Rory McIlroy opts to represent Ireland at 2016 Olympic Games in Rio

The Northern Irishman was eligible to play for Great Britain or Ireland in two years' time, with speculation surrounding his decision.

Golf returns to the Olympics for the first time since 1904 in Brazil, with individual events for men and women.

Ahead of this week's Irish Open, the 25-year-old announced his plans for the Games, and revealed his previous experience representing Ireland had influenced his decision.

"Actually, I've been thinking about it a lot," he said. "I don't know whether it's been because the World Cup has been in Brazil and I've been thinking a couple of years down the line.

"I have also thought about all the times that I played as an amateur for Ireland and as a boy and everything so for me it's the right decision to play for Ireland, so I'm going to play for Ireland in 2016."

The two-time major winner will have to tackle a new course being built at the Reserva de Marapendi if he is to claim the gold medal in the men's event.

Fellow Northern Irishman Graeme McDowell has also suggested he will also represent the Irish team in Rio.