Tour News
Jason Day out of Olympics, cites Zika concerns
Risk of the mosquito-born Zika virus has stricken another top professional golfer from Olympic consideration. World No. 1 Jason Day announced he won’t be competing in Rio, issuing this statement on social media.
— Jason Day (@JDayGolf) June 28, 2016
Day’s revelation that he won’t be competing for Australia came on the same day that Shane Lowry’s similar statement that he won’t be representing Ireland. The effects of the Zika virus on golf’s stars themselves seems slight, but they aren’t concerned for their own health.
“Many people infected with Zika virus won’t have symptoms or will only have mild symptoms,” according to the Centers for Disease Control. “The most common symptoms of Zika are fever, rash, joint pain, or conjunctivitis (red eyes). Other common symptoms include muscle pain and headache.”
However, as Jason Day and other pros have indicated, the primary concern for them is the sexual transmission of the virus to their wives and that resulting pregnancies could produce children with birth defects.
Day and Lowry join a growing list of pros saying “not worth it” to the upcoming Olympic competition. Rory McIlroy, Adam Scott, Graeme McDowell, Louis Oosthuizen, Charl Schwartzel, Branden Grace, Marc Leishman and Vijay Singh have all bowed out thus far.
With Day, Scott, and Leishman out, the current Australian team consists of Scott Hend and Marcus Fraser.
- LIKE16
- LEGIT6
- WOW0
- LOL1
- IDHT0
- FLOP1
- OB1
- SHANK12
Tour Photo Galleries
Photos from the 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
GolfWRX is on site this week in McKinney, Texas, at the 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson (FKA the AT&T Byron Nelson).
Last year at TPC Craig Ranch, Jason Day ended a five-year winless streak. J-Day is in the field again, as are Jordan Spieth, Tom Kim, and Will Zalatoris.
We have our usual assortment of general galleries, WITBs, and pullout albums for your perusal. As always, we’ll continue to add links to additional albums as they make their way to us from the Lone Star State.
Check out links to all our photos below.
General Albums
- 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson – Monday #1
- 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson – Monday #2
- 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson – Tuesday #1
- 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson – Tuesday #2
- 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson – Tuesday #3
WITB Albums
- Pierceson Coody – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Kris Kim – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- David Nyfjall – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Adrien Dumont de Chassart – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Jarred Jetter – North Texas PGA Section Champ – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Richy Werenski – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Wesley Bryan – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Parker Coody – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Peter Kuest – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Blaine Hale, Jr. – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Kelly Kraft – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Rico Hoey – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
Pullout Albums
- Adam Scott’s 2 new custom L.A.B. Golf putters – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Scotty Cameron putters – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Ben Griffin playing Maxfli golf ball
See what GolfWRXers are saying in the forums.
- LIKE10
- LEGIT0
- WOW0
- LOL0
- IDHT0
- FLOP0
- OB0
- SHANK1
Tour Photo Galleries
Photos from the 2024 Zurich Classic of New Orleans
GolfWRX is live on site this week at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans for the PGA Tour’s one-and-only two-man team event.
As usual, general galleries, WITBs, and pullout albums — including some pretty spicy custom putters and headcovers — await your viewing.
Be sure to check back for more photos from the Big Easy, as we’ll continue to update this page with additional galleries throughout the week.
General Albums
- 2024 Zurich Classic – Monday #1
- 2024 Zurich Classic – Monday #2
- 2024 Zurich Classic – Tuesday #1
- 2024 Zurich Classic – Tuesday #2
WITB Albums
- Alex Fitzpatrick – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Austin Cook – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Alejandro Tosti – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Davis Riley – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- MJ Daffue – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Nate Lashley – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- James Nicholas – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Kevin Streelman – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Rasmus Hojgaard – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Tom Whitney – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- SangMoon Bae – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Daniel Berger – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Rory McIlroy – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Russ Cochrane – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Aldrich Potgieter – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Steve Stricker WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Drew Brees WITB (Legendary New Orleans Saints QB) – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Derek Carr (New Orleans Saints QB) – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Thriston Lawrence WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
Pullout Albums
- MJ Daffue’s custom Cameron putter – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Cameron putters – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Swag covers ( a few custom for Nick Hardy) – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Custom Bettinardi covers for Matt and Alex Fitzpatrick – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Doug Ghim’s custom Cameron putter – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Patrick Cantlay spotted testing a Scotty Cameron blade putter – 2024 Zurich Classic
- LIKE7
- LEGIT3
- WOW1
- LOL0
- IDHT0
- FLOP0
- OB0
- SHANK2
Tour Photo Galleries
Photos from the 2024 RBC Heritage
GolfWRX is on site this week at Harbour Town Golf Links on Hilton Head Island for the RBC Heritage. Plenty of golfers who competed in the Masters last week will be making the quick turnaround in the Lowcountry of South Carolina as the Heritage is again one of the Tour’s Signature Events.
We have general albums for you to check out, as well as plenty of WITBs — including Justin Thomas and Justin Rose.
We’ll continue to update as more photos flow in from SC.
Check out links to all our photos, below.
General Albums
- 2024 RBC Heritage – Monday #1
- 2024 RBC Heritage – Monday #2
- 2024 RBC Heritage – Tuesday #1
- 2024 RBC Heritage – Tuesday #2
WITB Albums
- Justin Thomas – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Justin Rose – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Chandler Phillips – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Nick Dunlap – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Thomas Detry – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Austin Eckroat – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Xander Schauffele – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Jason Day – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Will Zalatoris – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Patrick Cantlay – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Ludvig Aberg – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Collin Morikawa – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Sam Burns – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Stephen Jaeger – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
Pullout Albums
- Wyndham Clark’s Odyssey putter – 2024 RBC Heritage
- JT’s new Cameron putter – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Justin Thomas testing new Titleist 2 wood – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Cameron putters – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Odyssey putter with triple track alignment aid – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Scotty Cameron The Blk Box putting alignment aid/training aid – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Cameron putter – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Odyssey Ai One Eleven T putters – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Christian Bezuidenhout – testing new Callaway Ti 340 mini driver – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Rory McIlroy testing the new TaylorMade BRNR Mini Driver Copper – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Xander Schauffele testing the Callaway Ti 340 mini driver & the DUW – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Byeong Hun An, two new L.A.B. Golf putter builds with “T” alignment – 2024 RBC Heritage
See what GolfWRXers are saying and join the discussion in the forums.
- LIKE10
- LEGIT0
- WOW0
- LOL2
- IDHT0
- FLOP1
- OB0
- SHANK0
-
19th Hole2 weeks ago
Justin Thomas on the equipment choice of Scottie Scheffler that he thinks is ‘weird’
-
19th Hole2 weeks ago
‘Absolutely crazy’ – Major champ lays into Patrick Cantlay over his decision on final hole of RBC Heritage
-
19th Hole3 weeks ago
Report: LIV Golf identifies latest star name they hope to sign to breakaway tour
-
19th Hole3 weeks ago
Neal Shipley presser ends in awkward fashion after reporter claims Tiger handed him note on 8th fairway
-
19th Hole3 weeks ago
Brandel Chamblee has ‘no doubt’ who started the McIlroy/LIV rumor and why
-
19th Hole1 week ago
LET pro gives detailed financial breakdown of first week on tour…and the net result may shock you
-
Equipment3 weeks ago
Jason Day on his recent switch into Srixon ZX5 and ZX7 Mk II irons
-
19th Hole4 days ago
Gary Player claims this is what ‘completely ruined’ Tiger Woods’ career
MikeA
Jul 3, 2016 at 1:09 pm
My bet is the golfers pulling out of the Olympics are concerned about drug test…those top golfers who have bulked up significantly have all pulled out.
RedX
Jul 4, 2016 at 4:39 am
cruel call on Lowry MikeA – yes bulked up a little …
but seriously – substance free dribbling conspiracy theorists should not apply
maybe you should head to Rio
Chris C.
Jul 1, 2016 at 10:31 pm
The Brazilian government has already acknowledged that they do not have the ability to care for the thousands of children being born with severe Zika related birth defects. Para-Olympic athletes have already been attacked. Plans to deploy 100,000 military/police are in doubt due to Brazil’s inability to pay their salaries. Rio’s bay will not be safe for swimmers or sailors. Current plans call for skimmers to be deployed to scoop up fecal matter and other solid waste ( eg. Medical waste, body parts, plastic, etc). Sailors are contemplating the use of hazmat suits or dry suits. Contrary to what some posters might believe, the Olympics is not a war. It is a great athletic event and no athlete should have to compete in conditions which will absolutely place their health and the health of their loved ones in jeopardy.
desmond
Jun 30, 2016 at 10:01 pm
Jason has had enough injuries. Doesn’t need to take the risk of more. But I think it’s more about his family not taking risks.
Jordan Speeth
Jun 30, 2016 at 8:45 am
There’s no way I’d spend two weeks ANYWHERE near Rio during this Olympics. The most popular sport there is kidnapping wealthy foreign tourists for ransom, but they really don’t mind who they kidnap as long as there might be some ransom money. They also don’t take one or two people at a time, they often commandeer entire buildings with hundreds of residents in them. It’s a freaking nightmare. I wouldn’t set foot near the place. The traffic is bad enough without the Olympics and the only way these guys will get to their venues might be by helicopter. Any day, it can take hours just to get from Ipanema to Leblon. I was there decades ago (when it was better) when Michael Jackson had a concert there. Not one or two, but dozens of people were throwing “rented” infants in front of his motorcade in hopes of shaking him down for money….dozens. Ten years later, I was there for an F1 Grand Prix and witnessed a dead body in the road leading into Jacarepagua that was left laying there for at least 12 hours. I guess, at least, someone kicked the body into the opposite lane on the way out of the track. I’ve got plenty of really wealthy friends there and the nicest cars they can drive might be a Nissan Pathfinder to avoid attracting attention to their wealth. Their children have 24/7 bodyguards. I think that, at first, these young 20-something players were thinking, “hey, exotic Rio….how cool!”…then the stories from people who know probably started rolling in. I would do anything in my powers to keep any of my children from going there for any reason. I would think less of these players intelligence if they DID go. It’s not about ZIKA, or the Olympics, or the golf, or the players that are bowing out….IT’S ABOUT RIO! If these games were ANYWHERE else, they’d all be going. Wake up pundits. Maybe you’ve been coddled through there with the IOC mucky-mucks but if you think that place is safe, you’re crazy…purely delusional and, if you think the police there will be of any help whatsoever, again, you are dreaming. Why do you think they find scores of homeless street kids on the beach with a single bullet in their head every year? There is truly no place like Rio…thank God.
Mark
Jun 30, 2016 at 2:45 am
Sensible. Anyone with a family has to give these Olympics a miss. Totally corrupt and the average Brazilian is being saddled with debt for years.
Bert
Jun 29, 2016 at 3:42 pm
Good decision Jason – many reasons not to go and most of all the health and protection of you and your family is #1.
Hue
Jun 29, 2016 at 11:04 am
Zika? Please, it’s one of the two following reasons: 1) payday from their country not nearly as much as a PGA event 2) Violence in Rio. I’m putting my money on the latter.
I wonder what it’s going to be like in Mexico City next year for the PGAtour……
Seankinni
Jun 29, 2016 at 10:21 am
Well if anyone would get the Zina virus, it would probably be Jason so I don’t blame him!
Jay
Jun 29, 2016 at 8:59 am
Except, you know, this is pretty much what all runners work towards. It’s the biggest stage they compete on. Not even close for golf. Pretty sure most golfers would risk zika and getting mugged at gun point to play Augusta. Brainiac.
Jordan Speeth
Jun 29, 2016 at 8:41 pm
Hmmm, I don’t know. Augusta, GA isn’t exactly the safest place I know of either.
Jay
Jul 2, 2016 at 10:25 am
Reading comprehension clearly isn’t a strength for you.
louie
Jun 28, 2016 at 9:51 pm
drug testing, they would all fail. That’s why
300 Yard Pro
Jun 28, 2016 at 7:10 pm
Most here commenting how dangerous it is, have never been there and know nothing.
MRC
Jun 28, 2016 at 4:39 pm
Curious how much money Brazil paid the IOC to host Olympics.
Of all the beautiful countries in the world, why would anyone want to visit Brazil in the first place.
Nellaad
Jun 29, 2016 at 2:06 pm
Brazil is a nice place and Rio is one of the most geographically beautiful place in the world. Just crowded and corrupted like every other place in this world. It just matters to the degree of it. And in Rio it is up there and it is not clever corruption. It is blatant and in your face type corruption.
EagleM.
Jun 28, 2016 at 3:27 pm
I love watching olympics. It’s entertaining. It maybe a bit overrated, which makes it even more entertaining. But, it’s a interesting to read some comments (not restricted to here) as if anyone is obligated even ever so slightly to play in olympics for some particular reason.
For some, olympics is honor, nationalism, payday, etc. But, most of us really are just spectators here. For most viewers like us, it’s just a spectacle, entertainment, fun, etc. Personally, I would never encourage anyone to risk anything, especially health or family related, just for sake of other people’s entertainment purpose unless there really is a good reason to justify that risk. Obviously, for some, participating in olympics will justify that reason, but for others it won’t.
It’s just a game. Some will argue it’s a noble game. Nonetheless just a game.
rd
Jun 28, 2016 at 3:20 pm
They should strip the golf course down there and let the rainforest grow back
Tom
Jun 29, 2016 at 12:00 am
ummm sure..cause that’s what was there before?
ooffa
Jun 28, 2016 at 2:39 pm
Zika is just a convenient excuse for these guys. There’s no payday at the Olympics. That’s reason they are not playing.
Kevin
Jun 28, 2016 at 2:39 pm
Zika is a real concern, but Rio is a dangerous mess regardless of the zika virus. Zika allows these people to back out without embarrassing the IOC by having to say they believe their personal safety is at risk just being there.
HH
Jun 28, 2016 at 2:11 pm
Ahhh…a convenient reason NOT to have to play in the Olympics for golf.
Joshuaplaysgolf
Jun 28, 2016 at 1:37 pm
When in doubt, pull out.
dr. abo
Jun 28, 2016 at 12:44 pm
Tiger woods would play with Zika
Philip
Jun 28, 2016 at 12:16 pm
Wow – now I know why they are all pulling out – I checked the virus online and didn’t realize there are documented cases where it is highly likely the virus was transmitted from male to female through sex, as well as blood transfusions. Plus, there may not even be symptoms or very little (80% non detection rate). Having hundreds of thousands of individuals from all over the world go into a region currently with this issue is just total irresponsibility from a world wide health concern. Of course, one could always believe the organizers or the news media which always have the concerns of the everyday person as their priority – they even have experts stating that the risk should be able to be reduced to an acceptable level! The question is whether an acceptable level for the city, IOC and certain experts is the same for those who get infected and bring it home with them.
steve
Jun 28, 2016 at 12:06 pm
Golf in the Olympics is becoming more and more meaningless
Tom
Jun 29, 2016 at 12:02 am
unfortunately true.
EagleM.
Jun 28, 2016 at 11:53 am
Good decision, Jason! Nothing matters more than your family. Period.
Matto
Jun 29, 2016 at 12:03 am
His family was always staying home. It’s a transmittable virus.