McIlroy May Sit Out 2016 Games

Rory McIlroy has revealed he may decide to sit out the 2016 Olympics Games over uncertainty as to which country to represent.

The world number one golfer from Holywood, County Down, said his role in the Games at Rio de Janeiro is as yet undecided, as he considers whether to play for Britain, Ireland or not at all.

"I just think being from where we're from, we're placed in a very difficult position. I feel Northern Irish and obviously being from Northern Ireland, you have a connection to Ireland and a connection to the UK," he told the BBC in a documentary.

"If I could and there was a Northern Irish team, then I'd play for Northern Ireland. I feel Northern Irish.

"Play for one side or the other, or not play at all because I may upset too many people; those are my three options I'm considering very carefully."

As golf in Ireland is traditionally an all-island sport, McIlroy has already represented Ireland twice at the World Cup.

He is on record as saying he felt "more British than Irish", before clarifying: "I am a proud product of Irish golf. I am also a proud Ulsterman who grew up in Northern Ireland."

But he added: "People tune in to watch me play on TV and feel like they are connected to me in some way.

"I don't want to repay them for their support by doing something that they wouldn't want me to do. When I do make a decision, it's going to be one that I've thought long and hard about, and one that I feel comfortable with."

(IT)