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2016 Olympics: Jason Day is the latest to announce he won't play golf in Rio
The first Olympic Games to include golf as part of the competition in more than 100 years will not include the top-ranked men's golfer in the world as a participant. Jason Day announced on social media Tuesday morning that he has chosen not to compete in the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio.
Here's Day's statement:
The news didn't come as a huge surprise, given Day's hedging comments lately. The 28-year-old Australian has two children with his wife, Ellie, and has said he has plans to have more kids in the next couple of years -- making the Zika Virus a real concern.
Day's announcement comes a week after four-time major champion Rory McIlroy bowed out of the Olympics, also citing Zika as a cause for his decision. Many wondered if the decision from McIlroy, the most high profile golfer to date to say he would not compete in the Games, might cause other top-ranked players to follow suit. Jordan Spieth, Rickie Fowler and Danny Willett have all mentioned they are still contemplating their plans.
Day joins a list of several prominent golfers who have announced they will not participate in Rio for one reason of another that includes: Adam Scott, Graeme McDowell, Louis Oosthuizen, Charl Schwartzel, Branden Grace, Marc Leishman and Vijay Singh.
The Australian team figured to be one of the strongest teams before Day and Scott announced they were dropping out, in addition to Leishman. The current Aussie team? Scott Hend and Marcus Fraser. PGA Tour regular Matt Jones could play his way onto the team over the next couple weeks.