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Rory McIlroy rethinks his Olympic 2016 decision – doesn't want to choose between Ireland and Britain

Top golfer says public’s huge reaction shows how much his success means to fans

DARA KELLY,

IrishCentral Staff Writer

Published Thursday, September 20, 2012, 6:58 AM

Updated Thursday, September 20, 2012, 10:36 AM

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Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell walk behind the Irish flag

Photo by Google Images

Rory McIlroy has admitted that the heartfelt reaction by fans to his decision to choose the Great Britain team over the Irish team for the Rio 2016 Olympics has led him to think deeply about his decision.

Speaking ahead of the Tour Championship in Atlanta, Georgia, the 23-year-old champion golfer said, “After everything that happened last week it definitely makes me reconsider my position and reconsider a lot of things. I think it just really hit home with me how important it is for a lot of people and how important my success has been to them.

“Obviously, I’ve had a lot of support from all sides — from people that call themselves Irish, from Northern Irish, to the whole of the UK, to people over here in the States. It just hit home with me at how my success is welcomed by everyone.”

McIlroy went on to insist that his decision was by no means final and that he has plenty of time to think about his decision before the Olympics in 2016. He added that choosing one team over another would be difficult for him as he does not want to detach himself from any group of people who support his game.

He continued, “It would be terrible for me to nearly segregate myself from one of those group that supports me so much.

“It’s four years away — I still have a bit of time to decide. But, I’m very, very appreciative and very grateful of the support that I get from everyone. It’s great that I get so much support. There are not many people in my position that have to go through what I might have to go through in four years’ time, but it is what it is.

“I’m a golfer first and foremost and I just want to play well on the golf course. Hopefully people enjoy that and the entertainment that that brings.”

Last week, McIlroy said that he was choosing to represent Team GB (Team Great Britain) over the Irish team. He said he chose Great Britain because of “the fact is I have always felt more British than Irish”.

In the past McIlroy has represented Ireland on numerous occasions having played alongside Graeme McDowell in the golf World Cup.

McIlroy also told the press conference that he entirely dismisses “The Intimidator” comments from Greg Norman. The Australian pro said that the Northern Ireland golfer, McIlroy, instills fear in Tiger Woods.

Norman said, “What I’m seeing is that Tiger’s really intimidated by Rory…I think he knows his time is up.”

McIlroy, the current world number one golfer, denies this. He said, “No, how can I intimidate Tiger Woods? I mean, the guy’s got 70-whatever PGA Tour wins, 14 Majors, he’s been the biggest thing ever in our sport.

“How could some little 23-year-old from Northern Ireland with a few wins come up and intimidate him? It’s just not possible. I don’t know where he (Norman) got that from, but it’s not true.”

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KerryLKing | Oct 01, 2012, 04:20 PM EDT

To allan07: Yes, I agree....what the US military did to the American Indians was unconsionable. However that is not what I have been talking about. If you are referring to me then you have obviiously not taken the time to "actually READ what I have written". I said that the Irish Catholics were asked by the British to renounce their religion. So in order for them to get food they would have to "convert" to be Protestants. OBVIOUSLY...if the Irish Protestants were starving...they would not be asked to do so. So, the effects of the famine was totally different for both....in different ways!!!

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allan07 | Oct 01, 2012, 02:27 PM EDT

@Tayandcake The republic is broke. What has independence actually achieved. A failed state in which most of the young leave whom are brightest, skilled, etc. What sort of success is that. None its a failure especally when the nationalist have to take loans from the great enemy they claim to have in the British. Biting of the hand that feeds you. Very clever. No doubt and i 100% expect it in reply to my truthful facts made here by myself i will receive the usual name calling. Orange hun, jaffa cake, prod, foreigner, etc, To all amercians and nationalist i say this do we remember the native Red Indians whom had their land stolen of them for a few guns, do we forget them being marched through the snow from one side of the country to the other on foot, (then shot when they couldn't walk any further), and then we have some amercian on here talking about the Irish Catholics being straved by the British. Didnt the Irish protestants not also starve in the potato famine? Yes they they did. Famine affects all Catholics, Protestants, Red Indians, Africa today. I am sick to death of Catholics claiming that they suffered but somehow the protestants didn't. Catholics are masters at playing the victim. The Irish whom went to the North America simply starved and mistreated the Red Indians as much as any other white man. Their hands are also covered in blood. There are no saints in any of mankinds history.

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KerryLKing | Sep 27, 2012, 06:24 PM EDT

Dear leahkinsella....in answer to your smart... question, I was born in this century. I am named after the County that my grandmother came from and I have been to Ireland over 10 times!!! I also DO KNOW from firsthand knowledge from my ancestors about the British making the starving Irish catholics renounce their religion just to get "a bowl of soup" when they were "dying during the famine". This is what I'm tallking about...just plain "facts"....so leave your nasty comments to those who deserve them!!!

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Searlit | Sep 22, 2012, 02:58 PM EDT

@KerryLKing, you have a right to your feelings, like everyone else. It's just my view that being angry with Rory isn't going to change what happened, and he had nothing to do with it. If you had read any of my posts about the subject of England, you would know that I have never let England off lightly, for what was done to Ireland, nor any lingering prejudices and abuses that continue. Rory is a young man. He asked that people consider his position ( growing up Catholic in a predominantly Protestant area of Northern Ireland.) As far as I'm concerned, religion was used a way to divide people and cover the land grab that took place. It's a new millenium. I hope everyone learns to live in peace. Sláinte!(to your health)

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SAirish | Sep 22, 2012, 02:28 PM EDT

Irish half Americans love living in the past. It is all they have got going for them.

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leahkinsella | Sep 22, 2012, 12:19 PM EDT

KerryLKing: What century were you born in? We Irish and the British have moved on. You don't have to be Catholic to be Irish. We have people of all religions here. Come to Ireland and find out.

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Casa redondo | Sep 22, 2012, 06:01 AM EDT

Kerry L king-Wouldn't say he had much choice in being catholic or Protestant.those things are usually left to parents. do you suppose he goes to mass every sunday!

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branagh | Sep 22, 2012, 02:21 AM EDT

Please please stop! No,no,no,please,no rethinks! All my Saturdays,Sundays until after Rio2016 are accounted for now and there is no McIlroy listing. It was immense good news that like Odysseus he had found home now he wants to muck it up again. Not,buying it at all-you think we're idiots.

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seamus60 | Sep 21, 2012, 03:50 PM EDT

A very sad reflection if judged by the way many posters are thrusting the knife into Rory. He has come through life to date relatively untouched by the troubles and all that came with them. Call him naive or whatever, but if he feels more british let him be just that. What are we to do with all the other Catholics who would rather remain a part of britian if the choice ever comes. Shall we ostracise them ?. Lets not forget either the queenie and Martys handshake that took place, even after all the brutal history her kin have inflicted on our country. I have no doubt that as soon as Rory`s game takes a turn for the worse he will know what nationality he really is. But why should any of us worry about such trivial things when we still have the likes of Internment and Gerrymandering on our soil.

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KerryLKing | Sep 21, 2012, 03:31 PM EDT

To "Searlit": NO, not all Americans love him. I'm one who does NOT....I have done research as to the horrors perpetrated by the "British" against my Irish ancestors during the potato famine....just because they would not renounce their religion. See my previous post on here. He does not, nor will he ever, receive my respect....as an Irish catholic he does NOT deserve any.

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TayandCake | Sep 21, 2012, 02:39 PM EDT

the north pole is going, soon there will be no nice greens to put on

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ancavker | Sep 21, 2012, 01:18 PM EDT

Ireland North: Honest to God!!I never have any idea what you are talking about!!

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oldboreen | Sep 21, 2012, 12:37 PM EDT

Give the poor lad a break folks! He may be an outstanding golfer, but he's young and he hasn't fully thought it through yet. Or maybe,he's waiting to see which side of the border comes up with the most money!

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citizen69 | Sep 21, 2012, 12:00 PM EDT

A lot of the commenter's here are either idiots or bigots... sad really.

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Searlit | Sep 21, 2012, 11:45 AM EDT

Yes, make everyone happy, or at least neutral about your declaration. The Americans love you!

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