Spanish golfer Sergio Garcia to participate in Rio despite Zika virus fears

New Delhi: Spanish golfer Sergio Garcia has committed to representing his country at the Rio Olympics, despite a host of his fellow professionals withdrawing from the Games citing fears concerning the Zika virus.

"I know there r some dangers but representing Spain, trying to make golf grow & becoming an Olympian r too important so I`ll be at @Olympics," the world number 12 tweeted on his verified account. (@TheSergioGarcia)

I know there r some dangers but representing Spain, trying to make golf grow & becoming an Olympian r too important so I'll be at @Olympics — Sergio Garcia (@TheSergioGarcia) July 6, 2016

Big names including world number one Jason Day, number four Rory McIlroy, Fiji`s Vijay Singh and Charl Schwartzel of South Africa have all pulled out due to the virus, as golf marks a return to the Olympics for the first time since 1904.

The mosquito-borne disease can cause crippling birth defects in infants and has been linked to the neurological disorder Guillain-Barre in adults.

The Rio Games will be held from Aug. 5-21.