Padraig Harrington says Rory McIlroy is in a "horrible position" in the run-up to the Rio Olympics in 2016.
Harrington: Eyeing future Olympic and Ryder Cup appearances
The world number one must decide whether to represent Great Britain or Ireland in the Games, and Harrington knows the decision will not be an easy one.
"I would not like to be in that position," he said.
"One thing I've said before - and it has been lost in translation - is that because of the peculiarities of the selection process, if the team were to be selected at this moment and Rory declared for Great Britain, it would mean I get to play.
"If he declared for Ireland, I don't play. So the most advantageous thing he could do in terms of getting more Irish players in the Olympics is to play for Britain."
As things stand, a given country would only be able to have two representatives if they do not already have two or more players among the world top 15.
If Rory were to declare for GB, Harrington and Graeme McDowell would most likely be able to declare and play for Ireland.
"It does not cost anyone in Britain a place, because they get as many as they like in the top 15 in the world," added Harrington. "Once you are outside the top 15 you only get two places. Because I am outside the top 15, and Graeme (McDowell) is ahead of me, if Rory declared for Ireland I don't get to play.
"I don't know how people will take that. Would people want two more Irish people to play, and give up the chance of the number one player in the world and the favourite to win the gold medal declaring for (Ireland)?"
Harrington was also asked if he would consider following in Jose Maria Olazabal's shoes and become a Ryder Cup captain, and the response from the feisty Irishman was fairly predictable.
"Absolutely, but not just yet. I hope to play a few more," he said.
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