Branden Grace out of Olympics due to Zika

South Africa's Branden Grace cited the dangers posed by the Zika virus as his reason for skipping the Rio Olympics.

Branden Grace has joined a number of golfers who have withdrawn from the upcoming Olympics.

South African Branden Grace has become the latest golfer to withdraw from the Rio Olympics. Grace, 28, cited the Zika virus as his reason for skipping the event, being played at the Games for the first time since 1904. In a statement, the world number 11 said he was disappointed to have to withdraw.

"After serious consideration, it is with regret that I have decided to withdraw myself from the Olympic competition due to the risk posed by the Zika virus," Grace said. "Although it was a huge goal of mine to represent my country in the Olympics, we are getting married in November and hoping to start a family in the near future, so I must put the health of my family first."

Grace's withdrawal is yet another blow for golf at the Olympics.

Four-time major winner Rory McIlroy > announced earlier in the week he too would be missing the Games. Graeme McDowell, Vijay Singh and Marc Leishman have also pulled out.