McIlroy narrowly missed out on his first major title since 2014 at this year’s US Open, losing by a single shot to Bryson DeChambeau after failing to sink two short putts in the final three holes. The disappointment was compounded when he missed the cut at The Open Championship at Royal Troon. These setbacks have only intensified McIlroy’s determination to achieve a landmark victory in Paris, where the competition is expected to be fierce.

Eight years ago, McIlroy opted not to compete in the Rio Olympics when golf made its return after a 112-year absence, even stating he would not watch the event. However, his perspective has since evolved. In Tokyo 2021, McIlroy came close to winning a medal, narrowly missing out in a seven-man play-off for bronze, eventually secured by Chinese Taipei’s Pan Cheng-tsung.

Since his last major victory, McIlroy has claimed 17 PGA Tour titles, including three Tour Championships and The Players Championship. Yet, he has made it clear that an Olympic gold medal would be at least on par with, if not above, these achievements. "It would be the highlight of the year, if not the biggest in my career over the last decade," McIlroy told reporters. He aims to redeem himself after a lacklustre showing at Royal Troon.

The competition in Paris will be intense, featuring top players like world number one Scottie Scheffler, making his Olympic debut, and defending champion Xander Schauffele, fresh from victories at the 2024 PGA Championship and The Open. Additionally, eight of the world’s top ten players will compete, promising one of the strongest fields ever assembled for a men’s Olympic golf event.

Olympic organisers are reportedly considering adding a mixed team event to the golf schedule for the 2028 Games in Los Angeles, a proposal McIlroy supports. "I think some people were surprised it was only individual stroke play and that they didn't try to mix it up with different formats," said McIlroy. "If that came to fruition in L.A., where there was a mixed team event, or even another team event that wasn’t mixed and Shane [Lowry] and I could play, I'd love that. I think it would be a great addition to the competition."

McIlroy will begin his quest for gold this Thursday, competing alongside 59 other golfers in the first round of the men's individual tournament. Among his rivals are notable players such as the Americans Scottie Scheffler and Schauffele, who are ranked first and second in the world rankings, respectively; and the Swedish player Ludvig Åberg, who is currently ranked fourth.