McIlroy & # 039; enthusiastic & # 039; to play for Ireland at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games

McIlroy won the PGA Tour Player of the Year Award 2019

Rory McIlroy has said that he will play in the 2020 Olympic Games in Japan for Ireland.

The Northern Irish golfer had previously said it was "likely" he would play in Tokyo, but has now confirmed his participation.

"I am excited to play the Olympic Games and call myself an Olympian," McIlroy told the Gulf Channel.

The native Holywood did not participate in the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, citing fears about the Zika virus as the reason.

McIlroy spoke in Tokyo on Wednesday, where he will participate in this week's Zozo championship.

"To such a wave-crazy country as Japan helps," he added.

"It's a really good atmosphere and just being here this week and seeing the enthusiasm of the fans makes me look forward to coming back next year and playing the Olympics."

Part of the debate about McIlroy's potential participation in the Olympic Games in the past has focused on whether he would play for Ireland or Great Britain.

However, the 30-year-old said he had come to terms with his choice and embraced the chance to play at the Olympic Games for Ireland.

"I think I made it harder for myself than I needed until," he said.

"My feelings about it were more about what other people will think. Once I got that out of my mind and decided to do what was best for me, it became easy.

The decision was that I would play golf for the country or country for which I have always played golf, th rough my junior and amateur days, and now in my professional career. "