Day was one of the Rio refuseniks from golf’s grand Games comeback – after a 112-year absence – citing Zika and, as the top-ranked player in the male sport at that juncture, his was a notable withdrawal. He now regrets that decision and McIlroy is another who has admitted that his Copacabana sidestep was a mistake. This reception was further evidence.
McIlroy is followed wherever he goes, but even this honey pot was stunned by the attendance which was estimated at 25,000. “Unbelievable,” said McIlroy, who is representing Ireland, after his 68. “Really surprising. With so many events going on spread all across the city, for people to venture out here and to watch us play, it was a really cool atmosphere. I was not anticipating this. I thought the weekend might get a few more but the first couple of days would be quieter. It was awesome.”
Rio is not a golf city, but neither is Paris. The difference is that while the world Nos 1 to 4 cried off back then, eight of the top 10 are in this 60-man field – and the other two were not invited.
Each nation is only allowed a maximum of four, meaning that the Americans, ranked eight and nine, were non-starters, and although Patrick Cantlay has his admirers – honestly – it is Bryson DeChambeau’s exclusion that has whipped up the controversy. The Mad Scientist won the US Open, finished second in the US PGA and is only not here because he is a member of LIV and the breakaway circuit does not receive world-ranking points.
Joaquin Niemann, another LIV rebel, expects the criteria to be ripped up. “I don’t think it’s fair,” he said. “Because you don’t have the best players right now, I feel like.”
For 2024, it will have to do, and the Chilean (South America) is ready to make the most of it in a tie for third on five under, one back from defending Olympic champion and recent Open victor Xander Schauffele (North America) in second, with Team GBer Tommy Fleetwood (Europe) in a group on four under, also including world No 1 Scottie Scheffler, Kiwi Ryan Fox (Oceania) and South African Erik van Rooyen (Africa). Global and proud.
