Villegas latest to pull out of golfing event

WASHINGTON: Camilo Villegas on Monday became just the latest golfer to withdraw from next month’s Rio Olympics, saying he needed to focus on trying to keep his PGA Tour spot for the 2016-17 season.

The Colombian and his wife are trying to have a baby but he cited job security rather than the Zika virus — which has been linked to birth defects — as the reason for not going to Brazil.

Many of the world’s top golfers have pulled out of Rio, citing Zika, including the top four ranked players — Jason Day, Dustin Johnson, Jordan Spieth and Rory McIlroy.

“I’m sad to say that I have decided to withdraw from the Olympic Games,” Villegas said. “This is an incredibly difficult decision for me, but ultimately I have to do what’s best for my career.”

Villegas is ranked 146th in the season points standings with only the top 125 qualifying for the season-ending play-offs and full tour status for next year. Just four events remain to secure a berth in the top 125.

“I have not secured my PGA Tour card for next season. I have several opportunities to improve my standing, one of which overlaps with the Olympics,” said Villegas.

The PGA’s John Deere Classic will be played opposite the Olympic tournament as the sport returns to the Games line-up after a 112-year absence.

Portugal’s Jose-Felipe Lima, ranked 392, will replace Villegas in the Rio field. The departure of Villegas, ranked 322, leaves Colombia without a golfer in the men’s tournament.

Meanwhile, Malaysian golfer Danny Chia is unfazed by the high-profile pullouts from the Rio Games over the Zika virus and believes he will still have to battle a world class field to return with a medal.

“It’s a shame that golf will return to the Olympics after 112 years without the world’s top four stars and several other top players,” Chia said.

“There are still many world-class players in the 60-man field. They all want to win a medal badly for their country, including me.”