Rory McIlroy Still Faces Olympics Decision
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Rory McIlroy will still have the choice of representing either Great Britain or Ireland at the 2016 Rio Olympics, despite comments from the R&A Chief Peter Dawson implying he may only be eligible for Ireland.
Dawson announced that there may be a regulation saying the world number one may have to represent Ireland in Rio as he has already played for them in two past world cups. However the International Olympic Committee decided if three years have passed since he represented Ireland, the 23-year-old could play for Team GB.
The news comes after McIlroy said in January: McIlroy added: “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.”
The Olympic Charter states: “A competitor who has represented one country in the Olympic Games, in continental or regional games or in world or regional championships… and who has changed his nationality or acquired a new nationality, may participate in the Olympic Games to represent his new country provided that at least three years have passed since the competitor last represented his former country.”
With the Rio Games three years away, this would mean McIlroy could represent either country as long as he does not play for Ireland again in any other tournament, although the rule also adds that the “period may be reduced or even cancelled”.
