Los Angeles (AFP) – Seventh-ranked Rickie Fowler confirmed via Twitter Sunday that he’ll represent the United States as golf returns to the Olympics in Rio, bucking a trend that has seen numerous top golfers opt out.
Two days after world number two Dustin Johnson followed top-ranked Jason Day, Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy, Aussie Adam Scott and Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama in withdrawing from Rio consideration, Fowler used social media to confirm his participation.
“Looking forward to wearing some red white and blue in Rio,” tweeted the American, who was already in Scotland preparing for this week’s British Open at Troon.
Two-time Masters champion Bubba Watson has said he’ll play for the USA, and Patrick Reed indicated at the Scottish Open that he was on board.
That left world number three Jordan Spieth yet to commit with the deadline for American golfers to confirm to the US Olympic Committee looming on Monday.
Golf’s return to the Games after a 112-year absence has lost some sheen with the high-profile withdrawals, with many of the game’s top stars citing concerns over the mosquito-born Zika virus that has been linked to birth defects.bb/nr
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