Rory McIlroy has hinted winning Olympic gold should not be viewed in the same light as claiming a major due to the quality of the field.
McIlroy tees it up for Team Ireland at Le Paris National – the scene of Europe’s Ryder Cup triumph in 2018 – on Thursday alongside close friend Shane Lowry.
The event comes just two weeks after McIlroy’s disappointing Open Championship at Troon where he missed the cut as his wait for an elusive fifth major crown, and first in 10 years, continues.
The field in France includes most, but not all, the leading players in the world with the likes of Bryson DeChambueau, who pipped McIlroy to the title at the US Open last month, Brooks Koepka, Cameron Smith and Patrick Cantlay all absent.
And until the selection criteria changes, the Ulsterman feels the Olympics cannot be compared to a major.
He told BBC Northern Ireland: “As time goes on, as the Olympics become a greater part of our sport, it will mean more to the sport.
“It’s hard to say [whether the Olympics will become like a major], as even this week, the way the qualification system works, not all the best players in the world are here.
“You’d like to think that if you’re going to win something really prestigious in the sport then you want all the best players playing and that isn’t quite happening here.
“It’s still very meaningful and if I were to win a medal, especially a gold medal, it would mean a lot to me.”
‘Hard to say’ if Olympics will become like a major 💬 Rory McIlroy ⛳️#Olympics #BBCOlympics #BBCGolf pic.twitter.com/nbuARFlq4r
— BBC SPORT NI (@BBCSPORTNI) July 30, 2024
Having been blown off course on Troon’s wild links, McIlroy is happier on a more conventional set-up just outside Paris.
He added: “I’ve obviously had a bit more time off than I wanted with not playing the weekend at The Open but I’m excited to be here and at a golf course where I’ve got a lot of fond memories from the Ryder Cup a few years ago.
“And it’s good to get back to playing in conditions that are a little bit more familiar. Obviously Troon was really, really difficult but to be out here in the sunshine without a lot of wind feels really nice.”
