The world’s top four male golfers – Jason Day, Dustin Johnson, Jordan Spieth and Rory McIlroy – have all withdrawn over health concerns from the mosquito-born virus.
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Golfer Jordan Spieth of the U.S. said withdrawing from the Rio Olympics was one of the most hard decision he had ever had to make.
“I’ll watch track and field, swimming, diving – you know, ones that matter”.
The withdrawal of Spieth, who won the Masters and US Open past year, means that six of the world’s top 10 will not be at the Olympics, with Australia’s Adam Scott and South Africa’s Branden Grace also opting to miss out.
Spieth said he didn’t make up his mind until Monday morning, and the decision was his alone.
“This was probably the hardest decision I’ve ever had to make in my life”, Spieth told a news conference ahead of the 145th British Open, which starts at Royal Troon on Thursday.
“I’ve been tested by the IGF or Olympic testing once this year and that was the Friday of the US Open, but it was only a urine test, ” he said. “It’s great to grow the game, there’s no question about that, but I think you have seen with the number of top professionals who have decided not to go this time, where it stands in our minds”.
“I didn’t get into golf to try and grow the game – I got into golf to win championships and win major championships”.
“I got into golf to win championships and win major championships”. I got into golf to win championships and win major championships.
McIlroy doesn’t believe there is a drug out there that can completely make a person a better golfer, but wants his sport to have stricter testing to make sure it’s clean. Golf is guaranteed a spot on the program only through 2020 – to stick around longer, it must be selected by the International Olympic Committee as a permanent addition.
McIlroy also made it a point to criticize golf’s handling of drug testing throughout the sport.
The multiple major victor described it as “probably the hardest decision I’ve ever had to make in my life at 22 years old”.
“I think they are just using it (Zika) as an excuse due to their crowded programme. I look forward to trying to get into contention this week and dealing with the tough conditions”. “There are obviously drugs that can make you stronger. and drugs that can help your concentration”.
“You guys have put that out without me saying it. I will not place them at risk”.
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“I think the golf course is pretty self-explanatory”, he said.
