McIlroy focusing on Ryder Cup

Rory McIlroy is putting Ryder Cup success before thoughts of who he would represent at the 2016 Rio Games.

The Ulsterman on Sunday won his second successive PGA tour title in Carmel, but then had to deal with stories that he was set to choose Team GB over Ireland when golf makes its Olympic debut in 2016.

Quotes attributed to the 23-year-old in which he said he felt "more British than Irish" were at the root of it, but in a statement released on his Twitter page last night, McIlroy insisted no decisions had been made and that he was focusing only on golf and the forthcoming Ryder Cup.

"I am in an extremely sensitive and difficult position and I conveyed as much in a recent newspaper interview," he wrote.

"I am a proud product of Irish golf and the Golfing Union of Ireland. I am also a proud Ulsterman who grew up in Northern Ireland which is part of the United Kingdom. That is my background and always will be.

"I receive great support from both Irish and British fans alike and it is greatly appreciated."

Golf will be making its Games debut in Rio and although still some time away, a number of players have already been asked for their thoughts on it.

But with a Ryder Cup less than three weeks away, world number one McIlroy is not entertaining talk of it, or of who he will be playing for when the time comes.

"I wish to clarify I have absolutely not made a decision regarding my participation on the next Olympics," he added.

"On a personal level, playing in the Olympics would be a huge honour. However, the Games in Rio are four years away and I certainly won't be making any decisions with regard to participation any time soon.

"My focus right now is on being the best player I can be, trying to win major championships and contributing to what will hopefully be a victorious Ryder Cup side."