OLYMPICS: Rory withdraws over Zika virus concerns

BY BRENDAN JAMES

Rory McIlroy has officially withdrawn from the Rio Olympic Games because of concerns about the Zika virus.

And there is growing speculation World No.1 Jason Day will be the next to withdraw due to Zika virus concerns despite previously being committed to playing in Rio.

In a statement issued by his management, McIlroy said: "my health and my family's health comes before everything else.”

"Even though the risk of infection from the Zika virus is considered low, it is a risk nonetheless and a risk I am unwilling to take," the four-time major champion said.

Rory McIlroy announced his withdrawal after a disappointing performance where he missed the cut. PHOTO: Andrew Redington/Getty Images.

Earlier this month, the four-time major champion, who was to represent Ireland in Rio, said his concerns over the virus had eased. “Even if I do contract Zika, it’s not the end of the world,” McIlroy said at the time.

McIlroy, 27, becomes the highest-ranked player to pull out of the Games. He will replaced by Graeme McDowell but he is in doubt as his wife is due to give birth to their second child in September. If he withdraws, Padraig Harrington would be next on the list.

As recently as three weeks ago, McIlroy had reaffirmed his commitment to play in the Games, saying that his mind was at ease after seeking advice regarding the virus. “Even if I do contract Zika, it’s not the end of the world,” he said.

Irish Olympic team captain Paul McGinley told The Golf Channel that McIlroy informed him of his decision late Tuesday night and that he’d reversed his position in the past seven to 10 days.

“This is a personal decision he’s come to,” McGinley said, “and it wasn’t one that I influenced him over. It was very important that he made his own decision regarding this.”

How this will affect the decision of other top-ranked players, who have already voiced their concerns over the Zika virus problem, remains to be seen.

World No.2 Jordan Spieth mains committed to the Games, although he said during the US Open that playing in the Olympics was not more important than his health.

“I think being an Olympian is just an absolute tremendous honour,” he said. “(But) do I think being an Olympian outweighs any significant health threat? No. If I thought that the threat was significant, I certainly would not go.”

Masters champion Danny Willett has also expressed his concerns about making the trip to Rio.

Adam Scott was the first of several high-profile players who have withdrawn from the Olympics. PHOTO: Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images.

The International Golf Federation (IGF) is disappointed with McIlroy’s decision but “recognises that some players will have to weigh personally a unique set of circumstances as they contemplate their participation in golf's historic return to the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, with the Zika virus foremost among them.”

“It is unfortunate that the Zika virus has led to Rory's decision to withdraw from the Olympic Games, knowing how much he was looking forward to taking part,” a statement issued by the IGF said.

“As we have stated before, the Olympics is the world's greatest celebration of sport and we remain excited about golf's return after a 112-year absence. It will truly be a special occasion for our sport and we are confident that the 60 men and 60 women who will represent their respective countries will find it an experience they will cherish forever.”

McIlory is the eighth men’s player, who has qualified to play, to withdraw from the Olympics, following Adam Scott, Marc Leishman, Louis Oosthuizen, Charl Schwartzel, Miguel Angel Jimenez, Vijay Singh and Tim Wilkinson.

Olympic Games qualifying ends on July 11, with a final Olympic field for the men’s and women’s events released after that.