A glimpse of Rory McIlroy’s talent arrived as he briefly shared the lead at the Open at lunchtime. That four-under-par score was to slide by two before McIlroy signed his card, leaving him poised to challenge once more for the Claret Jug. He thereafter provided an insight into his mindset that should portray him in a positive light. He spent the buildup to this major in the eye of a storm. He was directly responsible for that, owing to comments he made about the value – or otherwise – of golf at the Olympic Games. The misconception has been McIlroy may either regret his words or have spoken in error. Neither are recurring character traits. It seems faintly ridiculous, moreover, to hammer a sportsman of McIlroy’s status for having the temerity to say what he actually thinks.
“I still don’t think I’m the only one,” said McIlroy of holding a dim view of golf and the Games. “Look, it’s my opinion. I think my opinion is shared by a few people but some people may think it’s wrong and that’s fine. I’ve spent seven years trying to please everyone and I figured out that I can’t really do that. So I may as well be true to myself.”
This hardly seems worth quibbling over. In fact, it represents common sense. Perhaps McIlroy’s error was in not declaring himself unavailable for the Olympic scene from the moment in 2009 that golf was reintroduced. But what was the crime there? Trying to initially do the right thing and help his sport? The 27-year-old’s June remarks about the Zika virus risk are also not nearly as contradictory now as many would have you believe, given the emphasis on “risk”. Put bluntly, McIlroy does not regard that as nearly worthwhile, which is perfectly in fitting with what he thinks about golf’s lack of legitimate presence in the Olympics.
Where McIlroy did leave himself open to criticism on Tuesday was in respect of the statement that he “didn’t get into golf to try and grow the game”. In black and white this looked selfish and crass, as McIlroy knows only too well. Again, there is background to be applied; McIlroy, a four-times major champion, does kickstart golf every time he wins. He has done likewise with his hosting of the Irish Open.
“I think I would have elaborated a little bit on the ‘grow the game’ comment,” McIlroy said. “Obviously, I feel like I do my bit to grow the game. It’s not as if I’m uninterested. I feel like golf is a great vehicle.
“I don’t want to force golf on anyone. But I feel like golf is a great vehicle to instil values in kids. I’m an ambassador for the PGA Junior League, I do some stuff for the First Tee in the States and I feel like I’ve used my success in golf in a very positive way in the community.
“Look, again, the next generation can play golf if they want or they don’t. It won’t make me any less happy. But if I can somehow make a positive change in the world by what I do on the golf course, whether that means raise money for charity or giving kids more of a chance in life growing up … I’ve been very fortunate to do what I’ve done in golf and I feel like I’ve used that success in a positive way.
“So I have no regrets about where I stand on certain things but I wish I maybe would have just elaborated a little bit more on what I said.” McIlroy seemed glad of the chance to offer context.
Earlier he had come unstuck at the 13th due to a mis-clubbed approach shot and a three-putt which contributed to a double bogey. McIlroy’s ire continued at the 14th, where he could fare no better than a bogey, but he recovered with a birdie at the next. His 69 was a decent start, if one compromised a touch by Phil Mickelson’s heroics later in the day.
“I think if I would’ve stepped on the first tee and someone would have given me two under I probably would have taken it,” McIlroy said. “If somebody had given me that score on the 10th I probably wouldn’t have.
“I knew today was a day where you had to make the most of the conditions because I don’t think we’re going to see the course like this for the rest of the week. I think the elements are going to be a bit of a challenge. Two under par, shooting something in the 60s, it’s a solid start.
“I feel like I hit a lot of good shots out there. I drove the ball pretty well. I sort of steered it a little bit the first few holes and that’s why I missed fairways. Once I got into my rhythm I started to hit good shots. I think technique-wise my swing mightn’t be exactly where I wanted but it’s definitely good enough this week to contend and have a chance to win.”
Should he do precisely that the chatter around McIlroy will alter once again. Even if that is not the case, his conscience is clear. Which, surely, is the most vital thing.
