McIlroy might face tough Olympic choice

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McIlroy might face tough Olympic choice

Published: 24 Apr. 2013, 20:58

CRAIL, Scotland - The Royal & Ancient chief executive, Peter Dawson, is looking into regulations that could keep Rory McIlroy from choosing which team he represents in the 2016 Olympics.

McIlroy is from Northern Ireland, and he has been caught in a tough spot politically whether to play for Ireland or Britain when golf returns to the Olympic program in Rio for the first time since 1904.

Dawson said Tuesday there might be precedence based on the teams he played for in previous competitions, such as the World Cup or in amateur golf.

“Because of Rory’s history of playing for Ireland at amateur level and at World Cup level there may be a regulation within the Olympic rules which would determine who would have to play,” Dawson said. “We are still looking at the matter but under that regulation, he could play under Irish colors.”

AP