World number one Jason Day is the latest player to withdraw from the Olympics

Day is one of several Australians to withdraw

It seems to be peak season for withdrawing from the Olympics. Every player that withdraws is bad news for the game of golf as it makes its return to the Olympics after a 104-year hiatus, but when it’s the world number one, it’s an even bigger – if unexpected – blow.

“It is with deep regret I announce that I will not be competing in the 2016 Summer Olympic Games this coming August in Rio de Janeiro,” said Day, who follows fellow Australians Adam Scott and Marc Leishman in withdrawing. “The reason for my decision is my concerns about the possible transmission of the Zika virus and the potential risks that it may present to my wife’s future pregnancies and to future members of our family.

“I have always placed my family in front of everything else in my life,” added 28-year-old Day. “Medical experts have confirmed that while perhaps slight, a decision to compete in Rio absolutely comes with health risks to me and to my family.

“My wife Ellie and I have been blessed with two wonderful and healthy children and our plan is to have more.

“While it has always been a major goal to compete in the Olympics on behalf of my country, playing golf cannot take precedent over the safety of our family.

“I will not place them at risk. I hope all golf and Olympics fans respect and understand my position.”

As we said last week, the problem for golf is that every additional withdrawal – particularly from high-profile players – makes it easier for the next player to pull out.

Day even admits that him and world number four Rory McIlroy pulling out makes it likely that other players will follow suit.

“With Rory and myself pulling, I don’t know if that will trigger anyone else,” Day said. “It’s not my decision. Some guys are in different situations. Some guys are younger and single and can take that chance, and some guys are in the same situation as me and have children or going to have children, get married and stuff like that. It’s a difficult one for those guys.”