A cutting comment.
Rory McIlroy withdrew from the upcoming Rio Olympics last month, citing concerns over the Zika virus that has broken out in Brazil over the past year, and has been linked with causing defects in newborn babies.
“After speaking with those closest to me, I’ve come to realise that my health and my family’s health comes before anything else,” the Northern Irish golfer said in a statement.
“Even though the risk of infection from the Zika virus is considered low, it is a risk nonetheless and a risk I am unwilling to take.”
Most of the world’s top golfers, including Jordan Spieth, Jason Day, Adam Scott and Dustin Johnson, have withdrawn from the event, the first time golf is being staged at the Olympics since 1904.
The popular consensus amongst fans has been that, rather than concerns over the Zika virus, golfers aren’t pushed on competing at the event because it doesn’t represent the pinnacle of their sport.
And that theory appears to have been effectively backed up by McIlroy.
Ahead of this weekend’s Open Championship, McIlory was asked if he will watch the Olympics when it gets underway next month, and his reply was cutting with regards the importance of golf at the event.
“I’ll watch the Olympics, but probably not golf,” the 27-year-old said.
“I’ll watch track and field, swimming, diving – you know, ones that matter.”
Rory McIlroy: "I'll watch the Olympics, but probably not golf. I'll watch track and field, swimming, diving — you know, ones that matter."
— Jason Sobel (@JasonSobelGolf) July 12, 2016
McIlroy was generally dismissive of the potential benefits of golf at the event, saying he has no interest in widening the appeal of the sport.
“I didn’t get into golf to try and grow the game. I got into golf to win championships and win majors.”
Rory McIlroy on skipping Olympics: "I didn't get into golf to try and grow the game. I got into golf to win championships and win majors."
— Jason Sobel (@JasonSobelGolf) July 12, 2016
WATCH: Liverpool BOTTLED the title race 🤬 | Who will win the Premier League?
