Like fellow countryman Rory McIlroy, the Ulsterman has been reluctant to commit to either team ahead of the Games and has called for the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to make the decision 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 really," said McDowell, the 2010 US Open champion.

Northern Irishmen McDowell and McIlroy have both faced the dilemma of with team to play for at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games ©Getty Images

But his decision to play for Ireland at this week's Melbourne World Cup may have sealed his fate, according to Olympic rules.

These rules state that: "A competitor who has represented one country in the Olympic Games, in continental or regional games or in world or regional championships [...] and who has changed his nationality or acquired a new nationality, may participate in the Olympic Games to represent his new country provided that at least three years have passed since the competitor last represented his former country."

With the Olympics less than three years away, and his choice to play for Ireland this week, McDowell will likely be representing the Ireland team at Rio 2016.

"From my point of view, when the World Cup came back on the schedule and it was coming to Royal Melbourne, I knew that I wanted to be part of this team, we have always represented Ireland when it has come to the World Cup," said McDowell, currently ranked 12th in world. 

"So I believe that me being here and representing Ireland will, you know, with the Olympic regulations, will mean I will have to play for Ireland when it comes to the Olympics in 2016."

Golf will be making a return to the Olympics in Rio after a 112 year absence ©Getty Images



Royal & Ancient chief executive Peter Dawson has expressed sympathy for the Northern Irishmen's dilemma, and said earlier this year that he hoped the burden of choice could be taken away from them.

"I would very much like to take this burden of choice away from the player if we can possibly do it because it's not fair to him," Dawson said in regards to McIlroy's similar dilemma earlier this year.

"I think he's made it pretty clear in one or two pronouncements that he's worried about it and the last thing we want is players worrying about this."

Following the discovery of the Olympic charter ruling, McDowell appeared confident the issue was settled.

"Part of me feels relieved to not have to make that decision," said McDowell, who will team up with Ireland's Shane Lowry at Royal Melbourne.

"It certainly did not enter into my reasons to wanting to be here this week.

"I wanted to be here and play with Shane, around Royal Melbourne, in a golf tournament which I have always loved."

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Related stories:
May 2013: McIlroy rules out playing for Ireland in World Cup as keeps options for Rio 2016 open
April 2013: R&A chief claims McIlroy may have to represent Ireland at Rio 2016
January 2013: Irish golfer Harrington calls for IOC to intervene in McIlroy Olympic dilemma
January 2013: McIlroy may miss Rio 2016 to avoid row over which country he represents
October 2012: Exclusive: "Misquoted" Hickey clarifies comments over McIlroy role at Rio 2016