Rory McIlroy to represent Ireland in Rio 2016?

The long running controversy about who Rory McIlroy will represent at the Olympics looks to be finally over.

By Adrian Collins

The issue of who Rory McIlroy would be representing at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro in 2016 has caused a decent bit of controversy, but it looks like that has all been putt (sorry) to bed.

The county Down man will be representing Ireland, by all accounts, and he seemingly won't have any choice in the matter.

According to The Independent, golf's ruling body the Royal and Ancient Golf Club has stepped in to clarify that since McIlroy has represented Ireland at amateur and World Cup levels, he would not be able to change and represent another country at the Olympics.

Chief executive of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club, Peter Dawson said “I would very much like to take this burden of choice away from the player if we can possibly do it because it's not fair to him.”

This will help McIlroy however, as he was clearly worried and at one stage even admitted that he had considered withdrawal from the Olympics over the issue.

Still, no need to get too excited about getting a medal yet, the Olympics is still a fair way (sorry) away.