Spanish golfer Sergio Garcia has committed to representing his country at the Rio Olympics, despite a host of his fellow professionals withdrawing from the Games citing fears concerning the Zika virus.
"I know there r some dangers but representing Spain, trying to make golf grow & becoming an Olympian r too important so I'll be at @Olympics," the world No.12 tweeted.
I know there r some dangers but representing Spain, trying to make golf grow & becoming an Olympian r too important so I'll be at @Olympics
— Sergio Garcia (@TheSergioGarcia) July 6, 2016
World No.6 Henrik Stenson also reiterated his commitment to represent Sweden in Rio, the 40-year-old joking: "I'm not afraid of mosquitoes. I'm more afraid of bears."
Speaking ahead of the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open in Inverness, Stenson added: "I've been looking forward to playing in Rio for quite some time.
"There's different aspects to it - there's being part of the Olympic movement and seeing an Olympic Games from kind of the inside. I think that's going to be an experience of a lifetime for a sporting fan.
"And then of course if I can go there, compete and compete well, if I make myself and my country happy, that would be something very special. I have a few nice trophies at home and it would be nice to hang an Olympic medal next to them. I think that would look kind of cool.
"It might be the only time when it's a competitive advantage to be 40-plus and done with the bambino thing.
"I've got three kids at home and I'm not looking to have any more. The Zika virus is not a concern of mine.
"Like with any competition, five years down the line you're not going to think about who wasn't there. You're going to think about who won the medals."
Big names including world No.1 Jason Day, Irish trio Rory McIlroy, Shane Lowry and Graeme McDowell and South African major winners Charl Schwartzel and Louis Oosthuizen have all pulled out, as golf marks a return to the Olympics for the first time since 1904.
Most have cited concerns over the Zika virus, a mosquito-borne disease that can cause crippling birth defects in infants and has been linked to the neurological disorder Guillain-Barre in adults.
Zimbabwe's Brendon de Jonge has become the latest player to withdraw his name from consideration, but he admits his decision has nothing to do with the virus.
De Jonge is more concerned about securing his PGA Tour card for next season, telling GolfChannel.com he cannot afford to skip two PGA Tour events to play in Rio.
"The reason for my decision is not my concern about the Zika virus. It is truly a business decision," he said.
"It would have been a great honour to play for my country.
"I am truly disappointed, but my current position on the FedEx Cup points list does not allow me the luxury to skip the John Deere Classic or the Travelers Championship,"
