Ladies European Tour chief hits out at world's top men
Wednesday 13 July 2016 12:20, UK
Rory McIlroy is among one of the world's top golfers who have been accused of letting down the sport for taking a "myopic approach" and withdrawing from the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
Ladies European Tour's chief executive Ivan Khodabakhsh has hit out the likes of four time major winner McIlroy and world No 1 Jason Day over their decision not to play in Brazil when golf returns for the first time in over 100 years.
McIlroy and Jason Day head a growing list of over 20 golfers to pull out of the tournament, citing health concerns from the mosquito-born Zika virus which can cause birth defects in infants.
"The top male golfers have let down the rest of the sport very badly," said Khodabakhsh.
"The opportunity to do something for the broader good of the game is in their hands and they seem to be taking a very myopic approach.
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"Brazil is a country of 200 million people in which fewer than 20,000 are registered golfers. The impact of the Olympics on those type of numbers across the world is part of the reason that golf is a success as an Olympic sport this summer."
World No 4 McIlroy defended his decision on Tuesday and said he was unlikely to even watch the tournament on television, preferring to spend his viewing time on "stuff that matters".
While the men's event has been hit by a host of pull-outs, New Zealand's Lydia Ko will lead an almost full-strength women's line-up when golf returns to the Olympics for the first time since 1904.
"British golf is represented by great champions Charley Hull and Catriona Matthew but across the world, 60 women golfers from 34 countries will tee off in Rio," Khodabakhsh added.
"This will send a powerful message to sports fans and governments of all types that women's golf is a genuine world class sport."
