Rory McIlroy in Paris

Rory McIlroy is competing in the Paris 2024 Olympic Golf Tournament, describing his experience as 'much better' than his debut in Tokyo, where he felt the atmosphere was lacking. After the first round, McIlroy is tied for 14th place with a score of three-under par, two shots off the medal positions and five behind leader Hideki Matsuyama. He highlighted the impressive crowd support at Le Golf National, stating it was 'awesome' and a stark contrast to the 'ghost town' of Tokyo. The event has drawn an international field, with significant representation from six continents, further enhancing the Olympic spirit. McIlroy's round included five birdies and an eagle, but also featured four dropped shots, which he acknowledged as part of the game. He emphasized the importance of this week for golf's Olympic future, especially after previous events were affected by external factors.