With the rising concern over the Zika Virus as the Olympics in Rio approach, American golfer Dustin Johnson is the latest to take his name out of consideration for the Olympics.
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Golf is returning to the August 5-21 Olympics for the first time since 1904.
Much like numerous other men on the PGA Tour, Johnson is a young guy who is at the age where many are either starting or adding to their family.
Spieth’s decision means the world’s top four players have all withdrawn citing concerns over Zika, a mosquito-borne virus which has been linked to defects in newborn babies and Guillain-Barre, a rare neurological syndrome which causes temporary paralysis in adults. Day and Johnson have said they plan on having more children, while McIlroy is engaged and said he would soon be starting a family. “Because of my belief that I had to answer the bell when the nation came calling, I thought long and hard about making this decision”. That being said, those who choose to compete in Rio certainly have my respect and best wishes for a (n) unforgettable and safe experience.
The view from golf has not been completely negative, however, with Spain’s Sergio Garcia tweeting: “I know there are some dangers but representing Spain, trying to make golf grow and becoming an Olympian are too important so I’ll be at [the] Olympics”. The 32-year-old joins the number one ranked Jason Day, number four ranked Rory McIlroy, and number eight ranked Adam Scott in opting out of the 2016 Olympics. That is all well and good, and it is in the spirit of the Olympic Games, except that numerous elite players come from the same handful of countries.
Patrick Reed is expected to replace Johnson, according to the AP. The Open is scheduled for July 1417, 2016, at Royal Troon Golf Club in Ayrshire, Scotland.
A country can have up to four players eligible for the gold medal competition if they are within the world top 15 as of Sunday night.
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“I would love to play for my country, and I have that opportunity and I heard that the deadline is tomorrow”.
