Shane Lowry has withdrawn from this summer’s Olympic Games, citing fears over the Zika virus. Lowry’s decision means that Padraig Harrington and Seamus Power are likely to represent Ireland in Rio.

“It is with a heavy heart that I have made the decision over the last couple of days to withdraw from the upcoming Olympic Games in August,” Lowry said in a statement. “Based on a number of consultations with leading medical experts in recent days, I feel that I would be putting my family’s health at risk by being in Brazil at the current time.

“Wendy and I have just recently been married and we hope to be lucky enough to have a family in the near future. Based on these circumstances, I have received firm medical advice that I should not travel to Rio this summer.

“I have not taken the decision lightly and it has been the source of much anguish for me over the past week. I am a very proud Irish man and I love my country.”

Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell have already announced that they will not compete in Rio, leaving Harrington and Seamus Power as the highest placed Irish golfers in the world rankings as things stand.

The Olympic Council of Ireland said this afternoon: “The OCI is disappointed to hear of the news that Shane Lowry is withdrawing from Rio 2016 due to his concerns over the Zika virus.

“However, as we have always said, it is down to the individual and of course we respect Shane’s decision, which he has taken for personal reasons.

“The OCI already note that we are very fortunate to have three time major champion Pádraig Harrington who now looks likely to gain automatic qualification. Seamus Power is currently the next highest ranked Irish player and his possible qualification will be determined on the 11th July.”

Lowry’s announcement came just hours after world number one Jason Day confirmed he would not be travelling to Brazil.

“The reason for my decision is my concerns about the possible transmission of the Zika virus and the potential risks that it may present to my wife’s future pregnancies and to future members of our family,” Day said in a statement.

Golf is returning to the Olympics this year after an absence since 1904. But with a large number of key players pulling out, its future may be in doubt. Barry Maister, an International Olympic committee member from New Zealand this week blasted the golfers who have dropped out of the Games.

“I think it is appalling,” he told radio station Newstalk ZB. “I don’t like it and I don’t think the sport should be allowed to continue in the Games under that scenario.” Just getting in with your name, and then putting up some second or third rate players, is so far from the Olympic ideal or the expectation of the Olympic movement.”