Rory McIlroy could skip Rio Games due to Zika virus

Peter Thompson

Rory McIlroy could skip Rio Games due to Zika virus image

Rory McIlroy may opt out of the Rio Olympics after expressing concerns over the spread of the Zika virus.

The four-time major winner is due to represent Ireland in Brazil when golf returns to the Games after a 112-year absence.

McIlroy this month said he was "worried" to see some fellow players decide against taking part in August.

But the world No. 3 has now stated he is not guaranteed to compete himself due to the threat of a virus, which evidence has shown can lead to birth defects in newborn babies.

MORE: "SNL" rips Brazil | The condom conundrum

McIlroy told BBC Newsline after winning his first Irish Open title on Sunday, "There's going to be a point in the next couple of years where we're (he and fiancee Erica Stoll) going to have to think about starting a family. 

"Right now I'm ready to go but I don't want anything to affect that."

Peter Thompson