McIlroy predicts Olympic golf 'will be on a par with the four Majors'

Rory McIlroy of Ireland with his caddy Harry Diamond of the men's individual stroke play at the Kasumigaseki Country Club 

Rory McIlroy has had a complicated relationship with the Olympics but the four-time Major champions says he has a deeper appreciation for what the Games can mean for the game of golf having played his first round at the Kasumigaseki Country Club.

The Holyrood man shot a two-under par 69 which leaves him joint-20th after day one and six shots off leader Sepp Straka of Austria. His Irish teammate Shane Lowry posted a one-under round to leave him tied for 31st.