Jab two was thrown Tuesday, at McIlroy’s press conference before this week’s Olympic event at Le Golf National in France. The Q&A had been mostly civil. Would he attend any other events? He said he might. Would he welcome a proposed mixed event at the next Games? He would. Where do the Olympics rank in the golf hierarchy? They’re high, he said. What would a gold mean? A lot. “It would be the achievement, certainly of the year, if not — I think for me, it’s well documented that I haven’t won one of the big four in 10 years,” McIlroy said. “It would probably be one if, if not the biggest in my career for the last 10 years.”

Tame. As was the next question. 

“Just for those watching at home, probably have not seen golf at Le Golf National since 2018. How different will the golf course play?”

Six years ago, you see, the Ryder Cup was played at Le Golf National, where McIlroy and the Europeans smashed the American side 17.5-10.5. 

The exchange continued this way:

Said McIlroy: “I don’t think it will play that much differently. It’s so pure. It’s in such great shape. But the rough is thick. It’s a pretty meaty setup.”

Asked a reporter: “Is the rough as thick?”

Answered McIlroy: “It’s pretty well — maybe not as …”

Answered Shane Lowry, also at the Games: “Probably not as long.”

Answered McIlroy, to laughter: “Ask the Americans. I wasn’t in it much that week. I think when I played a practice round.”

With that, we’ll just note this:

There are less than 14 months until the event starts. 

Nick Piastowski

Golf.com Editor

Nick Piastowski is a Senior Editor at Golf.com and Golf Magazine. In his role, he is responsible for editing, writing and developing stories across the golf space. And when he’s not writing about ways to hit the golf ball farther and straighter, the Milwaukee native is probably playing the game, hitting the ball left, right and short, and drinking a cold beer to wash away his score. You can reach out to him about any of these topics — his stories, his game or his beers — at nick.piastowski@golf.com.