Louis Oosthuizen takes himself out of men’s Olympic golf event
Louis Oosthuizen announced Thursday he would be the fourth major men’s player to withdraw his name from consideration for the 2016 Olympic golf tournament.
In a release through his management company, Oosthuizen cited “family and scheduling issues” as why he won’t participate.
“I have always represented South Africa with pride so I didn’t make my decision without a great deal of thought,” he said in a statement.
Oosthuizen’s concerns are legitimate, even if not above reproach.
The major golf schedule is scrunched together in 2016 to accommodate the Olympics, with the PGA Championship moving up to the end of July, played just two weeks after the British Open at Royal Troon.
There’s also the threat of the Zika virus, spread by mosquitoes throughout Latin America and potentially into North America this summer. The virus, which can cause birth defects, can remain in the body for at least 6 months without outward symptoms, potentially scaring off players who are planning on expanding their families.
Ranked 12th in the Official World Golf Ranking, Oosthuizen would currently be the second player to represent his country in the 60-player men’s tournament in Brazil in August. Branden Grace, ranked 11th in the world, is the top-ranked South African player. Charl Schwartzel, ranked 20th, would take Oosthuizen’s place.
Oosthuizen joins Aussie world No. 7 Adam Scott, former world No. 1 Vijay Singh and Spaniard Miguel Angel Jimenez as players who have announced they will not compete in the Olympic golf tournament. No major female player has come out with a similar announcement.
Ryan Ballengee is a Yahoo Sports contributor. Find him on Facebook and Twitter.
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