Graeme McDowell believes his decision to play for Ireland at last weekend’s World Cup in Melbourne, Australia will end all arguments about his allegiances for the Olympic Games in Brazil.

McDowell and Shane Lowry were well off the pace as Australia won the event, but the Ulsterman believes he is now tied to Ireland for the return of golf as an Olympic sport. Rory McIlroy remains non-committal.

Portrush native McDowell said, “It is a very touchy political and religious subject, one that myself and Rory have not really enjoyed answering questions about the last few years because it is very difficult to pick a side because you are going to end up upsetting someone from either side really.

“From my point of view, when the World Cup came back on the schedule and it was coming to Royal Melbourne, I knew that I wanted to be part of this team. We have always represented Ireland when it has come to the World Cup.

“So I believe that me being here and representing Ireland will, you know, with the Olympic regulations, will mean that I am -- I will have to play for Ireland when it comes to the Olympics in 2016 -- if good enough, if eligible, if fit enough, et cetera, et cetera.

“Part of me feels relieved to not have to make that decision.”