Rory could skip Rio 2016

Last updated: 3rd January 2013

Rory McIlroy has admitted he could skip the Olympics in Rio to avoid conflict over which country he chooses to represent.

Golf will return to the Olympics in 2016 and world number one McIlroy, who was born in Holywood, Northern Ireland, has the option of turning out for either Great Britain or Ireland.

In September he indicated that he could opt for Great Britain, saying he "always felt more British than Irish".

However, he was forced to backtrack a few days later admitting that he hasn't made a decision yet as he is in "an extremely sensitive and difficult position".

The Rio Games remain a couple of years away and McIlroy is worried about upsetting people whichever team he decides to represent.

In a BBC documentary, which will air on Thursday evening, the 23-year-old said: "I just think being from where we're from, we're placed in a very difficult position.

"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."