Rory McIlroy declares he can still play for whoever he wants at 2016 Olympics

Last week we thought McIlroy for Ireland in Rio was a done deal. Think again says Rory...

After this story went quiet for a while the debate over whether Rory McIlroy should represent Ireland or Great Britain at the 2016 Olympics is definitely back on the agenda.

Last week chief executive of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club, Peter Dawson said “I would very much like to take this burden of choice away from the player if we can possibly do it because it's not fair to him.” Dawson went on to explain that as McIlory had played for Ireland in amateur and World Cup tournaments he could not switch countries now.

But last night McIlroy was asked in a pre-Quail Hollow presser, again, about the subject and it seems the Holywood man has been going through the rule books himself.

McIlroy said:  “I think Rule 41 in the IOC states that I still have a choice. It’s not like they can take it away from me.  If you play for a country and then you either change nationality or whatever or if you don’t play for that certain country for three years, you still have a choice.

“I haven’t played for anyone, I guess, since the 2011 World Cup.  Obviously, going into the Olympics that will be five years, so I’ll still have a choice.”

And there is a golf World Cup at the end of this year in China. When asked if he would play for Ireland in that, which would tie him to Ireland for the 2016 Olympics, he replied “no”.

Make of that what you will but this story is going to be around for a while yet.