Charl Schwartzel has joined Louis Oosthuizen in withdrawing from the Rio 2016 Summer Olympics. PGA Tour spokesman Ty Votaw says Schwartzel informed golf officials last week.
Jaco van Zyl, who is ranked 59th in the world, is the next player eligible to fly the SA flag in Rio.
Golfing legend Gary Player took to social media to voice his unhappiness at the withdrawals.
‘I would have given anything to play in the Olympics,’ The nine-time major champion wrote in a statement posted to Twitter. ‘South Africa had a great team, but now obviously, it will not be as good.’
‘Players today make so much and should be giving back,’ he added. ‘The Olympics is one way they can do that since there is no prize money. Golf is one of the most popular sports in the world and our best players should be showcased on the biggest stage in sports.’
