Rory McIlroy commits to Ireland for 2020 Olympics

Rory McIlroy is one of the more topical players when it comes to the Olympics, given the fact that he can represent either Ireland or Great Britain. In 2016 there was a lot of debate about who he should represent, given that at the Olympics, Team Great Britain can include athletes from Northern Ireland.

Due to a breakout of the zika virus and some scheduling fears, a lot of the best golfers in the world pulled out of the 2016 Olympics in Rio, including McIlroy, but he has now confirmed that he intends on being a part of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and he has committed to representing Ireland.

"I’m excited to play the Olympics and call myself an Olympian," McIlroy told Golf Channel. "Coming to such a golf-crazy country like Japan helps. It’s a really good atmosphere and just being here this week and seeing the enthusiasm of the fans makes me look forward to coming back next year and playing the Olympics."

Deciding on who to represent has clearly been a difficult decision for McIlroy, but it now seems he is at peace with his decision and according to Golf Channel, the four-time major champion has pledged his allegiance to Ireland.

“I’ve had to deal with things in regard to the Olympics that others haven’t had to and that brings questions and difficulties,” he said. “But at the end of the day I thought I can’t let that stuff ruin my experience of going to the Olympics and playing.”