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The first round of the women's individual stroke play event at the 2024 Paris Olympics saw Gaby Lopez put on a great show. The Mexican golfer sits tied for third place with three other players following an opening round score of two under par 69.
Rory McIlroy recently spoke out about the influence of money in professional tournaments. At the men's individual stroke play event last week, the Irishman went on to reiterate that the pride of representing one's country at a prestigious event like the Olympics far succeeds a winner's cheque.
In a post-round press conference, Gaby Lopez agreed with McIlroy's perspective of the Olympics. She said:
"Oh, gosh, it's probably the best I've ever played in. Rory was saying, and really made it very, very interesting, how the biggest tournaments are not for money. You know, Solheim Cup, Ryder Cup, Olympics, and we get the best atmosphere. You know, you can see how people are so passionate about golf and golfers... Defending that flag is what I'm most proud of, and that's why I play this sport. It's not the outcome. It's actually what it gives me and how much I can inspire the next generation."
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With events like the Ryder Cup and Solheim Cup, the players' main motivator is to win for their respective countries. Several golf enthusiasts worldwide agree that a tournament with no purse encourages sportsmanship and pushes players to perform to their best.
Rory McIlroy on the 2024 Paris Olympics atmosphere
Despite a tied for 5th place finish at the Olympic Games last week, Rory McIlroy had his spirits up high. The Irishman has named the Ryder Cup as his favourite tournament due to its "pure competition" that is not driven by a purse prize, with the Olympics his second favourite.
According to Golf.com, McIlroy belives that the Ryder Cup and the Olympic Games are the only two events that are in the "purest form of competiton". The two-time Olympian believes that the honor of bearing your country's flag at such a prestigious event far outweighs any form of money. He said:
"I think with how much of a s**t 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. So it speaks volumes for what's important in sports and what's not, I think every single player this week has had an amazing experience."
