• ‘Though the risk of infection is low, it’s a risk I am unwilling to take’ • ‘My health and my family’s health comes before anything else’

A host of the world’s leading golfers could follow Rory McIlroy’s lead and opt out of the Rio Olympics, putting the sport’s future in the Games beyond 2020 in the balance.

McIlroy, who was due to represent Ireland in August, issued a statement on Wednesday announcing that he would make himself unavailable for selection due to health fears over the Zika virus. The golfer plans to start a family with his fiancee, Erica Stoll, and Zika has been linked to defects among newborns.

The world’s No1 and No2 players, Jason Day and Jordan Spieth, are among those understood to be considering their position. Their withdrawal would deprive the competition of its most high-profile players and inevitably have an impact on the vote next year considering whether to retain golf beyond the Tokyo Games in four years’ time.

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“After speaking with those closest to me, I’ve come to realise that my health and my family’s health comes before anything else,” McIlroy, 27, said in announcing his withdrawal. “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.”

In recent weeks Day, the Masters champion Danny Willett and Rickie Fowler have publicly expressed doubt about their Olympic participation. Spieth, meanwhile, claimed a journalist was “putting words into my mouth” during a press conference at last weekend’s US Open, when it was stated as a fact that he would travel to Brazil.

Representatives of Day and Spieth did not respond to the Guardian’s request for outright clarification regarding Olympic status, with both believed to be wavering. McIlroy has now arguably made it easier for others to withdraw.

McIlroy is the most high-profile golfer so far to pull out of the Olympics but he follows in the wake of Adam Scott, Marc Leishman, Vijay Singh, Louis Oosthuizen and Charl Schwartzel.

When golf was re-established in the Games seven years ago, the International Olympic Commission sought clarity that the top players would compete. Increasingly that appears under threat. While golf will again form part of the Olympics in 2020, the 2017 vote on whether the association will continue looms large. The appearance or otherwise in Rio of the most prominent players is intrinsically linked to that decision, albeit the International Golf Federation would hope to cite problems of the location as problematic rather than the sport itself. At the weekend, Fowler also raised security as a concern.

In a statement, the IGF said: “The IGF is disappointed with Rory’s decision but recognises some players will have to weigh personally a unique set of circumstances as they contemplate their participation in golf’s historic return to the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, with the Zika virus foremost among them.

“It is unfortunate that the Zika virus has led to Rory’s decision to withdraw from the Olympic Games, knowing how much he was looking forward to taking part. As we have stated before, the Olympics is the world’s greatest celebration of sport and we remain excited about golf’s return after a 112-year absence. It will truly be a special occasion for our sport and we are confident that the 60 men and 60 women who will represent their respective countries will find it an experience they will cherish forever.”

McIlroy was criticised by two Irish Olympians for his decision. Darren O’Neill, the former captain of his country’s boxing team, tweeted that Ireland “are better off without him”. O’Neill added: “I have cried tears & spilled blood in trying to qualify for Rio. This affirms my opinions.”

Natalya Coyle, a modern pentathlete, also took to Twitter. She said: “Seriously? It’s the ultimate [sic] honor to represent your country at Olympics & we’ve top medical staff looking after us.”

Paul McGinley, Ireland’s golf team leader for the Games, has cause to be especially wounded by McIlroy’s decision. Not only has McGinley been denied a star player but the duo have a close alliance, boosted by the successful Ryder Cup campaign in 2014. “It’s only in the last week to 10 days that he has taken this view; it’s obviously disappointing but it is his decision,” McGinley said.

“It’s not something that I can get involved in. It’s a personal decision, he’s made this decision and we move forward with some new players and new representatives for Ireland.

“It’s his decision, it’s not for me to influence him. This is a health concern that he has. He’s discussed it with his family and his wife-to-be and has come to this conclusion. He notified us last night to say that ‘this is the decision I’ve come to.’

“As an Irishman I’m disappointed but it’s not about me. With Rory we had a very legitimate chance of gold. We still have a lot of good players coming behind for us that could win a medal too, hopefully a gold, and we move forward in that direction.”

The 2010 US Open champion, Graeme McDowell, for now, has taken McIlroy’s place alongside Shane Lowry in the Ireland team.