Graeme McDowell expects to play for Ireland at 2016 Olympic Games

 

Graeme McDowell has declared his intention to play for Ireland when golf makes its Olympic debut in the 2016 Rio Games.

 

The former US Open champion is again representing Ireland along with Shane Lowry at this week's World Cup of Golf in Melbourne.

 

Being from Northern Ireland entitles McDowell to have the option of playing for either Ireland or Great Britain in the Olympic Games.

 

But by-law two of rule 41 of the Olympic Charter states that if an athlete has represented a country in a tournament recognised by the relevant international federation, in this case the International Golf Federation (IGF), then three years must pass before they can represent another at an Olympic Games.

With McDowell playing for Ireland in Australia this week, he would then be committed to the country for the 2016 Games although his allegiance could be changed if agreed by the IGF, national Olympic committees and the International Olympic Committee Executive Board.

 

The 34-year-old, along with countryman Rory McIlroy, has always been coy on the subject of Olympic allegiance but McDowell hinted that the decision had now been made for him.

"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."
Graeme McDowell

"I believe that me being here and representing Ireland will, with the Olympic regulations, mean that I will have to play for Ireland when it comes to the Olympics in 2016," McDowell told www.pgatour.com