Rory McIlroy says he hasn't yet decided whether he will opt to represent Britain or Ireland at the 2016 Olympics in Rio.
McIlroy: quelling the fire
Born in Holywood, Northern Ireland, McIlroy is in the fairly unique position of having to decide who he will represent at the Olympics in four years time when golf returns to the Games after a 112-year absence.
After he was quoted in the Daily Mail as saying that he feels "more British than Irish" and that he knows his decision "is going to upset some people", the two-time major winner has more or less backtracked from that statement, no doubt mindful of courting any more controversy than he has to right now.
"I have absolutely not made a decision regarding my participation in the next Olympics," McIlroy told the BBC.
"On a personal level, playing in the Olympics would be a huge honour.
"However, the Games in Rio are still four years away and I certainly won't be making any decisions with regards to participation any time soon."
McIlroy acknowledged that he is in "an extremely sensitive and difficult position".
"I am a proud product of Irish golf and the Golfing Union of Ireland and am hugely honoured to have come from very rich Irish sporting roots, winning Irish Boys, Youths and Amateur titles and playing for Ireland at all levels.
"I am also a proud Ulsterman who grew up in Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom. That is my background and always will be.
"I receive huge support from both Irish and British sports fans alike and it is greatly appreciated.
"As an international sportsman, I am very lucky to be supported by people all over the world, many of who treat me as one of their own, no matter what their nationality, or indeed mine. This is the way sport should be."
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