Rory McIlroy's Electric Olympic Return

Rory McIlroy, playing in his second Olympic Games at Le Golf National, experienced a thrilling atmosphere with thousands of fans chanting his name. The enthusiasm was in stark contrast to the 2021 Tokyo Games where no fans were present. The international event drew large crowds and energetic support, marking its importance despite debates on its relevance alongside traditional golf majors.

Rory McIlroy is making waves in his second Olympic appearance at Le Golf National, where the vibrant atmosphere made it feel like his true Olympic debut. On Thursday, fans thronged the course, chanting his name and boosting the spirits of the participating golfers.

The excitement was palpable as McIlroy walked past Olympic legend Michael Phelps and saw a sea of spectators lining the fairway. McIlroy described the experience as 'unbelievable' and 'surprising,' far different from his first Olympic outing in Tokyo, which was devoid of any spectators due to the pandemic.

The event has attracted nearly 20,000 fans, a number comparable to major PGA Tour events, showcasing the global appeal of golf at the Olympics. Players like Jason Day and local hero Victor Perez felt the intensity on the first tee, with Perez reminiscing about playing at this venue as a child. The immense crowd support emphasized the significance of the tournament, despite ongoing debates about its Olympic stature.

(With inputs from agencies.)