Sports Digest: Graeme McDowell commits to Ireland team to the golf World Cup in Australia

Graeme McDowell is happy to commit to Ireland by playing at golf’s World Cup in Australia this winter – and wants Rory McIlroy to do likewise.

World number two McIlroy has opted out of the event as it may tie him to Ireland for the 2016 Olympics in Australia.

McDowell has played alongside McIlroy for Ireland in the last two stagings of the biennial event and has no qualms about tying himself to the Irish team for the Olympics.

“The dilemma Rory and I face is a very unique one. Regarding the World Cup of Golf this year for example, that if we played we’d then be compelled to play for Ireland in the Olympic Games, is that rule going to stand?” McDowell asked.

“I had an informal conversation with Rory last night about are we going to play the World Cup together, I need my partner in crime in Melbourne. I would love to do that and the Olympics will not enter my head with regards to making the decision of whether I’m going to play the World Cup.

“If it forces me into playing for Ireland at the Olympics so be it. Regardless of whether Rory plays I want to play and I would like him to be there as well.”