RORY MCILROY MAY SKIP THE 2016 SUMMER OLYMPICS

By mustang6560 on 1/4/13

In a recent BBC documentary, Rory McIlroy said he's considering skipping the 2016 Summer Olympics.

As a Northern Irishman, he's in a well-document difficult position. He, along with fellow Ulsterman Graeme McDowell, must decide which country — Great Britain or Ireland — to represent in Rio de Janeiro. And instead of angering an entire country by playing for the other, he may decide to not participate at all.

"I just think being from where we're from, we're placed in a very difficult position," he said.

"I feel Northern Irish and obviously being from Northern Ireland you have a connection to Ireland and a connection to the UK.

"If I could and there was a Northern Irish team I'd play for Northern Ireland.

"Play for one side or the other — or not play at all because I may upset too many people... Those are my three options I'm considering very carefully."

As Alistair Tait notes, the future of golf in the Olympics would be in jeopardy if Rory decides to forego the Games because of historical scars.

Golf is bigger than one player, however, if it isn't received well in 2016 — and not having Rory in the field would be a strike against it — then the IOC may decide to drop the game we love following the 2020 Summer Olympics.

As Graeme suggested, the IOC should do everyone a favor and tell the Ulstermen which country they will represent. There is no reason either player should feel forced to skip the Olympics because he doesn't want to anger part of his fanbase.


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