Graeme McDowell has declared his intention to play for Ireland when golf makes its Olympic debut in the 2016 Rio Games.
The former US Open champion is again representing Ireland along with Shane Lowry at this week's World Cup of Golf in Melbourne.
Being from Northern Ireland entitles McDowell to have the option of playing for either Ireland or Great Britain in the Olympic Games.
But by-law two of rule 41 of the Olympic Charter states that if an athlete has represented a country in a tournament recognised by the relevant international federation, in this case the International Golf Federation (IGF), then three years must pass before they can represent another at an Olympic Games.
With McDowell playing for Ireland in Australia this week, he would then be committed to the country for the 2016 Games although his allegiance could be changed if agreed by the IGF, national Olympic committees and the International Olympic Committee Executive Board.
The 34-year-old, along with countryman Rory McIlroy, has always been coy on the subject of Olympic allegiance but McDowell hinted that the decision had now been made for him.
"It is a very touchy political and religious subject, one that myself and Rory have not really enjoyed answering questions about the last few years because it is very difficult to pick a side because you are going to end up upsetting someone from either side."
Graeme McDowell
"I believe that me being here and representing Ireland will, with the Olympic regulations, mean that I will have to play for Ireland when it comes to the Olympics in 2016," McDowell told www.pgatour.com.
Touchy subject
"It is a very touchy political and religious subject, one that myself and Rory have not really enjoyed answering questions about the last few years because it is very difficult to pick a side because you are going to end up upsetting someone from either side.
"We grew up wanting to wear the green jacket and have the golf bag with the Ireland logo on it. The Golf Union of Ireland looks after all the players in Ireland and I have always enjoyed being part of that.
"When it comes to the Olympic discussion, that raises some questions as to who we play for.
"I was always very much trying to sit on the fence, again, because I really did not want to have to make that decision so part of me feels relieved to not have to make that decision."
McDowell partnered McIlroy in the World Cup of Golf in both 2009 and 2011, and he stated earlier this year that the question of Olympic eligibility would not enter his mind when deciding whether to compete in Melbourne.
"The dilemma Rory and I face is a very unique one," he said in May. "Regarding the World Cup of Golf this year for example, that if we played we'd then be compelled to play for Ireland in the Olympic Games; is that rule going to stand?
"I had an informal conversation with Rory about are we going to play the World Cup together, I need my partner in crime in Melbourne. I would love to do that and the Olympics will not enter my head with regards to making the decision of whether I'm going to play the World Cup.
"If it forces me into playing for Ireland at the Olympics, so be it."
Choice
McIlroy's decision not to play in Melbourne potentially leaves him still with a decision to make and the former world No 1, also speaking in May, was adamant that it was still his choice to make.
"I think it's Rule 41 but I still have a choice. They can't take it away from me," McIlroy said.
"If you change country or don't play for that country for three years you still have a choice. I've not played for anyone since the World Cup in 2011, the Olympics would be five years so I still have a choice."
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