Rory McIlroy Pulls Out of Rio Olympics Amid Zika Virus Fears

The No. 4 golfer in the world has joined a list of the globe’s greatest athletes not attending the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janiero, Brazil.

Rory McIlroy, who was slated to represent Ireland this summer in Rio, announced Wednesday that he will not be participating in the tournament.

“Even though the risk of infection from the Zika virus is considered low, it is a risk nonetheless, and a risk I am unwilling to take,” McIlroy’s statement read. “I trust the Irish people will understand my decision.”

Other notable golfer’s including Adam Scott, Louis Oosthuizen, Charl Schwartzel, Vijay Singh and Marc Leishman have also pulled out of the games in Rio.

It is a tough pill to swallow for the golfing world, which had lobbied for decades to return the sport to the Olympic Games after being absent from Olympic competition since 1904.

It could be an even bigger blow for the Emerald Isle.

RORY MCILROY’S BEST SHOTS

Ireland landed a huge piece when McIlroy, a native of Northern Ireland which, although independent, is part of the United Kingdom, pledged allegiance to Ireland over the opportunity to side with Great Britain’s Olympic squad.

Pairing McIlroy with two-time, British Open Champion Padraig Harrington, would have positioned the Irish well, heading into Rio.

The disappointment was palatable in a statement released by Ireland’s Olympic governing body, the Olympic Council of Ireland (OCI).

“OCI is extremely disappointed not to be taking Rory with us to Rio,” the statement read. “Rory was set to be one of the big stars of Rio 2016, but now there is an opportunity for another Irish golfer to take up the chance to become an Olympian and participate in golf’s historic return to the Olympic Games after a 112-year absence.”

McIlroy, 27, had commented earlier this month that his concerns over the Zika virus had “eased,’ according to BBC, and he was looking forward to representing Ireland at the games.

What changed is unknown.

Rickie Fowler, ranked No. 6 in the world, is still undecided as to whether or not he will participate in the Rio Games for the U.S. side. Fowler’s absence could be an equally crippling blow to the Americans.

But there is hope. “Golf Boys” co-star Bubba Watson has stated his intention to compete in Rio on Monday, saying he was “100 percent committed.”

THE GOLF BOYS

The International Golf Federation released a statement in response to the news of McIlroy’s withdrawal, saying the IGF was disappointed with his decision but understood that “some players will have to weigh personally a unique set of circumstances as they contemplate their participation in golf’s historic return to the Olympic Games.”