It came as Scottie Scheffler took home gold for the United States which left him teary-eyed on the podium following a spectacular year.

McIlroy, representing Ireland, finished tied fifth, with Scheffler taking the gold and Team GB’s Tommy Fleetwood winning silver by the slimmest of margins.

He was in contention to pick up a medal after making five birdies in a row in the final round, where he was one stroke off the gold with four holes to play.

But after putting a simple approach into the water, it ended any chance of him being on the podium.

And speaking to reporters in front of the crowd at Le Golf National, McIlroy appeared to take a shot at LIV Golf – a breakaway golf tour which rivals the PGA Tour.

He said: “Amazing experience. Probably one of the best individual competitions I’ve been a part of.

“We were talking about it out there and Nico (Hojgaard) reckons it’s the best tournament he’s ever been involved in, and he’s played a Ryder Cup.

“I still think that the Ryder Cup is the best tournament that we have in our game, pure competition, and I think this has the potential to be right up there with it.

“I think with how much of a s*** show the game of golf is right now and you think about the two tournaments that might be the purest form of competition in our sport, we don’t play for money in it.

“Even standing on the 16th tee and watching 18 and seeing Victor Perez come up 18 and how he was serenaded by the French crowds.

“We don’t get that any other place that we play, maybe apart from The Ryder Cup.

“So yeah, I just thought it was an incredible atmosphere and environment to play in, and I think everyone in the field had a blast.”

Those comments were given to rival Xander Schauffele, who finished tied ninth, and he replied: “He kind of bounces around with his opinion.

“He said that he – he’s reverted on that topic.

“But yeah, I mean there’s something to be said about it. There’s a lot of heart and patriotism. You’re proud of what you’re doing and the colours you’re wearing. That’s probably what he’s referring to.

“It’s a different feeling, and this year was incredible.

“You know, if you were in Tokyo, it’s cool, and this year is very different with the fans and the people and being able to see other games.

“It was much closer to what is a real Olympics experience.”

Meanwhile Scheffler, who was making his first appearance at the Olympics, crowned off his debut with a brilliant 19-under to win gold ahead of Fleetwood on 18-under.

It caps off a brilliant year for the American having also won The Masters for the second time, reclaiming his Green Jacket from 2022.

The world No. 1 could not help but let the tears flow as he collected his medal and the national anthem rang out.

“It’s pretty high up there,” Scheffler replied when asked where this gold medal ranks among his achievements.

“Anytime you’re able to represent your country is pretty special.

“This was a fun week and it was great representing the USA, and I’m proud to be going home with a medal.”

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Source: New York Post