Rory McIlroy wasn’t over the moon after finishing fifth at the Olympics, but he called it the best tournament he had ever played apart from the Ryder Cup.
McIlroy was absolutely gobsmacked with the crowds at Le Golf National.
The 35-year-old looked as though he was out of the medal hunt on the final day before a string of birdies on the back nine put him back in contention.
But disaster struck at the 15th hole when he misjudged his approach and his golf ball found a watery grave.
“I still think that the Ryder Cup is the best tournament that we have in our game,” McIlroy previously said.
“But I do think that this has the potential to be right up there with it.
“Think about how much of a s— show the game of golf is right now and then think about the two tournaments that might be the purest form of competition in our sport, we don’t play for money in it.”
McIlroy’s Irish teammate Shane Lowry was also in agreement when he spoke to reporters ahead of the Wyndham Championship.
The first round of the PGA Tour event at Sedgefield Country Club was cancelled because of Tropical Storm Debby.
Lowry finished in a tie for 26th at the Games.
The 37-year-old also had the honour of being the flagbearer for Team Ireland in the opening ceremony.
Lowry pointed out that crowds weren’t at Le Golf National during their practice rounds.
“You couldn’t really get a gauge for what it was going to be like,” he said.
He added: “Walking onto that first tee and getting announced on Thursday was incredible. I’ve never — you know, there’s very few tournaments that are at that level. Honestly, it felt like one of the biggest tournaments in the world, it really did.
“I think it was an amazing week for golf and it was an amazing week for golf in the Olympics, and I think it will grow going forward.
“Obviously, we had a great podium as well, which helps, and great people to help promote the game.”
Paris 2024 represented the third time golf was included in the Games since its reinstatement.
