Rory McIlroy’s Veiled Barb at LIV Golf After Missing Out on Olympic Medal

Rory McIlroy made a thinly-veiled barb that appeared to be aimed at LIV Golf as he missed out on a medal at the Olympics.

It came as Scottie Scheffler took home gold for the United States, which left him teary-eyed on the podium following a spectacular year.

McIlroy’s Fifth-Place Finish and Medal Contention

McIlroy, representing Ireland, finished tied fifth, with Scheffler taking the gold and Team GB’s Tommy Fleetwood winning silver by the slimmest of margins.

He was in contention to pick up a medal after making five birdies in a row in the final round, where he was one stroke off the gold with four holes to play.

But after putting a simple approach into the water, it ended any chance of him being on the podium.

McIlroy’s Comments on LIV Golf and the Purest Form of Golf

Speaking to reporters after the event, McIlroy appeared to take a shot at LIV Golf, a breakaway golf tour that rivals the PGA Tour.

He said: “I still think that the Ryder Cup is the best tournament that we have in our game, pure competition, and I think this has the potential to be right up there with it.

“I think with how much of a s*** show the game of golf is right now and you think about the two tournaments that might be the purest form of competition in our sport, we don’t play for money in it.

“Maybe apart from The Ryder Cup, we don’t get that any other place that we play.

“So yeah, I just thought it was an incredible atmosphere and environment to play in, and I think everyone in the field had a blast.”

Scheffler’s Olympic Gold and Emotional Reaction

Meanwhile, Scheffler, who was making his first appearance at the Olympics, crowned off his debut with a brilliant 19-under to win gold ahead of Fleetwood on 18-under.

It caps off a brilliant year for the American, having also won The Masters for the second time, reclaiming his Green Jacket from 2022.

The world No. 1 could not help but let the tears flow as he collected his medal and the national anthem rang out.

He said: “Anytime you’re able to represent your country is pretty special.

“This was a fun week, and it was great representing the USA, and I’m proud to be going home with a medal.”