Zika Olympics Prompts Panic Among Popular Golfers

• 22 June 2016

Zika Olympics is a word association no one wants when their host the Summer Games.  However, Brazil has had problems with the ir upcoming Olympic preparation for the past two years.  The latest is another potential infectious material or virus that could affect the athletes.  Being near the Amazon Rainforest, this virus is transmitted through the saliva of mosquitoes.  This naturally have pro golfers very concerned.  Welcome to HRWager as we examine the list of names opting out of the Olympic event of golf this summer.

Zika Olympics : Rory is Out

Rory McIlroy put out a statement asking for understanding from the Irish people as he opts out of the Summer Olympics.  Even though he says the risk is low, he can not risk the health of himself or his family by playing there.  This by far is the highest profile pro to opt out.  Until now we had two camps.  Some like Jordan Spieth remain committed to representing their country.  On the other hand, we have a growing movement of golfers who are saying that a gold medal is not worth health nor risking the potential millions from their career to play in the Olympics.

Others Opt Out

Here we have older pros like Vijay Singh and Miguel Angel Jimenez refusing to play.  Louis Oosthuzien and Marc Leishman would be outside considerations to medal.  Remaining qualification is supposed to be done by July 11th.  A final list will be published after that so then we can set our futures to see who can win the gold medal.

Unique opportunity for modern golfers to take home a gold medal.  It would be an endorsement boon for some golfers to win.  Others like the Big Three, it would just be another trophy on the mantle piece.  We will examine what the millionaires plan to do in the upcoming weeks.  Check in with HRWager as qualifying comes to a close in golf for the upcoming Olympic Games in Brazil.