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.”
When asked if he has ever been intimidated by Woods he said, “I don’t think intimidated is the right word, more just in awe of his achievements, but never intimidated.”
Read more: Don’t wrap the green flag around golfer Rory McIlroy -- Let Rory play under the Union Jack if that’s what he wants
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Switch to the desktop site to post a comment.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!!!
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.
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!!!
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)
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
TayandCake | Sep 21, 2012, 02:39 PM EDT
the north pole is going, soon there will be no nice greens to put on
ancavker | Sep 21, 2012, 01:18 PM EDT
Ireland North: Honest to God!!I never have any idea what you are talking about!!
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!
citizen69 | Sep 21, 2012, 12:00 PM EDT
A lot of the commenter's here are either idiots or bigots... sad really.
Searlit | Sep 21, 2012, 11:45 AM EDT
Yes, make everyone happy, or at least neutral about your declaration. The Americans love you!
IrelandNorth | Sep 21, 2012, 07:01 AM EDT
RedBranch/CraobhRua(CraveRooa)! An independent Northern Ireland is an interesting proposition. Though in an age of global convergence and economies-of-scale which have seen a certain 26 county state economically compromised to the International Monetary Fund (IMF)/European Central Bank (ECB)/European Union (EU) troika, how long would an independent 6 county neo-provincial statlet last before being taken into constituional receivership? ProudCanadian2! Is there such a thing as "necessary damage"? SeánMór! When you say "South of Ireland", do you mean the province of Munster? Unlike too many geoghraphically challenged Ulster unionist/loyalist/protestants/old Anglo-Saxonians/and unthinking Irish themselves, I doubt if you see eastern and western Ireland (ie Lenister and Connacht respectively) as "doin soith" too? De Valera's Little Blue Book (Búnreacht na h'Éireann/Constitution of Ireland, 1937) defines the 26 county state as "Ireland" ie generically. It therefore owns the nominal patent. The official title of the 6 county neo-provincial statlet is Northern Ireland (NI), even if it is north-eastern Ireland geographically, having rejected the 3 other mainly Catholic counties of Ulster (Cavan/Donegal/Monaghan) in 1924 to ensure a artificial majority to retrospectively legitimise separatism. Using the term 'Ireland' would make NI liable for backdated royalties to the above mentioned patent holder! Cheques made payable in €uros only to Minister for Finance the Rt Hon Michael Noonan, Department of Finance, Merrion Square, Dublin 01 drawn on Bank of Ireland funds only please.
cillowen | Sep 21, 2012, 06:37 AM EDT
the occupier's gravitas keeps on giving leaving its victim confused - dysfunctional - giddy with wild imaginings me british - fool, the default from afar or near is a Germanic tribe with usurped celtic trappings with an 864 origin called england. welsh easily incorporated - scots, but for golf. to the limeys flow the credit of the those union jack webbed. Me MBE McIlroy like many so in love with planter mother.
IrelandNorth | Sep 21, 2012, 06:25 AM EDT
I'm still personally interested to know what it feels like to be British, and how that differs from feeling Irish? Anyone know if he's clarified these sentiments recently? An amicable compromise would be for Rúadhrí to apply for US citizenship in the interim, and declare for the Team US, 2016. Since both Team Ireland and Team GB (Great Britian) are from a pro-American Atlantic archipelago, (regardless of the occasional bout of Amerophobia by jealous Irish 30 somethings and few anti Irish-American Ulster unionists/loyalists protestants)), it would be every which way but win for young Rúadhrí.
mariedriscoll | Sep 21, 2012, 01:58 AM EDT
Rory my dear boy, you are Irish like it or not.Read the History of Ireland and be proud. England is full of Irish People through Economic circumstances, it was the only place that employment was available.
bobby | Sep 20, 2012, 11:26 PM EDT
Ohh Rory you messed up, i think it is to late, Ireland and the Irish Americans think you are a traitor just like what your ancestors will think.... how you so let them down. But now you realise you could lose millions in sponsors you have a re-think. Damage is done, your loss....Money Money Money..............Disgusting
Seanmor | Sep 20, 2012, 09:05 PM EDT
It is up to McIlroy to decide for himself which team to represent at the 2016 Olympics. Having been born in London and raised in the South of Ireland, I don't support Great Britain of the Southern Ireish state at the Olympics or at any other sport. But I always give my fullest support to the rugby, hockey and cricket teams that represent the whole Irish nation in international competition. The Olympic team that represents the whole country east of the Irish Sea in called Great Britain, in like manner one tean should represent ALL-IRELAND at the Olympics.(There is no digging competition at the Olympics, but if there were, the contestants would call a spade a spade).
cillowen | Sep 20, 2012, 07:07 PM EDT
With MBE in hand what side should one expect this RC gandy dancing beneficiary of Ireland Golfing organization's gravitas side with? Methinks St. Patrick on high will punish his mind either way you slice it. If successful he'll be hated like a Cromwell and if he fades due to brain strain we'll say good riddance. Tiger the intimidator has it set in motion - just you wait 'enry 'iggins.
johhnyb | Sep 20, 2012, 06:28 PM EDT
Hi ohanlon, what a rant. Have a read at it yourself. Johnny
O'Hanlon | Sep 20, 2012, 05:58 PM EDT
A bit rich for the fauz-Brit wannabes to be preaching self-righteousness. Wayne Rooney is constantly persecuted just because he doesn't want to sing that dirge of an them which is just an ode to a rich, over-privileged celebrity family anyway and nothing to do with 2012. Look how snooty the plummy "tigger Tim Henman" Pimms brigade at Wimbledon have been towards Andrew Murray, for years labasting him with venomous ire merely because the poor chap would rather sing "Flower Of Sotland" rather than be made to mutter the British anthem awkwardly as finger pointing, high-pitched wails from bored housewives will serve as a permanent reminder that he is not as dashing or as intrinsically "British" (which means English by the way, don't think you Northern Ireland folks get a look in,most English people don't consider you part of their 'club' just a pesky irritant like the bawly cousin from Oz who shows up late to the family gathering drunk as a skunk)and hopeless at tennis as timid fave tigger Tim Henman. Everytime Wayne Rooney and anyone else lines up to play for England the poisonous bigots are waiting to see who isn't paying full and vociferous deference to a load of over-privileged Germans. If Rory wants to tie allegiance to that notion of Queen and country then its no skin off my nose. Let him, anyone who needs a meticulously choreographed stage routine of amythical fairy-tale family to keep them feeling tucked away safely at night has serious issues as a nation anyway and no-one really knows what Britain stands for other than the fact that their main priority in life is to swear allegiance and to save the life of the most over-privileged woman in the land. As Ian Brown of the Stone Roses once remarked "We're (Britain) cabbaged. Welcome to toytown UK!" Couldn't have put it better myself.
hooligan6a | Sep 20, 2012, 05:40 PM EDT
Do you think MONEY may have something to do with his decision? Any game that you can play with a cigarette in one hand and a Martini in the other, can't really be considered a sport.
Searlit | Sep 20, 2012, 03:10 PM EDT
I don't think that's what Rory said, MichaelMcGrath.
KerryLKing | Sep 20, 2012, 02:30 PM EDT
Here...Here....Well said Ray1Gordon. Just a suggestion, but somebody needs to give Rory a "HISTORY" lesson....cause I guess he was too busy perfecting his swing to learn about the history of his country. Lest he not forget, that when the Irish were "starving during the potato famine" the corrupt British made the Catholics in Ireland "renounce their religion" jsut to get a bowl of soup. So, suggest you consider that info little catholic boy....when you decide "which country" you'll be playing for....will it be "Protestant" England who let 1000's of Irish die because they wouldn't change their religion to England's?????
MichaelMcGrath | Sep 20, 2012, 01:56 PM EDT
If McIlroy thinks that the whole Irish nation is sitting around anxiously twiddling our thumbs waiting for him to come and represent us, well then he needs help.
Proud Canadian2 | Sep 20, 2012, 12:09 PM EDT
Way to go Rory play for your country and I have to agree a little with Ray1Gordon the British did a lot of unnecessary damage to the Irish and they will not think anymore of him except he may help them to a metal and after that is done they will forget him. Stay the course Rory it is better to be Irish then British.
citizen69 | Sep 20, 2012, 11:51 AM EDT
I'll be supporting Rory no matter what team he chooses. I just wish certain quarters of the Irish press and the diaspora would leave him alone and respect his personal decisions... Nothing like the spite of the Irish to concentrate a man's mind!
johhnyb | Sep 20, 2012, 11:45 AM EDT
If I was getting that level of abuse from the likes of Ray Gordon, I'd be any nationality they wanted!
RedBranch | Sep 20, 2012, 10:51 AM EDT
Quick lets set up NI as an independent state, Rory will declare for NI and he makes enough to fill the GNP of a small country, end of problem.
biggles008 | Sep 20, 2012, 10:43 AM EDT
Money, Money,Money.
Ray1Gordon | Sep 20, 2012, 10:21 AM EDT
The fact that the Irish Catholic McIlroy even has to consider playing for England is a disgrace. If he weren't so full of himself and took the time to learn a little history of England's murderous occupation of Catholics in Northern Ireland, as well as their financing and arming the violent Protestant Paras, he would never associate with the arrogant English, who look down on all Irish as lazy, stupid, drunk, etc. Behind McIlroy's back, they will refer to him as all these things as well.