Doubt cast on Olympics rule that makes Rory Irish

The Irish Olympic Council were last night remaining tightlipped over claims made by golf chiefs that Rory McIlroy may only be eligible to compete for Ireland in the 2016 Rio Games.

The world No 2’s international dilemma is due to the fact athletes born in Northern Ireland are eligible to represent Great Britain or Ireland at Olympic Games. McIlroy last year voiced concern about the impact a decision to represent either flag in the Olympics would have on his life and hinted that he might “not play at all maybe just because I don’t want to upset too many people...”

However, Royal & Ancient chief executive Peter Dawson hinted this week that McIlroy might have to represent Ireland because he has played for them in two World Cups. Dawson said: “Because of Rory’s history of playing for Ireland at amateur level and World Cup level, there may be an Olympic regulation that because you played in a previous world championship for a certain country, that has to carry with you.”

But doubts have been cast on that assertion with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) citing a rule noting that if three years have passed since he last represented Ireland, then McIlroy could play for Team GB.

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.”

The Olympic Council declined to comment when contacted on the issue last night.

It is now understood that the R&A will hold talks with the IOC in the coming months to discuss this and other matters relating to the 2016 Games in Rio. McIlroy noted last year that he had three options in terms of his Olympic participation.

He said: “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.”

With golf striving for a permanent place in the Olympic Games it would be unthinkable for a player of McIlroy’s status and calibre not to compete in Brazil in three years’ time.