Golf is returning to the Olympics in Rio this summer for the first time in over 100 years, and the star power is going to be seriously lacking.
Jordan Spieth is the latest PGA golfer to withdraw from Olympic consideration due to concerns over the Zika virus. Peter Dawson, president of the International Golf Federation, broke the news.
“It’s certainly disappointing that we’ve had so many withdrawals on the men’s side, and wonderful that all of the women have been very supportive,” he said. “I think I should say now that I don’t think it’s appropriate for us to discuss individual cases, especially as they’re generally decisions have been taken on health grounds. Speaking collectively though, there is no doubt that the number of withdrawals hasn’t shed golf in the best light. Hasn’t shown golf in the best light, and we have to accept that. But we do understand why these individual decisions have been taken.”
Dawson added that he believes there has been some overreaction regarding the Zika virus.
“Personally, I think there’s been something of an overreaction to the Zika situation, but that’s for individuals to determine, and there’s certainly a great deal of concern about this issue inside the game of golf, no doubt about that,” he said.
Spieth joins Jason Day and Rory McIlroy, who have already said they are not traveling to Rio. The Zika virus is known to cause serious birth complications, and some athletes who are looking to start families or have more children are not willing to risk exposing themselves to it. One NBA player is considering freezing a sperm sample before the Olympics if he decides to go.
