Graeme McDowell will not represent Ireland in Rio

Graeme McDowell has announced he will not be replacing Rory McIlroy in Ireland's Olympic team for the Games in Rio later this summer.

World No 73 McDowell was the next in line to come into the team alongside Shane Lowry after world No 4 McIlroy said on Wednesday that he would not travel to Brazil because of concerns over the Zika virus.

But 2010 US Open winner McDowell has revealed he does not want to play in Rio because his wife is due to give birth a couple of weeks after the Games.

"I woke yesterday morning to the news that Rory McIlroy had withdrawn from the Irish Olympic Golf team, putting me in line for an automatic spot on the team," McDowell, 36, said in a statement on Thursday lunchtime.

"As many within golf will know my wife Kristin is pregnant and is due to have our second child just a couple of weeks after the Olympic Golf competition concludes.

"I made the decision many months ago, before I was on the team, that I would not play or travel outside the US, where I and my family live, in the weeks running up to the birth.

"Unfortunately I will therefore not be available to replace Rory on the team. I have informed Paul McGinley and the Olympic Council of Ireland of my decision."

McDowell is now 73rd in the world rankings

Reacting to McDowell's statement, the International Golf Federation said: "We recognise the unique circumstances for Graeme and his family and, while we are disappointed that he is not available for the Olympic Games, we sympathise with his position.

"There are many considerations for players but those who compete will have the opportunity to be part of a truly global celebration of sport."

In the absence of both McIlroy and McDowell three-time major winner Padraig Harrington is set to represent Ireland along with Lowry.

"The Olympic Council of Ireland (OCI) respects the decision taken by Graeme McDowell to make himself unavailable for consideration for the Irish Olympic Golf Team," said a statement from the OCI.

"It is important to re-emphasise that Graeme's decision was taken for personal reasons as Rio 2016 is a matter of weeks before the birth of his, and his wife Kristin Stape's, second child.

"This now presents a significant opportunity for another talented Irish golfer to represent his country and participate in golf's historic return to the Olympic Games after a 112-year absence.

"In particular, we are very fortunate to have a global star in Padraig Harrington who is now in contention for automatic selection for Rio 2016."

Padraig Harrington is set to step in for Ireland in Rio

Harrington, the winner of two Open Championships and the US PGA, says he will be honoured to represent his country.

"Based on the current ranking points I am next in line for automatic selection to the Irish Olympic Team for Rio 2016," he said.

"I will work very hard over the next few weeks to achieve this selection as it would be a huge honour for me to represent Ireland at the Olympic Games, having played an active role in golf's bid to be re-included in the Olympic Games programme."

Shane Lowry shared second place at last week's US Open

The International Golf Federation noted the "unique circumstances" leading to McDowell's withdrawal.

"We recognise the unique circumstances for Graeme and his family and, while we are disappointed that he is not available for the Olympic Games, we sympathise with his position," it said in a statement.

"There are many considerations for players but those who compete will have the opportunity to be part of a truly global celebration of sport."