Rory McIlroy has withdrawn from the Rio Olympic Games

Rory McIlroy has withdrawn from this summer's Olympic games in Rio, according to reports.

The world's current number four golfer released a statement today confirming that he is unwilling to take the risk of exposing himself to the mosquito-borne Zika virus.

He is following in the footsteps of former Masters and PGA champion Vijay Singh, who has also declined to part-take in this year's games over Zika fears. The virus has very mild effects on most people, but it has been speculated that the virus causes severe birth defects when passed from mother to infant.

McIlroy had been set to represent Ireland at the games.

His statement can be read in full below:

Rory McIlroy won't be going to #Rio2016 pic.twitter.com/v6nZbq6ZfF

— Sinéad O'Carroll (@SineadOCarroll) June 22, 2016