G-Mac delight as ‘complex’ Rio issue put to bed

Rory McIlroy’s decision to represent Ireland in the 2016 Olympic Games delighted his fellow Ulsterman Graeme McDowell at Fota Island yesterday with the talented pair now set to wear the green jersey in Rio.

McDowell was also enthusiastic at the prospect of playing the Fota course in glorious weather conditions over the next four days, proclaiming it “like the proverbial walk in the park after Pinehurst last week” when G-Mac faded away after a bright start to the US Open.

“I think it is great that Rory has put this to bed at last”, he said. “It was a contentious, complicated, complex issue. I suppose it could have been settled with a straight answer. But it’s a good boost for everyone here this week and to have Rory McIlroy representing Ireland in the Olympic Games is very special.