The best player in Japan has decided not to take his game to the Olympics next month.
Hideki Matsuyama, ranked 16th in the world and the highest-ranked Japanese player, will not represent his country when the Olympic golf competition is staged August 11-14.
“I cannot be 100 percent sure about my safety from the Zika virus,” said Matsuyama, joining world’s No. 1 Jason Day, No. 4 Rory McIlroy, Adam Scott and Branden Grace among the world-class players who will not venture to Rio.
“Additionally,” Matsuyama said in his statement, “my body has a tendency to react strongly to insect bites.”
Teams will be chosen as of the world rankings on July 11.
Dustin Johnson (2), Jordan Spieth (3), Bubba Watson (5) and Rickie Fowler (7) are eligible to represent the United States and none have indicated that they won’t play.
6 Comments
beege
You have got to be nuts to go—lots of risk to play an ordinary stroke play event just to walk in the opening ceremonies? makes no sense to me—what really gets me is the ladies who are going. they must think this through and the risks are not lesser than they were one or two years ago when officials were telling people not to go to Rio. this is another golf travesty–no bones about it—Lexi, Stacy please do not go
Tom Edrington
Neither Lexi nor Stacy will medal, should be an Asian sweep….kinda like a normal week on the LPGA Tour
beege
Hey Tom,
I agree but the playing side of the “games” is irrelevant–its their health and safety. by the way, i believe things are far worse in Rio than anyone is letting on at this point. bring your own water, food, and security!
Tom Edrington
Yes, there is pollution to deal with from the standpoint of the water spots like rowing, sailing, etc. All kinds of things to deal with going on down there. Not a place I’d choose to visit.
beege
Another drop out, Tom, Dustin takes the high road so to speak and decides to stay behind in favor of his and his family’s health. I applaud the decision and would hope Spieth, fowler etc follow suit.
It looks, however like Reed is going to go. The golf is so secondary, I guess the thrill of walking in the ceremonies is the draw.
Tom Edrington
Bob, just wrote the post on DJ’s decision. It’s a good one. First of all, these guys have their hands full with two majors in three weeks, then the Ryder Cup and the playoffs. I dig track and field and swimming, it’s over quick….don’t want to watch five hours of golfers when I can see that every week.