Scott to skip Olympics in Rio

In a statement, Scott – seventh in the world rankings with the top 15 to automatically qualify for Rio 2016 — cited a busy schedule as his reason not to play at the Games as the sport returns to the Olympics for the first time since 1904.

Former World No. 1 Adam Scott has decided not to compete in Rio Olympics

Former World No. 1 Adam Scott has decided to make himself unavailable for the upcoming Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

In a statement, Scott – seventh in the world rankings with the top 15 to automatically qualify for Rio 2016 – confirmed he would skip the event. He cited a busy schedule as his reason not to play at the Games as the sport returns to the Olympics for the first time since 1904.

"My decision has been taken as a result of an extremely busy playing schedule around the time of the Olympics and other commitments, both personal and professional," he said.

"I have informed the Australian team captain [Ian Baker-Finch] and relevant authorities, who are understanding of my position and I wish the Australian Olympic team the very best of luck in Rio.”

Scott had previously hinted that he would bypass the Olympics.

In November last year, the 2013 Masters champion said: "It's not really a priority of my scheduling next year and I'll still base my schedule around the majors. Looking at the schedule, some time off looks quite good actually.

"That's nothing to take away from the Olympics but I'm just not sure that they have got it quite dialled in for the format and might have missed an opportunity there to do something pretty special for golf."

Scott's absence follows three-time major champion Vijay Singh's decision to opt against playing in Rio, preferring to focus on the PGA Tour instead.