FARMINGDALE, N.Y. After opting out of golfs return to the Olympics three years ago in Brazil, Rory McIlroy said he more likely than not will be among the 60-man Olympic field next summer in Tokyo.And if he plays, itll be for Ireland.McIlroy fielded a series of Olympic-related questions ahead of the PGA Championship, as he looks to add a fifth major title at the event he won in both 2012 and 2014. The Ulsterman garnered headlines in the lead-up to the 2016 Games, first announcing his intentions to represent Ireland and then withdrawing over concerns surrounding the Zika virus and the notion that he didnt play professionally to grow the game. But on Tuesday, the 30-year-old shared his excitement at the prospect of once again playing for country.I think it would be a great experience, McIlroy said. Right now, in my mind, Ill most likely play.
PGA Championship: Tee times | Full coverage
The issue gets complicated for McIlroy when it comes to which country he would represent in Tokyo. Northern Ireland is part of Great Britain, meaning he could play under the Union Jack as Englands Justin Rose did en route to a gold medal three years ago. But McIlroy represented Ireland in amateur competitions and would have the option to do so again in the Olympics.Its a complicated decision given the divide between Ireland and Northern Ireland, and one that McIlroy said in 2017 led him toresent the Olympic Gamesfor putting him in the position to make a difficult choice. But its one he now appears ready to make, reiterating that hes excited to play for Ireland next summer.You really have to start thinking, 'OK, well, what are your beliefs and your values?'It makes you sort of have to delve a little bit deeper. Its not just a superficial decision, McIlroy said. I had an unbelievable amateur career, and I dont mean that in terms of results, but I mean that in the experiences I had and the trips that I had and the friendships that I made and that I still have to this day. That was all because of playing for Ireland and getting close to some of those guys.Qualification for the 2020 Olympics will conclude with The Open next summer at Royal St. Georges, after which the field of 60 men will be finalized. Each participating country can send up to two players, although that maximum can be raised to four players per country if all are ranked inside the top 15 in the world.McIlroy is currently ranked fourth in the world, with Shane Lowry (No. 45) the only other player from Ireland or Northern Ireland inside the top 100. Padraig Harrington and Seamus Power represented the island nation at the 2016 Olympics in Rio.
Rory McIlroy will 'more likely than not' represent Ireland at 2020 Olympics in Tokyo The 30-year-old was speaking ahead of the PGA Championship at Bethpage State Park on Tuesday.
PGA Championship 2019: Rory McIlroy changes mind, "will
Rory McIlroy has announced that he is "more than likely" going to represent Team Ireland at next year's Olympic Games in Tokyo. It would be a first appearance for the Down man at the quadrennial
Rory McIlroy likely to play in 2020 Olympics for Ireland
FARMINGDALE, N.Y. (AP) — Rory McIlroy will likely go to the 2020 Olympics and represent Ireland. The 30-year-old from Northern Ireland disclosed his decision Tuesday, two days before the start of the PGA Championship at Bethpage Black. McIlroy skipped the Rio de Janeiro Games in 2016 in part
Rory McIlroy: World number four 'more likely than not' to
May 14, 2019 · FARMINGDALE, N.Y. (AP) — Rory McIlroy will likely go to the 2020 Olympics and represent Ireland. The 30-year-old from Northern Ireland disclosed his decision Tuesday, two days before the start
Rory McIlroy will 'more likely than not' represent Ireland at
Rory will 'most likely' play 2020 Olympics, represent Ireland Rory McIlroy said Tuesday he "more likely than not" will be among the 60-man Olympic field next summer in Tokyo.
Rory McIlroy likely to play in 2020 Olympics for Ireland
Rory will 'most likely' play 2020 Olympics, represent Ireland
Rory McIlroy says that he is likely to represent Ireland at next year's Olympics in Tokyo. The four-time major winner pulled out of the Rio games three years ago citing concerns about the Zika
Rory McIlroy Will 'More Than Likely' Represent Ireland At
Rory McIlroy will likely go to the 2020 Olympics and represent Ireland.The 30-year-old from Northern Ireland disclosed his decision Tuesday, two days before the start of the PGA Championship at
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
PGA Championship 2019: Rory McIlroy changes mind, "will likely" play in 2020 Olympics—and represent Ireland Rory McIlroy originally said he had no interest to play in the next Olympics, but it
Rory McIlroy likely to play in 2020 Olympics for Ireland
Rory McIlroy said Tuesday he "more likely than not" will be among the 60-man Olympic field next summer in Tokyo. And if he plays, it'll be for Ireland.
Rory will 'most likely' play 2020 Olympics, represent Ireland
0 Comments