Brian Spurlock-US PRESSWIRE
Somewhat disgruntled with the level of scorn he is experiencing around his future Olympic allegiances, Rory McIlroy has hit out.
Yesterday, in an open letter addressed to fans, the Northern Irish golfer has spoken of his anger that three wins in four tournaments have been overshadowed by the continuing questions over his national identity and who he shall represent during the Rio Olympics in 2016.
To quote him verbatim, he said: “I am in an extremely sensitive and difficult position and I conveyed as much in a recent newspaper interview. I am a proud product of Irish golf and the Golfing Union of Ireland and am hugely honored to have come from very rich Irish sporting roots…I am also a proud Ulsterman who grew up in Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom. That is my background and always will be.”
He goes on to state that he has received huge support from British and Irish fans, as well as reveling in the support of fans in the US, where he plays most of his golf. He recognizes that he is an international star, he says, and he is very grateful for that.
He then goes on to say that the Olympics is a fantastic event and he would love to be involved, but he will certainly not be making any decision, publicly at least, until he is nearer to the event. Instead he claims that “my focus right now is on being the best player I can be, trying to win Major Championships and contributing to what will hopefully be a victorious European side at the forthcoming Ryder Cup matches against the USA.”
Already some Irish journalist from the Republic have stated that this hints at an allegiance already. However, to err on that side of rhetoric is to disregard the letter itself. He merely wants to be allowed to play good golf without political and religious questions being slung at him before the fact.
On the other hand, he acknowledges that he is a global name. You cannot have your cake and eat it in the world of branding and sports coverage. He will be a prize for whoever he aligns with and it will cause derision whichever outcome.
He wants to wait four years, and he wants to take control of how golfing fans and those occupied with identity see him. It has never been, nor will it ever be, that easy.
