Seb Coe hopes world number two Rory McIlroy will compete at the Rio 2016 Olympics despite the high-pressure decision still to be made about who he should represent at the Games. The 23 year-old Northern Irishman might be eligible for either Britain or Ireland, but could opt out for fear of upsetting people.

British Olympic Association (BOA) chairman Coe said they are waiting for the eligibility criteria to be finalised.

This week the R&A suggested he might have to play for Ireland having represented the country at amateur level and at the World Cup. “As somebody who has welcomed golf in to the Olympic family I think that most of us want to see the best players playing,” said Coe. “ I hope that Rory is there.”

Mark England, the BOA’s Games services director, said information is being gathered on issues, including McIlroy’s previous participation for Ireland.