WORLD NUMBER THREE Jordan Spieth has become the latest leading golfer to decide not to play at the Olympics next month, the International Golf Federation president Peter Dawson announced this afternoon.
The 22-year-old American, who dominated the sport last year winning the Masters and the US Open, joins other superstars like world number one Jason Day and Rory McIlroy in opting not to play on what is the sport’s return to the quadrennial sporting showpiece after 112 years.
Most of those who have decided not to play have cited concerns over the mosquito-borne Zika virus.
It now means none of the world’s top four golfers will be in Rio with Day, Dustin Johnson, Spieth and McIlroy all making themselves unavailable.
Spieth’s absence, announced by Dawson at a media conference ahead of the Open, means Matt Kuchar will now represent the United States in Rio, along with Patrick Reed, Rickie Fowler and Bubba Watson.
In addition to the world’s top four, several other high-profile players, including Australian Adam Scott and South African Charl Schwartzel, have opted not to compete
Spieth is due to address the media at Troon on Tuesday, when he is expected to confirm health concerns are behind his decisions.
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