Rory McIlroy’s ‘salty’ Ryder Cup answer backfires on him at the Olympics

Rory McIlroy’s ‘Salty’ Ryder Cup Comment Sparks Debate at Olympics

Rory McIlroy’s recent press conference at Le Golf National during the Olympics has attracted attention due to his ‘salty’ remarks about the Ryder Cup. According to Sports Illustrated’s Bob Harig, McIlroy’s comments were not only biting but also somewhat misplaced.

At 35, McIlroy was asked about the rough conditions at Le Golf National this week compared to the 2018 Ryder Cup, where Europe defeated the United States 17.5-10.5. With a smirk, McIlroy responded, “Ask the Americans, I wasn’t in it much that week.” While this comment drew laughs from the media, Harig pointed out a flaw in McIlroy’s response: none of the four American players participating in the Olympics—Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele, Collin Morikawa, and Wyndham Clark—were part of the 2018 Ryder Cup team.

Harig noted on Twitter, “Rory was a bit salty on Tuesday in his pre-tournament interview. Asked about the rough at Le Golf National compared to the 2018 Ryder Cup: ‘Ask the Americans. I wasn’t in it much that week.’ It should be noted there are no Americans to ask. None who played in the 2018 Ryder Cup are here.”

McIlroy also had a tense moment during the press conference when a reporter inquired about his recent round at St Andrews. McIlroy brusquely responded that it was “none of your business.”

Additionally, McIlroy encountered a heckler while playing the 18th hole at St Andrews. He effectively silenced the heckler with a choice retort, cupping his hands to his mouth as he responded.

The Northern Irishman, representing Ireland at the Olympics, reignited his feud with LIV Golf, commenting on why their players did not qualify for the Olympics. McIlroy is joined on Team Ireland by his close friend Shane Lowry, who was the flag bearer during the opening ceremony.

After a family vacation in Portugal following a missed cut at The 152nd Open at Royal Troon, McIlroy is now focused on winning an Olympic gold medal. Despite admitting that a gold medal would be significant, McIlroy expressed that the Olympic Golf Tournament does not yet rival the prestige of major tournaments like The Masters, US PGA, US Open, and The Open.

“It’s hard to say [whether the Olympic Golf Tournament will become like a major], as even this week, the way the qualification system works, not all the best players in the world are here,” McIlroy told BBC Sport NI. “You’d like to think that if you’re going to win something really prestigious in the sport then you want all the best players playing and that isn’t quite happening here. It’s still very meaningful and if I were to win a medal, especially a gold medal, it would mean a lot to me.”