McIlroy's Olympic allegiance up to him, say Coe and Hickey

Chairman of the British Olympic Association Sebastian Coe has said that it's up to Rory McIlroy to decide what county he declares for at the next Olympics.

Golf has been reinstated as an Olympic sport for Rio 2016, with the issue of McIlroy's allegiance very much up for debate.

Coe was at the Mansion House in Dublin yesterday to present Ireland's 2012 Olympic medallists with special pins to mark the occasion.

As a Northern Ireland resident, McIlroy can choose to represent Ireland or Great Britain in Rio.

Coe says it's entirely up to the former World Number One who to represent.

"It is very important that Rory has the ultimate say on where or how he plays," Coe said.

"I can say this without even frankly having this conversion publicly with Pat (Hickey). We are both of the view that it is up to him to decide and we will abide by what decision he makes and support him through that.”

Coe added: "I'm an Olympian and I want to see the best athletes of their generation in Olympic sports competing. I primarily just hope that he is there."

Coe has represented Great Britain with great distinction at the Olympics in the past, but failed to be drawn on his personal preference, whether or not he would like McIlroy to declare for Team GB.

"It's entirely up to him - I don't have a personal choice here. I really don't have a personal choice here. The athletes have a personal choice."

Olympic Council of Ireland President Pat Hickey has backed Coe's thoughts on the subject.

"Can I back up 100% what Seb Coe has said," Hickey stated.

"First of all that great athlete Rory McIlroy has clearly stated that it is his choice. What people forget is that this is nothing new.

"This is going on for 80 years. An athlete in Northern Ireland always has the choice to go for the Great Britain team or Irish team. We have never had a row or a dispute in all of that time."

Hickey also used the event to clear up an article last year regarding McIlroy and the parading of the Irish flag at any Olympic Ceremonies in 2016.

"I was totally and utterly misquoted last year that I tried to entice Rory to play for Ireland by offering him to carry the flag in the opening ceremony. Never ever did I say that," Hickey said.

"This doesn't come into it. Seb and I will respect the young mans wish. If he goes for Great Britain we are very happy with that. If he goes for Ireland the British Olympic Association are happy with that.

"It's the young mans choice and there will be no politics in it."