Lowry the latest Oly golf withdrawal

Shane Lowry of Ireland is the latest high-profile golfer to pull out of the Olympic due to concerns about the Zika virus.

Shane Lowry of Ireland

Shane Lowry of Ireland is the latest golfer to pull out of the Olympics due to Zika concerns. (AAP)

Shane Lowry of Ireland has pulled out of the Olympic golf competition because of concerns over the Zika virus.

Lowry, who finished tied for second at the US open earlier this month, said on Tuesday he received medical advice that he should not travel to Rio de Janeiro having recently got married and planning to start a family.

He is the sixth golfer to withdraw specifically because of Zika.

Earlier on Tuesday, world No.1 Jason Day said he would not be competing.

Rory McIlroy cited Zika in pulling out last week, while Charl Schwartzel of South Africa and Marc Leishman of Australia previously withdrew.

The Irish golf team in Rio will not have anyone in the top 100 in the world.

Lowry said he would represent Ireland in this year's World Cup in Australia.


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Source: AAP


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