Rory McIlroy stands by Rio claims

Rory McIlroy said he had no regrets about his comments regarding skipping the Olympics but wished he had expressed himself better regarding his statement that he did not get into golf to grow the game.

The four-time major champion has come under criticism inside and outside of golf following his statement on Tuesday, saying he would not be playing in the Olympics and may not even watch the golf events.

He stood by that yesterday following his opening round 69 at Troon, but was less satisfied with the way he had responded to the assertion from some that the elite professional males in the sport who had chosen not to play in Rio had let the game of golf down.