The four-time Major winner has hinted that he will tee it up in Tokyo next year
McIlroy Likely To Represent Ireland At 2020 Olympics
Rory McIlroy has revealed that he will likely represent Ireland at the 2020 Olympics.
The four-time Major winner skipped the 2016 games due to the fear of the Zika virus in Rio de Janeiro, but he has hinted that he will be playing in Tokyo next year.
"I think it would be a great experience," McIlroy said of the 2020 Olympic Games ahead of this week's USPGA Championship.
"It is just one of those things where it is in the middle of a really busy stretch but right now in my mind I will most likely play."
The Belfast-native also confirmed that he would be representing Ireland next year if he does tee it up.
"As a young boy it was always my dream to play for Ireland," he said at Bethpage.
"I wanted to play for Ireland, I was very proud to put on that shirt or that blazer.
"It is the same as the rugby players, there are players that play for Ulster but they want to play for Ireland as well.
"Golf is seen as a whole island sport, just like hockey is and most other sports are."
Related: Rory McIlroy re-joins European Tour for 2019 season
McIlroy was put under intense scrutiny before the 2016 games over which nation he would represent.
He eventually chose Ireland but then skipped the games, like many others, due to Zika.
His decision to represent Ireland made sense because he played under the Golfing Union of Ireland in his amateur days (Northern and Republic share same union) and also represented Ireland at the World Cup of Golf.
However, he admitted in an interview with Irish newspaper the Sunday Independent that the decision made him feel uneasy.
"It put me in a position where I had to question who I am, where am I from," McIlroy said.
"Whether that's right or wrong, it's how I feel."
Related: USPGA Championship tee times 2019
His participation would boost the men's tournament as golf features for the second time since 1904.
Justin Rose will defend his Gold medal next year at Kasumigaseki Golf Club near Tokyo.
In Rio, Henrik Stenson bagged the Silver Medal for Sweden and Matt Kuchar picked up bronze for USA.
In the women's event, Inbee Park won Gold for South Korea, Lydia Ko took the Silver for New Zealand and Shanshan Feng won the Bronze for China.
Expand USPGA Championship Golf Betting Tips 2019 – Final Round
USPGA Championship Golf Betting Tips 2019 – Final Round
Who is going to win at Bethpage Black?
Expand USPGA Championship Tee Times 2019 – Round 4
USPGA Championship Tee Times 2019 – Round 4
Who is teeing off when?
Expand How To Watch The USPGA Championship 2019
How To Watch The USPGA Championship 2019
The USPGA Championship is back on Sky Sports…
Expand USPGA Championship Outsiders Worth Backing 2019
USPGA Championship Outsiders Worth Backing 2019
Nick Bonfield picks out five USPGA Championship outsiders…
Expand Bethpage Black Course Guide – USPGA Championship 2019
Bethpage Black Course Guide – USPGA Championship 2019
Our guide to the 101st PGA Championship host…
For all the latest golf news, check the Golf Monthly website and follow our social media channels
-
Investec South African Open Championship Prize Money Payout 2023Thriston Lawrence defends his title in Johannesburg as the new DP World Tour season continues
-
‘Jack Had The Better Career, Tiger Was More Dominant’ – Brandel Chamblee Gives Verdict On Golf’s GOAT Debate
The Golf Channel analyst offers his thoughts on who is the greatest of all time - Jack Nicklaus or Tiger Woods
-
Who Is Justin Thomas’ Wife?
The American star married Jillian Wisniewski in November 2022
-
Rory McIlroy Gym Routine... Revealed!
In this Rory McIlroy Gym Routine article we discover how the Northern Irishman keeps himself so fit
-
What Is Tiger Woods' Net Worth?
Tiger Woods became the first billion dollar athlete in 2009
-
The Masters Live Stream: How To Watch The Major
Here are all the details on how you can watch the Major wherever you are in the world.
-
12 Things You Didn't Know About Gary Woodland
We get to know US Open Champion Gary Woodland a little better
-
Five Outsiders Who Could Win The Masters
We consider five players who might surprise the favourites and claim victory at Augusta
-
Who Is Tiger Woods’ Girlfriend?
Find out more on who the American professional golfer is going out with here.
-
Bermuda Championship Golf Betting Tips 2021
Who is the GM Tipster backing to win this week in Bermuda?
