Rory McIlroy (L) and Graeme McDowell, both of Northern Ireland, line up their putt at the 39th Ryder Cup at Medinah Country Club on September 28, 2012 in Medinah, Illinois. UPI/Brian Kersey |
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Graeme McDowell joined Rory McIlroy in ruling out playing for Ireland in the Rio Olympics in August, with Padraig Harrington saying he would gladly play in their place if he qualifies.
McIlroy, the fourth-ranked player in the world, created a big stir Wednesday when he cited the Zika virus as the reason he will not play when golf returns to the Olympics for the first time in 112 years. McDowell, ranked No. 73 and next in line for Ireland, issued a statement Thursday saying he is ruling himself out with his wife due to give birth just a few weeks after the Games.
"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," McDowell said. "I made the decision many months ago, before I was on the team, that I would not play or travel outside of the U.S., where I and my family live, in the weeks running up to the birth."
The International Golf Federation said it was disappointed McDowell will not participate in the Games, but acknowledged he has "unique circumstances."
Shane Lowry is 25th in the world rankings and almost assured a spot, with Harrington next in line for the second spot for Ireland.
"It would be a huge honour for me to represent Ireland at the Olympic Games, having played an active role in golf's bid to be re-included in the Olympic Games programme," Harrington said in a statement. "I will work very hard over the next few weeks to achieve this selection."
McIlroy is the highest-ranked player to withdraw from consideration, joining the likes of Adam Scott (No. 8), Louis Oosthuizen (14), Charl Shwartzel (23), Marc Leishman (37) and Vijay Singh (210).
