Jordan Spieth and Rory McIlroy approach Olympic golf debate from opposite sides

Jordan Spieth calls skipping the Olympics “probably the hardest decision I’ve had to make in my life.”

Rory McIlroy says he might not even watch the competition in Rio de Janeiro on television.

These very different comments from two of golf’s biggest stars on Tuesday represent the sport’s mixed emotions about returning to the Games after more than a century away.

Spieth cited “health reasons” – he did not mention the Zika virus specifically – in choosing not to play in Rio.

Speaking to reporters before the British Open at Royal Troon, the world’s No. 3 player called himself “a huge believer in Olympic golf. I’m a huge believer in playing for your country, showing I absolutely look forward to Summer and Winter Olympics. It’s the most exciting sporting event for me to watch on TV, and to have a chance to be a part of it is something I definitely look forward to trying to do.”

Some have questioned golf’s inclusion, citing the busy professional schedule in summer and suspecting that many top players care far more about trying to win major championships. A spate of highly ranked golfers have withdrawn in recent weeks.

That could affect the sport’s Olympic future. Golf is guaranteed a spot on the program only through 2020 – to stick around longer, it must be selected by the International Olympic Committee as a permanent addition.

The fourth-ranked McIlroy certainly did not sound too conflicted about stepping away.

“I don’t think it was as difficult a decision for me as it was for him,” he said, referring to Spieth.

Golf apparently ranks low on the list of sports McIlroy might watch during the Games in August. He is more interested in track, swimming and diving.

Or, as he put it: “The stuff that matters.”

david.wharton@latimes.com

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