McIlroy confirms will represent Ireland in 2016 Olympics

Johannesburg: Northern Irish golf ace Rory McIlroy has confirmed on Wednesday that he would represent Ireland if he qualifies for the 2016 Olympics in Brazil where golf will return to the Games.

The former world number one, who was torn between either representing Britain or Ireland, opted to make public his decision of representing Ireland ahead of the International Golf Federation meeting on July 14 at the British Open that is set to announce the eligibility criteria for the 2016 and 2020 Olympics. McIlroy said he has been thinking about it a lot, adding that he does not know whether it is because the World Cup has been in Brazil and he has been thinking a couple of years down the line, Sport24 reports. McIlroy said he has also thought about all the times that he played as an amateur for Ireland and as a boy and everything, so for him it is the right decision to play for Ireland. McIlroy said he feels like it is the right decision for him, adding that there is no point in delaying it and letting it linger any longer. McIlroy added he was always very proud to put on the Irish Uniform and play as an amateur and as a boy, and he would be very proud to do it again.