NORTHERN IRISH GOLFER Stephanie Meadow has declared her intentions to represent Ireland at the 2016 Olympics.
The 22-year-old from Antrim has followed in the footsteps of compatriot Rory McIlroy in opting to play under the Irish flag. Like McIlroy, Meadow played with Irish teams throughout her amateur career.
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Meadow moved to the United States at the age of 14 and picked up a golfing scholarship at University of Alabama. She turned pro a little under a month ago and finished third in her first ranking tournament, the US Open at Pinehurst. She followed that up with another third in the European Masters but missed the cut for the British Open last weekend.
Currently, Meadow lies at 83rd in the women’s world rankings. The top 60 female golfers will earn a spot at the 72-hole event at Rio 2016 but country’s will be limited to a maximum of two competitors.
I have decided to join @McIlroyRory in representing Ireland in the Olympics! Early decision but had a deadline to choose! #teamireland#golf
Meadow had previously bypassed the question of her Olympic allegiances. Less than an hour after her excellent third placed finish at the US Open, she was queried on Rio 2016.
“It’s weird, because growing up Rory and I all played — like Ireland as in all Ireland — our golf is an all Ireland sport,” she said. “So we grew up playing for Ireland. There was never a Northern Ireland team or we didn’t play for UK, so it is very difficult and I’ll just have to wait. I haven’t even thought about that decision yet.”
It seems, with the International Golf Federation getting its act together in recent weeks, Meadow was advised a decision would be required sooner rather than later. She opted to go with what she knows and follow the lead of her golfing inspiration, McIlroy.
Stephanie Meadow has followed in Rory McIlroy's footsteps by declaring for Ireland
NORTHERN IRISH GOLFER Stephanie Meadow has declared her intentions to represent Ireland at the 2016 Olympics.
The 22-year-old from Antrim has followed in the footsteps of compatriot Rory McIlroy in opting to play under the Irish flag. Like McIlroy, Meadow played with Irish teams throughout her amateur career.
Meadow moved to the United States at the age of 14 and picked up a golfing scholarship at University of Alabama. She turned pro a little under a month ago and finished third in her first ranking tournament, the US Open at Pinehurst. She followed that up with another third in the European Masters but missed the cut for the British Open last weekend.
Currently, Meadow lies at 83rd in the women’s world rankings. The top 60 female golfers will earn a spot at the 72-hole event at Rio 2016 but country’s will be limited to a maximum of two competitors.
Meadow had previously bypassed the question of her Olympic allegiances. Less than an hour after her excellent third placed finish at the US Open, she was queried on Rio 2016.
“It’s weird, because growing up Rory and I all played — like Ireland as in all Ireland — our golf is an all Ireland sport,” she said. “So we grew up playing for Ireland. There was never a Northern Ireland team or we didn’t play for UK, so it is very difficult and I’ll just have to wait. I haven’t even thought about that decision yet.”
It seems, with the International Golf Federation getting its act together in recent weeks, Meadow was advised a decision would be required sooner rather than later. She opted to go with what she knows and follow the lead of her golfing inspiration, McIlroy.
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2016 Olympics Golf Olympics Rio 2016 Rory McIlroy Stephanie Meadow team ireland