[Golf Topic] 'Number 1' McIlroy "Tokyo Olympic Participation"

Rory McIlroy is smiling during the Arnold Palmer Invitational Pro-Am. Orlando, Florida, USA = Getty Images / Multibits

[Asia Economy Reporter Noo Rae] ○…World No. 1 Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland) has expressed his intention to participate in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in Japan.

In an interview with the US Golf Channel on the 5th (Korean time), he said, "If the Olympics are held as scheduled, I will participate," and emphasized, "If the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Tokyo Olympic Organizing Committee say it is safe, we have to trust that." McIlroy did not participate in the Rio de Janeiro Olympics in Brazil four years ago, where the Zika virus was widespread. The Tokyo Olympics have recently faced postponement rumors due to the global spread of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

On the 3rd, 'Number 5' Dustin Johnson (USA) also declared he would not participate in the Tokyo Olympics. The men's competition will be held over four days from July 30 at the Kasumigaseki Golf Club near Tokyo. Each country can send 2 players, but countries with players ranked within the 'Top 15' as of the end of June can send up to 4 players. McIlroy will compete tonight at the Bay Hill Golf Club (par 72, 7,454 yards) in Orlando, Florida, in the PGA Tour Arnold Palmer Invitational (total prize money $9.3 million).

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