Two years ago, the 22-year-old said it would be Great Britain and Northern Ireland if he qualifies for golf's return to the Games in Rio in 2016.

However, the Holywood man has now indicated that he could still represent Ireland.

"Basically, if I am going to be very honest, which I usually am, whatever I say is going to upset someone," he said.

"So I may as well just say I don't know and wait until four or five years' time, whenever I have to make a decision."

If he is in the world's top 15 at the cut-off point, McIlroy would be guaranteed a place in the 60-strong field and he is certainly looking forward to the possibility.

"It would be a huge honour to represent your country," he said.

"It would be a great achievement to win a gold medal.

"As the Olympic Games come closer I think the excitement will build for it and people will get into it more and I think it's great for the game of golf that it's now become an Olympic sport.

"It will spread the game all over the world and make it recognised in different countries, which can only be good."

In June, McIlroy won the US Open at Congressional Country Club in Maryland, finishing eight clear of the field at -16.

He is currently fourth in the official world golf rankings.

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