Rory McIlroy considers abstaining from 2016 Olympics

Rory McIlroy says he may not play at all in the 2016 Olympics in Rio to avoid controversy. (Andrew Redington/Getty Images)

No. 1 ranked golfer Rory McIlroy said he may not play at all in the 2016 Olympics, according to a report from USA Today. In an upcoming BBC documentary, McIlroy explained that he was in a difficult position regarding who he should represent in Rio:

"I just think being from where we're from, we're placed in a very difficult position. I feel Northern Irish and obviously being from Northern Ireland you have a connection to Ireland and a connection to the UK. If I could and there was a Northern Irish team, I'd play for Northern Ireland," McIlroy says in the documentary. "Play for one side or the other, or not play at all because I may upset too many people. ... Those are my three options I'm considering very carefully."

McIlroy, 23, is a native of Holywood, Northern Ireland. He turned pro in 2007 and won the PGA Championship in 2012.