The Olympic golf event gets underway at Le Golf National on Thursday, and Rory McIlroy has been spotted preparing in a rather unique way.
After his dismal outing at the Open Championship, McIlroy is now ranked third in the world, with Xander Schauffele replacing him in second.
The Northern Irishman is now hoping to bounce back from what has been a difficult six weeks, which included missing out on the US Open in dramatic fashion at Pinehurst No.2.
Despite his recent struggles, Golf Channel pundit Rex Hoggard has tipped McIlroy to secure a medal at this week’s event.
Rory McIlroy takes trip to St Andrews ahead of Paris Olympics
Most players are already at Le Golf National ahead of Thursday’s first round; McIlroy, however, is still in Scotland.
The four-time major champion was spotted playing the Old Course on Monday and launching some massive drives off the 18th tee.
McIlroy will now head to Paris and join Scottie Scheffler, Collin Morikawa, Shane Lowry, and Min Woo Lee, who are all preparing at the 2018 Ryder Cup venue.
Rory McIlroy involved in fan altercation at St Andrews
McIlroy’s presence at the home of golf, unsurprisingly, didn’t go unnoticed.
As he approached the 18th green, an American heckler was seen shouting at the Northern Irishman in a jovial fashion.
McIlroy shouted back to the New Yorker, saying, ‘You’re not gonna love us next year’, regarding the 2025 Ryder Cup, which takes place at Bethpage Black in 2025.
The 35-year-old really needs something to shout about, and an Olympic medal would undoubtedly be seen as a positive in his up-and-down season.
And, after enjoying success at Le Golf National previously, there’s every chance of McIlroy bouncing back here.
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