US Open champion Dustin Johnson has withdrawn from the Rio Games because of Zika virus concerns, costing golf three of the world’s top-four players for its return to the Olympics after a 112-year absence.
Jordan Spieth is the only player from the top four who has not said if he is going to Brazil. A decision could come as early as this weekend ahead of the British Open. Rickie Fowler also is undecided.
Johnson, the world No.2 after his US Open title and another World Golf Championship victory last week, is the 13th player to pull out of the Rio Games. Eight of them, including Australian world No.1 Jason Day and No.4 Rory McIlroy, specifically have cited Zika as the reason.
Patrick Reed, who said earlier this week at the Scottish Open he wanted to play at the Olympics, would replace Johnson. The United States is allowed four players, the most of any country in golf, because they are in the top 15 in the world.
“This was not an easy decision for me,” Johnson said in a statement released by his management company. “But my concerns about the Zika virus cannot be ignored.”
Johnson said he and his fiance Paulina Gretzky planned to have more children. They have an 18-month-old son Tatum.
“I feel it would be irresponsible to put myself, her or our family at risk,” Johnson said. “I believe I am making the right decision for me and most importantly, my family. While I am sure some will be critical of my decision, my hope is that most will understand and support it.”
The decision follows a meeting at the Bridgestone Invitational with USA Golf in which the leading four Americans were briefed on Zika and security concerns. Johnson had called it a productive meeting and that he was planning to play, although he still wanted a few more answers.
Of the top-four Americans, only two-time Masters champion Bubba Watson said he was going.
Golf was last an Olympic sport in 1904 in St Louis.
Nine of the 13 players who have withdrawn are among the top 30 in the world – Day, Johnson, McIlroy, Australian Adam Scott, Branden Grace, Louis Oosthuizen, Hideki Matsuyama and Shane Lowry.
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