RORY MCILROY DELIVERED a blow to Ireland’s hopes of an Olympic medal this morning by confirming he will not make himself available for selection this summer.
The four-time Major winner had previously announced he would represent Ireland in Rio but has now decided against competing in August.
With a world ranking of four, McIlroy was guaranteed to be part of Ireland’s two-man team for the Games, with golf back on the agenda for the first time in the modern era.
The International Golf Federation (IGF), which lobbied the International Olympic Council to add golf to the Games, has restricted the field to 60 players for each of the men’s and women’s competition.
The IGF will use the official world golf rankings to determine eligibility.
- The top 15 world-ranked players will qualify, with a limit of four players from a given country.
For example, if one country has five players inside the world’s top 15, only the four highest-ranked will make their team.
- To make up the remainder of the field, players will secure their qualification based on the world rankings, but only if no more than two golfers from a single country are already in the field.
- Brazil – the host nation – are already guaranteed one place.
The qualifying window began on 14 July 2014 and will run up to and including 11 July 2016.
So, where does McIlroy’s withdrawal leave us?
Shane Lowry, currently ranked 25th in the world, will be one of Ireland’s representatives.
The Offalyman has spoken of his desire to play at the Olympics and he has done enough over the last two years to collect the necessary points to sit comfortably inside the qualifying buffer.
He is currently in 12th position in the Olympic qualifying table and will now be joined on Team Ireland – captained by Paul McGinley – by Graeme McDowell, who was first reserve.
The Northern Irishman, like McIlroy, has said he will play for Ireland after turning down the option to wear the Great Britain colours.
A Golfing Union of Ireland spokesperson confirmed that McDowell is next in line, provided he decides to travel.
Pádraig Harrington and Waterford’s Seamus Power are replacements two and three.
USA are the only country who have four players inside the world’s top 15 and will consequently have four in the Olympic field, assuming Jordan Spieth, Dustin Johnston, Bubba Watson and Rickie Fowler all commit.
Because USA already have their allocation of four inside the top 15, Patrick Reed (13) and Brooks Koepka (15) would miss out.
Both the men’s and women’s events will see the 60 players compete in a 72-hole stroke play format competition to decide the winners of the gold, silver and bronze medals.
The men’s competition takes place between 11-14 August at the Olympic golf course, Reserva de Marapendi in Rio.
The42 is on Snapchat! Tap the button below on your phone to add!
