Rory McIlroy Will Play in Rio Olympics After Researching Zika Virus

Rory McIlroy, who is currently playing in the Memorial Tournament, was considering not playing in the Rio Olympics over concern of the spread of the Zika virus. McIlroy skipping the event would likely have been a dagger to the heart of golf’s future in the Olympics. He would have joined Adam Scott, Charl Schwartzel, Louis Oosthuizen, Marc Leishman, Vijay Singh and Miguel Angel Jimenez on the list of those skipping the event.

At the time, McIlroy told the BBC:

"“Right now, I’m ready to go but I don’t want anything to affect that,” he said. Asked if there was a chance he might not go to Rio, McIlroy, replied: “Yeah.” But he added: “Right now I am going and looking forward to it.”"

Now, after consulting with medical experts, McIlroy is, “ready to play.”

"“I feel like the advice I’ve sought out over the past 10 days has put my mind at ease and makes me more comfortable going down there knowing that, even if I do contract Zika, it’s not the end of the world. It takes six months to pass through your system, and you’re fine.” “You can get tested for it, and it’s either a yes or a no you’ve had it,” he said. “It’s a virus. It works its way out of your system, and you become immune to it.”"

McIlroy’s correct that the virus will eventually pass, but contracting it and spreading it to women who are pregnant or may become pregnant is the main concern. McIlroy has expressed that he wants to start a family with fiancée Erica Stoll in the coming years. The concern over the spread of the virus caused more than 100 leading scientists to sign a letter demanding that the Olympics be moved or postponed.

[HT Devil Ball Golf]