing on the 16th tee and watching 18 and seeing Victor Perez come up 18 and how he was serenaded by the French crowds. We don't get that any other place that we play, maybe apart from The Ryder Cup. So yeah, I just thought it was an incredible atmosphere and environment to play in, and I think everyone in the field had a blast".
Get the Golf Monthly Newsletter
Subscribe to the Golf Monthly newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest tour news, equipment news, reviews, head-to-heads and buyer’s guides from our team of experienced experts.
After his finish, McIlroy's attention will now turn to the FedEx Cup finale, with the Northern Irishman currently sat in third place. He trails both Scheffler and Collin Morikawa, as McIlroy searches for a fourth title in the competition.
Matt joined Golf Monthly in February 2021 covering weekend news, before also transitioning to equipment and testing. After freelancing for Golf Monthly and The PGA for 18 months, he was offered a full-time position at the company in October 2022 and continues to cover weekend news and social media, as well as help look after Golf Monthly’s many buyers’ guides and equipment reviews.
Taking up the game when he was just seven years of age, Matt made it into his county squad just a year later and continues to play the game at a high standard, with a handicap of around 2-4. To date, his best round came in 2016, where he shot a six-under-par 66 having been seven-under through nine holes. He currently plays at Witney Lakes in Oxfordshire and his favourite player is Rory McIlroy, despite nearly being struck by his second shot at the 17th during the 2015 BMW PGA Championship.
Matt’s current What’s In The Bag?
Driver: Honma TW747, 8.75°
Fairway Wood: TaylorMade Rocketballz Stage 2, 15°, 19°
Hybrid: Adams Super Hybrid, 22°
Irons: Mizuno MP54, 5-PW
Wedges: Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 Tour Satin, 50°, 56°, 60°
Putter: Cleveland TFI 2135 Satin Cero
Ball: Titleist Pro V1x
-
Tiger Woods To Make PNC Championship Return Alongside Son Charlie
The 15-time Major winner is set to tee it up for the first time since back surgery in September, with Team Woods making their fifth appearance in the tournament
By Matt Cradock Published
-
These Drivers Are Being Replaced In 2025 So Now Is The Best Time To Grab a Deal
New drivers look to be on the way early in 2025 so now is a great time to pick up some notable discounts models that impressed us this year
By Conor Keenan Published
-
From Planning To Walk Away At 30 To Being On The Back Nine Of Her Career Aged 26 - Here's What Lydia Ko Thinks About Retirement Now After Winning Olympic Gold
The New Zealander had previously stated she would retire at 30 before confirming she was "on the back nine" of her career earlier in 2024
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
How Did Lydia Ko Qualify For The LPGA Hall Of Fame?
The New Zealander gained entry to the LPGA Hall of Fame with her gold medal at the women's Olympics golf tournament, but how did she get there?
By Mike Hall Published
-
Mariajo Uribe Ends Professional Career With Eagle On Final Hole At Olympics
The Colombian made an eagle on the par-5 18th at Le Golf National as she brought an end to her professional career in style
By Mike Hall Published
-
Olympics Women's Golf Tee Times - Round Four
Groups and starting times for Saturday's fourth and final round of the women's Olympic golf tournament
By Mike Hall Published
-
Olympics Women's Golf Tee Times - Round Three
Groups and starting times for Friday's third round of the women's Olympic golf tournament
By Elliott Heath Published
-
Filipino Olympic Golfer Bianca Pagdanganan Would Win Not One But Two New Homes (And Other Amazing Prizes) If She Claims Gold At Paris 2024
If the LPGA Tour player takes the top prize in the women's Olympics golf tournament, she's seems set to be showered with gifts
By Mike Hall Published
-
A Solheim Cup At Le Golf National? Nelly Korda Likes The Idea
The US star thinks a Solheim Cup at Le Golf National would be a good idea after being impressed by the atmosphere at the Olympics women's golf tournament
By Mike Hall Published
-
Charley Hull Reveals Shower Incident Partially To Blame For Disappointing First Round At Paris 2024
The World No.11 has only just returned from injury after an accident in her hotel room caused Hull to miss playing time
By Jonny Leighfield Published