Rory McIlroy blames his 'ignorance and naivety' for initial Olympic scepticism

The Holywood man feels he has propelled himself into Olympic medal contention with his bogey-free, five-under par round on Saturday that leaves him on the coattails of the tournament leaders.

Rory McIlroy reacts to a chip shot on the 17th. Picture: ©INPHO/James Crombie

Rory McIlroy says his initial indifference, and even scorn, for the idea of Olympic golf was down to an ignorance and naivety that has been the cause of that and other changes of mind throughout his career.

The four-time major champion elected against competing in Rio in 2016 and admitted a resentment at having to choose nationality between Team GB and Ireland. He eventually agreed to represent this country given he had done so at underage and amateur levels.