 |
| Getty Images |
There is confusion over what Irish representation will be at this year's World Cup amid reports that a Northern Ireland team may play in Melbourne. In previous World Cups, an all-island Ireland team has competed.
However, the issue over whether Rory McIlroy or Graeme McDowell should represent Britain or Ireland in the Olympics could affect the World Cup.
World Cup organisers said earlier this week that a Northern Ireland team would compete at Royal Melbourne.
This was announced in a statement from the International Federation of PGA Tours as the Australian course was officially unveiled as the venue for the World Cup on 21-24 November.
"The major difference between the World Cup qualification model and that of the Olympic golf competition is that England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will each be considered a separate country," said the International Federation of PGA Tours statement.
There was no reference in the statement to whether an Ireland or Republic of Ireland team will also compete in Australia.
McIlroy and McDowell have played for Ireland in the last two World Cups but McIlroy confirmed last month that he would not do so this year as it would rule out the possibility of him playing for Great Britain in the 2016 Olympics.
For his part, McDowell said that he was determined to play at Royal Melbourne even if that closed the door to him representing Britain at the Rio Olympics.
McDowell added that he wanted world number two McIlroy to be his partner in Australia.
On hearing of the apparent change earlier this week, McIlroy said: "That might change things a little".
Players and countries are selected from the world ranking until the 60-man field is set for the event, which runs from 21-24 November.
No comments:
Post a Comment