Rory McIlroy's 'salty' Ryder Cup answer backfires on him at the Olympics
Sports Illustrated's Bob Harig reveals Rory McIlroy 'was a bit salty' during his Olympics press conference at Le Golf National.
Sports Illustrated's Bob Harig has revealed Rory McIlroy 'was a bit salty' during his Olympic press conference at Le Golf National, and that his brutal Ryder Cup dig aimed at the Americans hardly made sense.
McIlroy, 35, was asked by a reporter to give his thoughts on the rough potentially being less penal this week than it was during the 2018 Ryder Cup when Europe trounced the United States 17.5-10.5 at Le Golf National.
"Ask the Americans, I wasn’t in it much that week," replied McIlroy as he stifled a smile.
Rory McIlroy gave a 'salty' press conference at the Olympics
While McIlroy's comment drew initial chuckles from reporters in the media centre, Sports Illustrated's Bob Harig took to X / Twitter to point out there was a slight issue with the Northern Irishman's response.
That's because none of the four American players teeing it up at the Olympcis this week - Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele, Collin Morikawa and Wyndham Clark - even competed on the 2018 US Ryder Cup team.
There are therefore no Americans to ask how comparable the rough is at Le Golf National.
It should probably also be noted McIlroy took 2 points from a possible 5 at the 2018 Ryder Cup.
Harig tweeted: 'Rory was a bit salty on Tuesday in his pre tournament interview. Asked about the rough at Le Golf National compared to 2018 Ryder Cup: “Ask the Americans. I wasn't in it much that week.” it should be noted there are no Americans to ask. None who played in ‘18 Ryder Cup are here.'
Elsewhere in McIlroy's press conference, he told a reporter it was "none of your business" as to why he was playing a round of golf at St Andrews on Monday.
When McIlroy was playing the famous 18th hole on the Old Course at St Andrews, he was greeted by a rather loud US heckler.
McIlroy soon sat him back down with his choice of reply as he cupped his hands to his mouth.
He also reignited a LIV Golf war with his choice of words around why their players did not make it to the Olympics.
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