Rio 2016 Olympics

Rory McIlroy ready to play at Rio Olympics after studying up on Zika virus

By Giuseppe Labellarte, Reporter | 02 June 2016

Golf world number three Rory McIlroy says that his concerns about the Zika virus in Brazil threatening his participation at August's Olympics in Rio have eased.

Rory McIlroy has claimed that he is no longer considering pulling out of the Olympic golf tournament this summer in Brazil.

The 27-year-old, set to represent Ireland in Rio as golf returns to the Games, said last week that he could turn down a spot in the team because of the Zika virus.

However, McIlroy said on Wednesday that he was now "ready to play".

"I feel like the advice I've sought out over the past 10 days has put my mind at ease," the world number three said.

"It makes me more comfortable going down there knowing that, even if I do contract Zika, it's not the end of the world. Six months to pass through your system and you're fine."

Former Masters and US PGA champion Vijay Singh and Australia's Marc Leishman have already announced their withdrawal from the Olympics because of worries relating to the mosquito-borne virus.