Rory McIlroy has insisted that he likes the current format for the Olympic golf event, but admitted that there is one change that he would welcome for future stagings.
Rory McIlroy came agonisingly close, once again, to securing a medal, with the Irishman finishing two shots behind third place Hideki Matsuyama at Le Golf National. The 35-year-old was extremely consistent over the weekend, shooting two 66s to put himself in contention for a spot on the podium.
It was an event McIlroy arguably needed after the disappointment of the US Open and The Open Championship, with the four-time major champion not even making the cut at the latter at Royal Troon.
Team golf arguably ignites a passion golf fans do not tend to see from McIlroy outside of the major championships, and he has clearly relished playing for his country this week.
Rory McIlroy in favour of one change to Olympic format
So perhaps it may come as a surprise to some that McIlroy is in favour of keeping the same format for the golf event in 2028 in Los Angeles. Some have clearly felt that the Olympics could have done with a team format, particularly as it looks to stand out from other events in the golf calendar.
McIlroy believes that the current event is the best option in four years – but he did suggest that he would welcome an additional discipline.
“Absolutely. I think it’s the best way to decide. If they wanted to do like a two-day team type of competition thing and we played for six days, I’d be all for that,” he said.
“But in terms of the individual gold medal, I don’t think there’s a better way to determine a champion than 72-hole stroke play.”
Doubters silenced as Le Golf National delivers brilliant event
In many respects, this golf tournament has proved to be a huge surprise. Some may have expected the event to be something of an exhibition. Golf remained something of an unknown quantity at the Olympics after it had to deal with issues in both 2016 and 2021.
But it was an amazing tournament this time around which provided plenty of twists and turns on Sunday, with various players moving into the podium positions before falling away. It was perhaps fitting that the world number one was eventually the man to triumph.
Players may be wary of signing up for more events when this Olympics was essentially sandwiched between a major championship and the FedEx Cup play-offs. But those, like McIlroy, who just missed out on a medal on Sunday would surely be in favour of having another opportunity before they return to the other events.
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