Rory McIlroy may opt out of the next Olympic games rather than choose between Ireland and Britain.
The County Down born world number one has made the startling confession in a BBC documentary.
McIlroy has been at the centre of an Olympic row ahead of golf’s return to the games in Brazil.
He provoked a furore last year when he admitted in one interview that he feels more British than Irish.
His latest comments have added fuel to the storm with the 23-year-old revealing he may skip the games altogether.
McIlroy 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 carefully.”
Golf is set to return to the Olympics for the first time since 1904 in Brazil.
The Irish Sun newspaper reports on previous comments from McIlroy in relation to his Olympic dilemma.
In 2009 McIlroy stated that he would ‘probably play for Great Britain.’ When he repeated those feelings in an interview last year he later said that he regretted doing so.
Speaking in 2012, the two-time Major champion said: “It was a moment, I don’t want to say of weakness, but of frustration with it all.
“People tune in to watch me play on TV and feel they are connected to me in some way. I don’t want to repay them for their support with something they don’t want me to do.”
The BBC documentary also features an interview with McIlroy’s tennis star girlfriend Caroline Wozniacki.
She said: “It’s good that we both have our own separate careers. We know how the other is feeling and the drive to always want to improve at sport, but one of us isn’t sitting at home waiting for the other.
“People watch him play and win all these tournaments, but he hasn’t changed a bit.”
McIlroy will return to action at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship on January 17 when his new megabucks sponsorship deal with Nike is expected to be unveiled.
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Switch to the desktop site to post a comment.marcus | Jan 15, 2013, 02:12 PM EST
Why all the problems with Rory's Britishness? We all know, don't we, that the large majority of people born in counties Down and Antrim say they are British and that their loyalty is to the British crown? Why are so many people surprised about this? Why are so many people just plain uninformed? From a proud Irishman, Co. Antrim man, British and loyal to the Queen. Rgs p.s. We're all Irish, and Ireland is just strange like that - accept it, stop being bigoted!
seanomelb | Jan 08, 2013, 06:42 PM EST
McIllroys problem seems to be he would prefer to play for Britain(which does not represent the north in golf). He seems more in tuine with those in the north who murdered his uncle than his Irish heritage.
seanomelb | Jan 08, 2013, 10:01 AM EST
sitting out for the Olympics is highly sensible.
IrelandNorth | Jan 06, 2013, 03:47 PM EST
Geography of scale predicates politics. If the RMS Titanic sank due to faulty boltholes, would it not make sense for the HMS UK to loosen a few intra-nations bolt holes to allow democracy flourish. A provincially federated Island Ireland, in a 16.5 degree confederation with the a federated Island of Great Britain (GB), in a strategic anglophonic alliance of the British and/or Irish Isles witin the Towering Babel of the European Union (EU), and a partnership of equals within the Commonwealth of Nations (CoN), seems a fairly comprehensive resolution to the imponderable conundrum of the inately troubled Northern Ireland (NI).
misneac | Jan 05, 2013, 09:57 PM EST
Mc Ilroy might solve his problem if if he remembered who paid for his coaching !!!
seamus60 | Jan 05, 2013, 08:53 AM EST
How far we have come. lol Hardly a blink when Barry Mc Guigan nearly crashed his car in his hurry to Belfast to collect his British passport.
curtisjohnson | Jan 05, 2013, 01:38 AM EST
In reality, "britain" should be comprised of several independent teams, including Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, Devon, and England. Of course, the occupied statelet is a contrived and failed state and should be disbanded and merged into the ROI.
seanomelb | Jan 05, 2013, 12:47 AM EST
Their is only one internationally recognised golfing association for all of Ireland and Rory has obligations to that body. No Guts no glory McIllroy.
jacersagain | Jan 04, 2013, 10:01 PM EST
I agree with Searlit, my favourite most sensible IC poster. However, I think the suggestion of Fran Connor, Jan 04, 09.33am sorts out Rory’s dilemma. After all, the Olympic Games are not about allegiance to countries but about actually participating at the highest levels of any sports at world-quality level.
ancavker | Jan 04, 2013, 03:33 PM EST
eph: Eventhe BBC no longer refers to them as the British Isles. It is the Island of Britain, and the island of Ireland. Pretty simple.
IrelandNorth | Jan 04, 2013, 01:54 PM EST
When in doubt, always go for the synthesis of the dialectical equation. Choose Team GB (Great Britain). Choose Team Ireland. Or choose Team Ulster/NI (ie choose Team British and/or Irish Isles. Choose Team Isle of Mann. Choose Team EU (European Union). Or choose Team Malvinas. Ya see Rúadhrí, loadsa choices! Best of Irish luck, young man!
Smyrnian | Jan 04, 2013, 12:59 PM EST
Ephraim - You do not know what you are talking about and are clearly ignorant of geography, physical and political. The island of Ireland is is not part of the "British Isles". Get with it man!
ePHraimAg | Jan 04, 2013, 11:01 AM EST
There are some things in this World not Open for competition. Like Integrity, Sobriety, and Citizenship. Maybe a better to forego Any Olympic stand between Britain and Ireland. For Both are BRITISH for they are The British Isles and Irelands Isles
Searlit | Jan 04, 2013, 10:17 AM EST
He's so Irish, just look at the way he's taking it to heart. So let him work it out for himself. Imagine the honour though, if he plays for Ireland at the Olympics.
biggles008 | Jan 04, 2013, 09:44 AM EST
Was he born in England or Ireland.He has no guts.
Fran Connor | Jan 04, 2013, 09:33 AM EST
Why not compete under the olympi c flag?