The former World Number One Rory McIlroy has announced that he will represent Ireland than Great Britain at the Rio 2016 Olympics.

The Northern Irishman McIlroy, 25, who was eligible to play for either Great Britain or Ireland, has ended the speculation about his 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro by opting Ireland.

“I have been thinking about the decision a lot and remembered all the times I represented Ireland as an amateur,” said McIlroy.

“I’ve played for Ireland my whole life and there’s no reason to change that now – it’s just a continuation of what I’ve done.”

Two-time Major Champion McIlroy had previously in a difficult situation regarding his allegiance and considered not to play at the Rio 2016 Olympics.

Golf makes its return to the Olympics in Rio for the first time since 1904.