Rory McIlroy: ‘Golf not an important event at Olympics’

Rory McIlroy has suggested that he has no plans to watch the golf event at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

Last month, McIlroy cited the Zika virus as the main reason for his withdrawal from the tournament but he has since questioned the importance of the event, which has been hit by many big-name withdrawals over the past few months.

McIlroy is currently preparing for the Open Championship at Troon, but the Northern Irishman had to face questions from the media regarding next month’s tournament in Brazil.

The 27-year-old said: “I don’t feel like I’ve let the game down at all. I didn’t get into golf to try to grow the game, I tried to get into golf to win championships and win major championships.

“I’m very happy with the decision I’ve made, I have no regrets about it. I’ll probably watch the Olympics, but I’m not sure golf will be one of the events I’ll watch.”

On Monday, Jordan Spieth became the latest name to pull out of the tournament.