Rory McIlroy is among the 60-player field for the men’s 2024 Olympics, with the event getting underway later this week.
Le Golf National in Paris will host the competition, with the world number three among those looking to clinch a medal.
New world number two Xander Schauffele secured gold last time out, finishing in first place in Tokyo in 2021.
Many of the world’s top players are now in the French capital for the upcoming event, with a handful having played at Le Golf National at the 2018 Ryder Cup.
McIlroy featured heavily in the tournament six years ago, where Team Europe defeated Team USA 17.5-10.5.
Rory McIlroy takes aim at American players in Le Golf National verdict
The Northern Irishman had a mixed time of it in Paris back then, securing two points from his five matches.
But ultimately he finished on the winning side, with McIlroy now taking aim at the losing side after taking part in a practice round ahead of the Olympics.
“I don’t think it will play that much differently,” McIlroy said in his pre-tournament press conference when asked if the course will play differently compared to 2018.
“It’s so pure. It’s in such great shape. But the rough is thick. It’s a pretty meaty setup.”
His Team Ireland teammate Shane Lowry then said the rough is “probably not as long,” with McIlroy then adding: “Ask the Americans. I wasn’t in it much that week.”
Lowry laughed, with McIlroy continuing: “I think when I played a practice round… it’s a good setup. I think it would be similar to like a PGA setup.
“You know, it’s pretty big, fast greens, but pretty thick rough around the greens. I think if you miss fairways, it’s a little hit and miss.
“I got some pretty bad lies out there, and I know there were some lies that were okay but definitely lose a lot of control of your ball.
“The greens have got a little bit of bounce to them already, I would say. So I think it’s a good test.”
Can Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry shine for Team Ireland at the Olympics?
McIlroy and Lowry clearly enjoy a close relationship on and off the course, with the duo in good spirits ahead of the Olympics.
But taking home the gold medal will not be an easy feat, given both the challenging course and the level of competition.
World number one Scottie Scheffler and recent champion of The Open Schauffele will be lining out for Team USA, and will be keen to reply to McIlroy’s joke with strong displays.
The American pair played a practice round together ahead of the Olympics, with Scheffler full of praise for Schauffele following his major win.
McIlroy meanwhile was spotted playing the Old Course at St Andrews in preparation for Paris, having just disappointingly missed the cut at The Open.
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