Zika has become the most common word in golfing lexicon.
The virus has been cited as the reason for many players' withdrawals from the Olympics, but for Zimbabwean Brandon De Jonge is wasn't a factor in his decision. “The reason for my decision is not my concern about the Zika virus. It is truly a business decision," de Jonge said in a statement to the Golf Channel's website. "It would have been a great honor to play for my country."
The 35-year-old is currently 160th on the FedEx Cup rankings and would miss tournaments if he competed in Brazil. De Jonge needs to finish inside the top 125 to keep his PGA Tour card, which brings full playing privileges.
“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,” the World number 309 said. "I must finish in the top 125 to gain entry into our FedEx Cup Playoffs. This has to be a priority for me and my family."
In what has been a poor season for De Jonge, he only has a maximum of five events left to get inside the top 125. He currently lies 153 points outside the cut mark.
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