Golf: McIlroy pulls out of Rio due to Zika virus

Rory McIlroy hits his tee shot during the U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club. Photo / Getty Images

Four-time major winner Rory McIlroy has withdrawn from contention for the Rio de Janeiro Olympics due to concerns over the Zika virus.

"After speaking with those closest to me, I've come to realise that my health and my family's health comes before anything else," the Northern Irishman said on Wednesday in a statement.

"Even though the risk of infection from the Zika virus is considered low, it is a risk nonetheless and a risk I am unwilling to take."

"I trust the Irish people will understand my decision. The unwavering support I receive every time I compete in a golf tournament at home or abroad means the world to me."

McIlroy has recently slipped to fourth in the world rankings after failing to make the cut at the US Open.