Rory McIlroy's shocking live TV outburst at Olympics leaves commentators making grovelling apology

During the opening round of the Olympic golf tournament, commentators had to apologise for Rory McIlroy's "colorful language" .

McIlroy, who is representing Ireland at Paris 2024 and not Team GB despite saying he's "always felt more British" , made a steady start at Le Golf National, posting a three-under-par 68. However, it wasn't without its blemishes.

While teeing off on the par-four 17th, McIlroy - who attended the Olympics with his wife Erica Stoll despite filing for divorce earlier in the year - hit it right and immediately let rip.

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Although the word wasn't entirely audible, the Discovery commentators heard it, immediately issuing an apology for the language. One said: "A colorful character, some colorful language."

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Another added: "Apologies for anything that came through the mic."

After a difficult few months, McIlroy is hoping for a much-needed lift in Paris. His bid to win a fifth major title will stretch into another year after he suffered his second-worst Open performance at Troon.

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The 35-year-old carded rounds of 78 and 75 to finish 11 over par, five weeks after his heartbreaking loss in the US Open.

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When asked what a gold medal would do for his year, McIlroy said this week: "It's well documented that I haven't won one of the big four in 10 years. It would probably be one of, if not the biggest [win] in my career for the last 10 years."

"The last time you guys [the media] saw me, I didn't give a very good account of myself at Troon. I want to make sure I'm right where I need to be teeing off on Thursday."

"Again I've been asked this question a lot, where would an Olympic medal sit in sort of the hirearchy of my career achievements? It's something I probably won't be able to answer until when everything is said and done."

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"I don't know if anything will be able to sit alongside the majors. We have our four events a year that are the gold standard. But I think this is going to be, in time, right up there amongst that."

Some of the world's top players are fighting it out for the medals. Representing Team GB are Tommy Fleetwood and Matt Fitzpatrick, while McIlroy and Shane Lowry are teeing up for Ireland.

A who's who of world golf also includes world number one Scottie Scheffler (US), recent Open winner Xander Schauffele (US), Australia's Jason Day and Norway's Viktor Hovland.