Rory torches Rio Olympics

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Rory McIlroy would much rather wear a green jacket than sport a gold medal.

In fact, the Northern Irishman won’t even be watching his own sport when the Olympics start in August.

“I’m very happy with the decision that I’ve made and I have no regrets about it,” said McIlroy two days before the 145th British Open starts at Royal Troon. “I’ll probably watch the Olympics, but I’m not sure golf will be one of the events I watch.” So, what will he watch? “Probably,” he replied, “the events like track and field, swimming, diving — the stuff that matters.” Ouch! The 27-year-old, who withdrew from the Olympics in June citing concerns about the Zika virus, also responded to the notion that golfers had a “responsibility” to compete in the Olympics to help grow the game. Top players Jordan Spieth, Jason Day and Dustin Johnson have also pulled out of the Games, mostly citing Zika.

McIlroy said he has “no regrets” about turning down the opportunity to compete for his country — and feels no added pressure about opening the eyes of others to the sport he loves.

“I don’t feel like I’ve let the game down at all. I didn’t get into golf to try and grow the game. I got into golf to win championships and win major championships,” McIlroy said. “All of a sudden you get to this point and there is a responsibility on you to grow the game and I get that. But at the same time that’s not the reason that I got into golf.”

McIlroy’s ‘I-don’t-givea-you-knowwhat’ attitude contrasted with Spieth, who said Tuesday it was “probably the hardest decision I’ve ever had to make in my life,” to not play in the Games.

It's not just the Olympics that have McIlroy unhappy, however.

The golfer was agitated about a recent column suggesting he could be the fourth Beatle behind Spieth, Johnson and Day.

McIlroy rolled his eyes at the comparison before gently reminding reporters of his remarkable achievements, which easily exceed what the others have combined. “I’ve got four major championships and I’d love to add to that tally, just as those guys would love to add to their one or two majors that they have” McIlroy subtly said. 1:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. ET, Golf Channel 4 a.m. - 7 a.m. ET, Golf Channel 7 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. ET, NBC 4 a.m. - 7 a.m. ET, Golf Channel 7 a.m. - 2 p.m. ET, NBC

Rory McIlroy is focused on winning this week’s British Open, but took the time Tuesday to register his distaste for golf in the Olympics.