RORY McILROY has come clean over the real motives behind his decision to withdraw from the Olympic Games.
Last month the 27-year-old ruled himself out of the running for Team Ireland’s representatives in Rio, citing the Zika virus as too big of a risk.
Many questioned McIlroy’s reasoning, suggesting the excuse was a cover for not wanting to participate, and ultimately they have been proved right judging by the golfer’s latest comments.
McIlroy has been heavily criticised for suggesting he probably won’t even watch golf at the Olympics but will instead watch “the stuff that matters,” suggesting his sport does not carry much worth at the Games.
VIDEO: Rory McIlroy won't even be watching the Olympic golf on telly. https://t.co/LzA8sHbIv0 #rtesporthttps://t.co/0AkR5RUuEG
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) July 12, 2016
McIlroy has now addressed those comments in a bid to draw a line under the episode, although he admits he has "no regrets" over his decision to withdraw.
"I decided to stop dancing around the issue and tell everyone what I thought," he said, ahead of the The Open, which began on Thursday.
"I've thought about Olympics and golf for the last seven years and this is just how I feel. Some people don't like it, I get that; but it's my opinion.
"I don't think anyone can blame me for being too honest. It was seven years of trying to give the politically correct answer and finally I just cracked."
Padraig Harrington, Seamus Power and Leona Maguire have since been confirmed as Ireland’s golfing representatives in Rio next month.
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