Rory McIlroy to skip Rio Olympics amid Zika fears

Rory McIlroy has pulled out of this summer's Rio Olympics due to fears over the Zika virus.

McIlroy, ranked No. 4 in the world and a four-time major winner, would have represented Ireland as golf makes its return to the Olympics for the first time since 1904.

"After much thought and deliberation, I have decided to withdraw my name from consideration for this summer's Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro," McIlroy said in a statement Wednesday.

"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."

McIlroy, 27, has said he and his fiancee, Erica Stoll, may consider starting a family in the next few years.

There is no vaccine for the Zika virus, which leads to severe birth defects. The mosquito-borne virus can cause babies to be born with abnormally small heads.

A statement from the Olympic Council of Ireland read: "The OCI is extremely disappointed not to be taking Rory with us to Rio. However, as we have always said, it is down to the individual and of course we respect his decision, which he has taken for personal reasons. 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 is one of several high-profile golfers planning to skip the Summer Games.

Adam Scott, Louis Oosthuizen, Charl Schwartzel, Marc Leishman and Vijay Singh have already said they will not travel to Brazil.

World No. 5 Bubba Watson said he is committed to playing in the Olympics, assuming he qualifies for the American team.

"I can't wait," Watson said this week. "My wife played professional basketball and she missed out on the Olympics because of a knee injury the one time she had a chance to make the team. So for me, it's an amazing sporting event that I get to be inside the ropes at. I get to see some of the athletes I've always wanted to see. I get to go to some of the events I've always wanted to watch and then I get to play in it."

The Rio Olympics are scheduled from Aug. 5-21.