Rory McIlroy has said it is “more likely than not” he will play for the Republic of Ireland in the Tokyo Olympics last year.
The Ulsterman declared he would represent the Republic of Ireland before the return of golf at Rio in 2016 but then pulled out citing the zika virus.
The four-time Major champion, who is also eligible to play for Great Britain and Northern Ireland, later admitted his decision was based on his reluctance to choose between the two nations.
Speaking before this week's US PGA, the 30-year-old said: “More likely than not I will play. I think it will be a great experience. Right now, in my mind I will play.”
Asked for which country, McIlroy said tersely: “The same one as I said before.”
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He later added: “I am excited to be going to the Olympics and to be representing Ireland.”
Masters champion Tiger Woods, who was out injured in 2016, would also like to play in Tokyo.
“Would I like to play in the Olympics?” asked the American. “Yes, I've never played in the Olympics, and I'm sure that I won't have many more opportunities going forward at 43 years old now to play in many Olympics.
"Yes, that would be a first for me and something that I would certainly welcome if I was part of the team.
“Getting there and making the team is going to be the tough part. How many events do I play, do I add a couple more to get in.
"These are all questions that will be answered going forward. I just know that if I play well in the big events like I did this year, things will take care of itself.”
