Rory McIlroy is declaring for Ireland

Felexicon · 10-09-2012 09:33AM

rod flanders wrote: »

What if doesn't qualify for the GB team? In four years, Donald and Westwood could be 1&2 in the world and they get selected. Would he reconsider and represent Ireland?

Is there a confirmed layout for golf at the olympics?

Fratton Fred · 10-09-2012 09:35AM

Tox56 wrote: »

Fratton Fred wrote: »

Yes, lots. It never happens.
In fact, Andy Murray is referred to as Scottish as often as British win or lose.
Unlike Tim Henman who was rarely referred to as English.

Exactly, this was printed yesterday and it refers to Murray as a Scot http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/19539192
I never did understand this whole "Scottish when he loses" business

Early in his career he was asked who he was supporting at the world cup, to which he replied "whoever England are playing".

The English press responded with That's ok Andy, you're only British when you're winning, but Scottish when you're losing

Richard Hillman · 10-09-2012 09:36AM

Felexicon wrote: »

rod flanders wrote: »

What if doesn't qualify for the GB team? In four years, Donald and Westwood could be 1&2 in the world and they get selected. Would he reconsider and represent Ireland?

Is there a confirmed layout for golf at the olympics?

The top 15 in the World rankings qualify. After that only 2 from each country can enter. GB and USA will have about 5 members each

summerskin · 10-09-2012 09:36AM

Francie Barrett wrote: »

Rory McIlroy always regarded himself as British. I remember when he won the British Open someone threw an Irish tricolour at him to parade and he quickly got rid of it. From a professional and monetary standpoint, it makes more sense to identify as being British. I am sure he will be looking at the likes of Mo Farah rolling in sponsorship money for becoming an Olympic hero for Britain.

Yeah, because nobody is allowed to be proud to represent GB...

Don't really think a few quid extra in endorsements will make a difference to the multi-millionaire McIlroy.

mike65 · 10-09-2012 09:38AM

I think Golf being an Olympic sport is the main outrage here - at least the footballers are young and not all multi-millionaires.

Felexicon · 10-09-2012 09:38AM

Richard Hillman wrote: »

The top 15 in the World rankings qualify. After that only 2 from each country can enter. GB and USA will have about 5 members each

So he should be an automatic qualifier then.

That is unless Caroline finds his second phone and goes postal with a golf club on his car.

summerskin · 10-09-2012 09:39AM

Fratton Fred wrote: »

Early in his career he was asked who he was supporting at the world cup, to which he replied "whoever England are playing".

The English press responded with That's ok Andy, you're only British when you're winning, but Scottish when you're losing

All of which was taken out of context and sensationalised to sell red-tops.

Personally I think Murray is a sour-faced gimp, but regardless of that I want him to win, as a British competitor.

Tox56 · 10-09-2012 09:39AM

McIlroy has been earning $286 a minute for the last week, money isn't an issue.

Felexicon · 10-09-2012 09:39AM

mike65 wrote: »

I think Golf being an Olympic sport is the main outrage here - at least the footballers are young and not all multi-millionaires.

Sarcasim?
If not feel free to move your palm towards your face at high speed

MJ23 · 10-09-2012 09:40AM

Francie Barrett wrote: »

Rory McIlroy always regarded himself as British. I remember when he won the British Open someone threw an Irish tricolour at him to parade and he quickly got rid of it. From a professional and monetary standpoint, it makes more sense to identify as being British. I am sure he will be looking at the likes of Mo Farah rolling in sponsorship money for becoming an Olympic hero for Britain.

When did he win the British open ?

Ash.J.Williams · 10-09-2012 09:40AM

philologos wrote: »

There's no Northern Ireland Olympic team. Also, in the Olympics just gone quite a few people from Northern Ireland were on the Irish team.

As Rory said, it depends on what way you were brought up.

Felexicon · 10-09-2012 09:43AM

Francie Barrett wrote: »

Rory McIlroy always regarded himself as British. I remember when he won the British Open someone threw an Irish tricolour at him to parade and he quickly got rid of it. From a professional and monetary standpoint, it makes more sense to identify as being British. I am sure he will be looking at the likes of Mo Farah rolling in sponsorship money for becoming an Olympic hero for Britain.

That is incorrect.
Firstly it happened after winning the US Open.
Secondly in an interview a few months later with Fox Sports he explained that as he is aware of the significance of both the Tri - colour and Union Jack in the area he comes from, and thus he will not parade with either while representing Northern Ireland in singles competitions

SharpshooterTom · 10-09-2012 09:57AM

Rory McIlroy went to a protestant school, in a predominately middle class unionist area. So its not really suprising given his upbringing, all his friends would have most likely have been protestants etc.

I think what this does prove though is that upbringing is far more important in determining nationality than "you are where you are born and thats it!" scenario, which the simpletons often come up with.

Nationality should be a personal choice, if there is one.

Francie Barrett · 10-09-2012 10:05AM

summerskin wrote: »

Yeah, because nobody is allowed to be proud to represent GB...

Don't really think a few quid extra in endorsements will make a difference to the multi-millionaire McIlroy.

A few extra quid? His earnings from sponsorship, merchandising, etc. will easily eclipse what he makes from prize money.

summerskin · 10-09-2012 10:07AM

Francie Barrett wrote: »

A few extra quid? His earnings from sponsorship, merchandising, etc. will easily eclipse what he makes from prize money.

Yes, but he will get that regardless of who he represents in an Olympic Games 4 years from now. He's a global star. It would have no impact on his decision.

Is it that hard for you to believe he chose Britain because he wants to represent them? Because he has national pride for a country that is not the RoI?

Francie Barrett · 10-09-2012 10:09AM

summerskin wrote: »

Yes, but he will get that regardless of who he represents in an Olympic Games 4 years from now. He's a global star. It would have no impact on his decision.

Is it that hard for you to believe he chose Britain because he wants to represent them? Because he has national pride for a country that is not the RoI?

I doubt he cares one way or the other who he represents.

pickarooney · 10-09-2012 10:11AM

I doubt winning the Olympic golf tournament would have any noticeable impact on a player's sponsorship value. McIlroy is the world number one as it stands - his profile can't really get any higher.

martingriff · 10-09-2012 10:12AM

summerskin wrote: »

No, you're right. As a former sports journalist I have never read the sports pages.

Well done.

And how the hell am I meant to know that. Less of the sarcasm there mate

summerskin · 10-09-2012 10:14AM

martingriff wrote: »

And how the hell am I meant to know that. Less of the sarcasm there mate

Less of the ridiculous statements then, pal.

Dyr · 10-09-2012 10:14AM

If considers himself british then fire away, good luck to em

martingriff · 10-09-2012 10:18AM

summerskin wrote: »

Less of the ridiculous statements then, pal.

So answer the question how the hell was I to know you were a former sports journalist.

Beefy78 · 10-09-2012 10:19AM

Tox56 wrote: »

Exactly, this was printed yesterday and it refers to Murray as a Scot http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/19539192

I never did understand this whole "Scottish when he loses" business

In my experience it does happen but largely as a joke because of how well aware everyone is of this 'Scottish when he loses' lark. Everyone knows that Andy Murray is Scottish regardless of whether he wins or loses.

As for Rory, welcome to Team GB

Teyla Emmagan · 10-09-2012 10:19AM

He can if he wants, we shouldn't be getting our noses out of joint over it.

super_furry · 10-09-2012 10:21AM

summerskin wrote: »

Less of the ridiculous statements then, pal.

He's not your pal, buddy.

Felexicon · 10-09-2012 10:22AM

super_furry wrote: »

He's not your pal, buddy.

He ain't your buddy, mate

Beefy78 · 10-09-2012 10:23AM

super_furry wrote: »

He's not your pal, buddy.

He's not your buddy, guy

summerskin · 10-09-2012 10:24AM

martingriff wrote: »

So answer the question how the hell was I to know you were a former sports journalist.

You didn't need to, you made a ridiculous statement that I'd never read the sports pages or letters. How many people have never read the sports pages? How many would be posting on a thread about a golfer?

You were attempting to be the smart alec and belittle other posters while talking drivel about a subject you know nothing about (the whole "murray is scottish when he loses" thing) which is something only raised seriously in Ireland by people with a chip on their shoulder about the UK.

Felexicon · 10-09-2012 10:26AM

pickarooney wrote: »

I doubt winning the Olympic golf tournament would have any noticeable impact on a player's sponsorship value. McIlroy is the world number one as it stands - his profile can't really get any higher.

Really?

Look at the likes of Jessica Ennis, Victoria Pendalton or Chris Hoy.
All are world champions in thier respective sports but didn't become true household name until they won Olympic titles.

Although golf has a larger global following than the sports refrenced above, winning an Olympic medal would rasie the profile of any golfer (bar Tiger) to become a household name and thus intrest from brands not associated with golf would be more likely to offer sponsorship

summerskin · 10-09-2012 10:30AM

Felexicon wrote: »

Really?

Look at the likes of Jessica Ennis, Victoria Pendalton or Chris Hoy.
All are world champions in thier respective sports but didn't become true household name until they won Olympic titles.

Although golf has a larger global following than the sports refrenced above, winning an Olympic medal would rasie the profile of any golfer (bar Tiger) to become a household name and thus intrest from brands not associated with golf would be more likely to offer sponsorship

Absolute drivel. Did winning the Olympics in 2008 raise nadal's profile? no, winning the french open, wimbledon, Us open and Australian open did, as they are what is important in that sport.

Ennis, Hoy and Pendleton will never make as much money as McIlroy as his sport is truly global and does not need the olympics for publicity.

Beefy78 · 10-09-2012 10:34AM

Felexicon wrote: »

Really?

Look at the likes of Jessica Ennis, Victoria Pendalton or Chris Hoy.
All are world champions in thier respective sports but didn't become true household name until they won Olympic titles.

Although golf has a larger global following than the sports refrenced above, winning an Olympic medal would rasie the profile of any golfer (bar Tiger) to become a household name and thus intrest from brands not associated with golf would be more likely to offer sponsorship

Ennis, Pendalton and Hoy compete in sports which have relatively low-profiles, as you acknowledge yourself.

The Olympic sports that Golf can be compared to would be football and (especially) tennis. Personally, I couldn't name you too many of the Mexican side who won the gold in football although maybe you can? I suspect that if Andy Murray wins the US Open today then that will do far more for his profile than winning the Olympic Gold did.

Rory McIlroy is declaring for Ireland

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