Zika virus fears forces Leishman out
Australian golfer Marc Leishman has decided to withdraw from the Olympic Games in Rio over concerns about the Zika virus.
The mosquito-borne virus is centred in north-east Brazil and has been declared a global public health emergency after it was linked to thousands of babies being born with underdeveloped brains.
Leishman said his main concern was that he would transmit the disease to his wife, Audrey, who has a low immune system.
The 32-year-old revealed that he had almost lost his wife to toxic shock syndrome last year.
"It was a difficult yet easy decision not to participate," said Leishman.
Australian team chef de mission Kitty Chiller said: "We understand that family must always come first and we respect Marc's decision not to play in Rio."
Golf is set to return to the Olympics for the first time in over 100 years, with the world's biggest players like Jordan Spieth, Rory McIlroy and Jason Day all set to compete.
Leishman joins countryman Adam Scott, South Africans Louis Oosthuizen and Charl Schwartzel and former World No 1 Vijay Singh in sitting out the event.
Latest
-
NewsDustin Johnson believes he is ‘getting there’ ahead of Masters defence
The 36-year-old is bidding to become just the fourth player to win back-to-back titles.
-
NewsRory McIlroy focused on ‘big picture’ as he bids to end title drought
McIlroy goes into this week’s Masters ranked 12th in the world.
-
NewsJustin Thomas says Tiger Woods will be a big miss at the Masters
Woods is recovering at home following a single-vehicle crash in Los Angeles on February 23.
-
NewsLee Westwood targets breaking Jack Nicklaus’ record of oldest Masters winner
Westwood will celebrate his 48th birthday just 13 days after the end of the 85th Masters.
-
NewsWATCH: Bryson DeChambeau explains how he’ll approach the Masters
The American plans to be even more aggressive than he was in November.
-
NewsMasters glory would make Rory McIlroy a ‘legend’ – Nick Dougherty
The 31-year-old is bidding to join a select group of players who have claimed all four major titles.
-
NewsPete Cowen tells Rory McIlroy to focus on the future rather than the past
McIlroy would complete a career grand slam with victory at Augusta National.
-
News‘Excited’ Jordan Spieth feels there is more to come after overdue win
The 2015 Masters champion goes into this week’s event at Augusta on the back of victory at the Valero Texas Open.
-
NewsJon Rahm celebrates arrival of baby son on weekend before Masters begins
The Spaniard had previously said he would miss the tournament to be at the birth.
-
NewsAndy North backs Bryson DeChambeau to ‘lap the field’ at Masters
North feels the big-hitting American will get his hands on a green jacket in the future.