Rory McIlroy has admitted he may not play at the 2016 Olympics.
Golf will be making its debut at Rio in three-and-a-half-years' time and McIlroy is eligible to play for Great Britain or Ireland.
However the tension which could arise from the Ulsterman's decision has caused him to consider not participating in the 31st Olympiad.
"I just think being from where we're from, we're placed in a very difficult position," the 23-year-old said in a BBC documentary.
"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.
"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 has won two majors
Last year McIlroy told the Mail on Sunday "the fact is, I've always felt more British than Irish", which infuriated Irishmen sensitive about the political connotations which continue to linger.
McIlroy penned an open letter on his "national allegiance" in a bid to counter his candour and claimed he was frustrated by the issue..
"It was a moment, I don't want to say of weakness, but a moment of, I guess, frustration with it all," the County Down man added.
"People tune in to watch me play on TV and feel like they are connected to me in some way.
"I don't want to do repay them for their support with something they don't want me to do."
McIlroy has won two majors in his career - the 2011 US Open and the PGA Championship in 2012 - as well as being a part of two victorious Ryder Cups with Europe at Celtic Manor and Medinah last year.