Jason Day joins long list of golf stars withdrawing from Rio Olympics due to Zika virus
WORLD No1 Jason Day has plunged golf’s return to the Olympics into crisis after pulling out of the event, citing concerns over the Zika virus.
Day’s exit robs the Games of another top player following the withdrawal of world No4 Rory McIlroy a week ago, and with Ireland’s Shane Lowry also announcing he will not be going to Rio yesterday the field is weakening by the minute.
“The reason for my decision is my concerns about the possible transmission of the Zika virus and the potential risks that it may present to my wife’s future pregnancies and to future members of our family,” said Day.
The 60-strong field is already without Major champions Graeme McDowell, Louis Oosthuizen, Charl Schwartzel, Adam Scott and Vijay Singh.
However Britain will be represented by its top pair with Masters champion Danny Willett confirming ahead of tomorrow’s French Open in Versailles that he and Justin Rose will play in Brazil.
“I spoke to Rosey and he’s still definitely planning on going so it’s good for British golf that we’re still both keen to go,” said Willett.
“I have spoken to [my wife] Nic about it and we’ve had our doubts and our thoughts about what we are going to do, but I’m still down to play and I still want to play.”
Ireland’s challenge will now rest with Padraig Harrington and world No283 Seamus Power.