Spieth undecided on Olympics participation

Many top professionals have already announced they will not be heading to Brazil due to fears of the Zika virus, with world number one Jason Day and Shane Lowry adding to the growing list of withdrawals on Tuesday, but Spieth claims there are other factors at play.

Published : Jun 29, 2016 18:06 IST

"Right now, I'm uncertain, I've always been excited about a possible opportunity but there are quite a few different factors that would turn someone away from going," said Spieth.
"Right now, I'm uncertain, I've always been excited about a possible opportunity but there are quite a few different factors that would turn someone away from going," said Spieth.
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"Right now, I'm uncertain, I've always been excited about a possible opportunity but there are quite a few different factors that would turn someone away from going," said Spieth.

World number two Jordan Spieth said he is unsure whether he will compete at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro in August.

The 22-year-old two-time Major winner has refused to commit to going or staying and is waiting for all the information before making a decision.

Many top professionals have already announced they will not be heading to Brazil due to fears of the Zika virus, with world number one Jason Day and Shane Lowry adding to the growing list of withdrawals on Tuesday, but Spieth claims there are other factors at play.

"Right now, I'm uncertain, I've always been excited about a possible opportunity but there are quite a few different factors that would turn someone away from going," Spieth told reporters ahead of the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational, which gets underway on Thursday.

"It's not just one, it's quite a few factors. I have not received enough information to make an informed decision either way or not.

"So as we gather more information I will be able to make a decision one way or the other, when I feel confident, I will make a decision either side."

With four Americans qualifying as it stands, Spieth feels there is a potential added burden on them to compete in Rio.

"Do I feel an added burden? Potentially, I think all four of the Americans do, all four of the Americans who are in right now do," he added.

"Some of the guys have dropped out, the South Africans, the Aussies and quite a few others, the Irish, which is significant and then you even have Camilo [Villegas], that's big, a South American.

"So I think I'm one of four guys who will feel a little bit to it, but then again, this decision is much bigger than that. This is personal safety type and future planning type decision which is going to outweigh any pressure that we feel."

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