Rory McIlroy withdraws from the Olympics

[Silent]

Quote

In a statement, Rory said:

"After much thought and deliberation, I have decided to withdraw my name from consideration for this summer's Olympic Games in Rio de Janiero.

"After speaking with those closest to me, I've come to realize that my health and my family's health comes before anything else. 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.

"I trust the Irish people will understand my decision. The unwavering support I receive every time I compete in a golf tournament at home or abroad means the world to me.

"I will continue to endeavor to make my fans and fans of golf proud with my play on the course and my actions off it."

http://www.europeantour.com/europeantour/season=2016/tournamentid=2016062/news/newsid=299166.html

[Scotsclaff]

No surprise there.

The olympics may need golf but golf doesn't need the olympics.

[boogielicious]

2 minutes ago, Scotsclaff said:

No surprise there.

The olympics may need golf but golf doesn't need the olympics.

Excellent point. 

[Valleygolfer]

Sounds like sour grapes. Didn't even know that the Zika virus was still in. Aren't we due for a new threat?

[boogielicious]

Just now, Valleygolfer said:

Sounds like sour grapes. Didn't even know that the Zika virus was still in. Aren't we due for a new threat?

It is moving north. Doubt it will reach the Kancamangus though.  The US swim team moved their practice out of Puerto Rico because of Zika.

[Gunther]

He won't be the last.  These Olympics are on thin ice (ya, I know, that metaphor works better for the winter olympics).  IOC had a chance to choose Dallas but I guess our elders didn't pad enough wallets.

[saevel25]

I have no issue with this. Personal safety trumps everything else. 

 

[Valleygolfer]

58 minutes ago, boogielicious said:

It is moving north. Doubt it will reach the Kancamangus though.  The US swim team moved their practice out of Puerto Rico because of Zika.

It's a nice ride through the kanc, Zika would enjoy it...

[Silent]

I'm wondering if McIlory is more at risk at Rio then he will be in any other tournament, against other kinds of risks. 

[Chilli Dipper]

Forget Zika: this is Rory saying "screw it, I don't need the distraction" after missing the cut at Oakmont.

[ChrisP]

Unfortunately, I think more are coming.

[Patch]

I can respect his decision. The SO/WO is no longer a big deal. Especially this Rio version. 

Might be too, that it's simply just not worth his time. 

[newtogolf]

2 minutes ago, ChrisP said:

Unfortunately, I think more are coming.

I agree, as it gets closer we will see a lot of other big names pull out.  Zika is just one of a few reasons not to want to go there but it's the most politically correct reason to cite.  If I was a pro golfer, there's no way I'd risk going to Brazil just to play golf in the same exact format as every other week on the Tour.  If the format were partners match play or male / female teams it might have evoked more national spirit but these guys represent their country every week.    

[MSchott]

28 minutes ago, Chilli Dipper said:

Forget Zika: this is Rory saying "screw it, I don't need the distraction" after missing the cut at Oakmont.

This for the most part. He and other pro golfers don't need the Olympics so why assume the risk? I like the idea of golf at the Olympics but Rio is a disaster waiting to happen. The pros would be much more comfortable if the games were held in say, London again. 

[David in FL]

5 minutes ago, newtogolf said:

I agree, as it gets closer we will see a lot of other big names pull out.  Zika is just one of a few reasons not to want to go there but it's the most politically correct reason to cite.  If I was a pro golfer, there's no way I'd risk going to Brazil just to play golf in the same exact format as every other week on the Tour.  If the format were partners match play or male / female teams it might have evoked more national spirit but these guys represent their country every week.    

Yup

[xcott]

If these guys are concerned about Zika, they should probably not play in tournaments in the US since it can be contracted here. I'm not buying the Zika excuse.

[Valleygolfer]

2 hours ago, Scotsclaff said:

No surprise there.

The olympics may need golf but golf doesn't need the olympics.

It is mostly TV hype. I have never cared for the Olympics.

45 minutes ago, Chilli Dipper said:

Forget Zika: this is Rory saying "screw it, I don't need the distraction" after missing the cut at Oakmont.

Honestly this is a no pay deal and takes a lot of time out of the schedule not to mention Rio being wacky. Pretty much every week is the "Olympics". If you are good enough in the game, you can play against the best in the world. I agree with the other statements, watch them drop off since Rory stated it.

[Patch]

11 minutes ago, xcott said:

If these guys are concerned about Zika, they should probably not play in tournaments in the US since it can be contracted here. I'm not buying the Zika excuse.

Last I heard all the US state side infections were of the folks who had been traveling outside the country when they were infected. 

I also read the CDC is expecting mosquitoes with the virus could easily be in the US by this 2016 summer. It's now summer here.