Olympic Games: Lowry also wary of Zika virus threat

llustration of Zika virus in blood by Kateryna Kon/Science Photo Library. Via New Scientist

Shane Lowry has joined Rory McIlroy in expressing his concern over the Zika virus and this summer's Olympic Games in Brazil.

Speaking to Meridian Media's Denis Kirwan following an opening 69 in the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth on Thursday, Lowry said: "I have read up a lot about it and I've been keeping an eye on it. 

"I really, really want to go to the Olympics. I am not sure what other players are doing but by the sounds of things, Rory is thinking of pulling out. 

"As of now, I am still thinking of going but I have to wait and see. Over the summer I am going to speak to different doctors and not only doctors from the tours but my own individual doctors at home, just to get their opinion on it.

"I am only a recently married man so if I am planning on starting a family in the near future, it wouldn't be the best thing to happen."

McIlroy, who became engaged last Christmas, told the BBC earlier this week that he was also keeping his options open.

"There’s going to be a point in the next couple of years where we're going to have to think about starting a family,” he told the BBC. “Right now I'm ready to go but I don't want anything to affect that.”

McIlroy still plans to go to Rio, adding: “Right now I am going and looking forward to it. As it gets closer I am relishing the thought of going down there and competing for gold.

“But I have been reading a lot of reports about Zika and there have been some articles coming out saying that it might be worse than they're saying and I have to monitor that situation

"I am actually going to get my injections on Wednesday - at least I will be immunised for whatever... if I do get bitten by a mosquito down there.”

Irish Olympic golf team leader Paul McGinley says there’s “little chance” McIlroy will pull out of the Rio games over the Zika virus.

“It’s an obvious question of concern to all Olympic athletes ,” McGinley said on Monday. "There’s very little chance Rory won’t go unless the IOCs medical experts change their view.”