Rio 2016 Olympics: Golfers Rickie Fowler, Patrick Reed Commit to Play for Team USA Amid Zika Virus Threat; Dustin Johnson Opts Out
Decorated American golfers Rickie Fowler and Patrick Reed have committed to represent the United States in the Rio 2016 Olympics next month. The decision of the Ryder Cup teammates came after U.S. Open champion Dustin Johnson turned down his Olympic spot in the men's golf competition due to the Zika virus threat.
Rickie Fowler, Patrick Reed Are Going to Rio 2016 Olympics
Fowler and Reed confirmed on social media that they will be joining Team USA in the Rio 2016 Olympics. The two professional golfers will be joining Bubba Watson who has already committed earlier to represent the country despite the Zika virus threat.
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According to Golf Channel, Fowler, who is the fourth American golfer to qualify for the Rio 2016 Olympics, was initially undecided to represent Team USA due to the Zika virus threat and security issues. However, on Sunday afternoon, he announced through his Twitter account that he is looking forward to represent the country in the Rio 2016 Olympics.
Moreover, Reed, who ranks 13th in the world, qualified to join Team USA in the Rio 2016 Olympics after Dustin Johnson vacated his spot due to the Zika virus threat. Although Reed has not yet directly confirmed his participation in the Rio 2016 Olympics, Golf Channel's Damon Hack tweeted that he has spoken to him, who said that he is "all in and ready to go" for Team USA.
In his past interviews, Reed has been very vocal about his willingness to play for the Team USA in the Rio 2016 Olympics amid the Zika virus threat. "Yes, it's a risk, but it's a risk that we're all willing to take. I think the biggest thing is I get to represent my country again," Reed told reporters.
Dustin Johnson Withdrew from the Rio 2016 Olympics
On Friday, Dustin Johnson, who ranks as the world's second-best golfer, announced his decision to opt out from Team USA in the Rio 2016 Olympics, citing the Zika virus concerns. The 32-year-old professional golfer told ESPN that it was not an easy decision; however, he and his fiancée Paulina Gretzky are planning to expand their family. "I feel it would be irresponsible to put myself, her or our family at risk," Johnson stated.
Johnson is the first American golfer who withdrew from the Rio 2016 Olympics due to the Zika virus threat. Brazil has been widely affected by the Zika virus, which is linked to microcephaly in newborns.
