McIlroy not sure of Olympic allegiance

by Brendan Cole

Rory McIlroy has said he does not know whether he would represent Ireland or Britain at the Olympics in 2016.

The County Down native could represent either team in Rio De Janeiro, where golf will be on the schedule for the first time since 1904.

McIlroy represented Ireland in the World Cup in 2009 and 2011, partnering fellow Northern Ireland native Graeme McDowell on both occasions. He also played for Ireland in the European Amateur Team Championship in 2007.

However, two years ago, he said he would play for Great Britain if the opportunity arose in 2016.

But he has moderated that stance this week.

According to PGA.com, McIlroy said: "Basically, if I am going to be very honest, which I usually am, whatever I say is going to upset someone. So I may as well just say I don't know and wait until four or five years' time, whenever I have to make a decision."

McIlroy will win a place in the 60-strong Olympic golf tournament field if he is in the world’s top 15 at the cut-off point.

The 22-year-old added: "It would be a huge honor to represent your country. It would be a great achievement to win a gold medal.

"As the Olympic Games come closer, I think the excitement will build for it and people will get into it more and I think it's great for the game of golf that it's now become an Olympic sport.

"It will spread the game all over the world and make it recognised in different countries, which can only be good."

McIlroy won the RTÉ Sports Person of the year award for 2011 in December and was awarded an MBE five days ago. He finished eighth in the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award poll.