Rory McIlroy has admitted he was “somewhat proven wrong” by the success of golf at the Rio Olympics.

The 27-year-old Northern Irishman withdrew from the much-discussed event in Brazil, citing concerns about the Zika virus and saying he would not even watch the tournament on TV.

McIlroy was one of a number of high-profile players, who withdrew from the men’s competition, which was ultimately won by Britain’s Justin Rose. At the time, McIlroy controversially said players did not see the Olympics as the “pinnacle” of golf, and that he would only watch the “stuff that matters” at the Games.

Now, however, he has performed a U-turn, admitting he misjudged golf’s place at the Olympic