G-Mac signals he may ‘have to’ represent Ireland at Olympics

Graeme McDowell believes representing Ireland at this week’s World Cup of Golf in Melbourne may mean he will “have to play” for the country at the Olympic Games in 2016.

McDowell and Rory McIlroy have been at the centre of an eligibility storm since it was confirmed golf will return to the global showpiece in Rio after a 112-year absence.

The Northern Ireland pair are also entitled to compete for Team GB (and Northern Ireland) at the Olympics but both are concerned by the implications of their decisions given the political and religious sensitivities involved.