Rory McIlroy robbed of Olympic history after hitting other-worldly shot in Paris

Views: 40

Rory McIlroy found himself five shots off the pace heading into the second round of the men’s golf event at the Olympic Games, but has started to make his move on day two

Rory McIlroy almost wrote his name into the Olympic history books, after the four-time major champion was denied a famous albatross by the barest of margins at Le Golf National.

McIlroy is representing Team Ireland in Paris this week alongside Shane Lowry, and after a steady round one, he enjoyed a quick start to his second 18 holes. After beginning Friday’s play with back-to-back pars at the first and second, the Northern Irishman made eagle at the par-five third.

And things could have been even better for McIlroy after his second shot from the fairway slam-dunked into the hole, before popping back out and finishing inside two-feet of the pin.

The four-time major winner is playing in his second Olympic Games after competing in Tokyo three years ago. Golf returned to the Olympic schedule after over 100 years away in 2016, but amid the event’s lengthy spell away from professional golf, many players – including McIlroy – doubted its importance.

McIlroy was one of a number of big-name stars to withdraw from the 2016 tournament amid the Zika virus outbreak in Brazil eight years ago. He had previously downplayed the Olympic event, commenting upon its return: “I think I’ll be remembered for my major championships. So all I’ve dreamed of from a little kid is winning majors.

“I never dreamed of competing in the Olympics or winning an Olympic medal. So in my mind, a major will always be more important.” Eight years on however, it appears the Team Ireland athlete is warming to the idea, claiming it would be his biggest achievement for some time amid his wait 10-year wait for a fifth major title.

For all the latest on news, politics, sports, and showbiz from the USA, go to The Mirror US .

Rory McIlroy is in action at the Olympics ( Image:

Getty Images)

“It would be the achievement, certainly of the year,” the former Open champion claimed. “If not — I think for me, it’s well documented that I haven’t won one of the Big Four in ten years. It would probably be one if, if not the biggest in my career for the last ten years.”

“With so many events going on spread all across the city, for people to venture out here and to watch us play, it was a really cool atmosphere to play in. I was not expecting this. I thought the weekend it might get a few more people. I thought the first couple days might be a little bit quieter but it was awesome. Tokyo was a ghost town [due to COVID-19 restrictions].

“This was much better. I think the crowd support that we all got out there was amazing. Obviously there’s a few more flags and there’s a bit more, I don’t know what the word is, like nationalism. But we were all really well supported out there.

It was great to see.”