PÁDRAIG HARRINGTON NOW looks set to join Shane Lowry on Ireland’s two-man golf team for this summer’s Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
Rory McIlroy declared himself unavailable yesterday due to fears over the Zika virus, which meant that Graeme McDowell was next in line to replace the four-time major winner.
However, McDowell has released a statement this afternoon, explaining that he’s also unable to compete in Brazil as his wife is currently pregnant with their second child.
The 2010 US Open winner said: “I woke yesterday morning to the news that Rory McIlroy had withdrawn from the Irish Olympic golf team, putting me next in line for an automatic spot on the team.
“As many within golf will know, my wife Kristin is pregnant and is due to have our second child just a couple of weeks after the Olympic golf competition concludes.
“I made the decision many months ago, before I was on the team, that I would not play or travel outside the US, where my family and I live, in the weeks running up to the birth.
“Unfortunately I will therefore not be available to replace Rory on the team. I have informed [team captain] Paul McGinley and the Olympic Council of Ireland of my decision.
“I’ve always been a proud member of Ireland’s golf teams, from my amateur career through to playing in four World Cups of Golf for Ireland and I wish the Irish Olympic Team the very best of luck in Rio.”
Pádraig Harrington is now set to join Shane Lowry on Team Ireland as the 44-year-old Dubliner is the next highest Irishman in the world rankings.
Should Harrington also opt to skip the Olympics, the second spot on the team will be passed down to Waterford’s Seamus Power.
