World No1 golfer Jason Day is the latest player to withdraw from the Rio Olympics - citing the Zika virus as the reason for his "difficult decision".

In a statement released on Tuesday Day explained that he was unwilling to put his family at risk of exposure to the mosquito-borne Zika virus - that has been linked to causing birth defects and, in adults, has been linked to the neurological disorder Guillain-Barre.

The virus has already caused Rory McIlroy, Vijay Singh, Marc Leishman, Adam Scott, Louis Oosthuizen and Charl Schwartzel to opt out. While last week Graeme McDowell also pulled out of the upcoming Games - as the birth of his second child is due to coincide with the conclusion of the competition.

Day’s statement reads as follows:

"It is with deep regret I announce that I will not be competing in the 2016 Summer Olympic Games this coming August in Rio de Janeiro.

“The reason for my decision is my concerns about the possible transmission of the Zika virus and the potential risks that it may present to my wife’s future pregnancies and to future members of our family.

“I have always placed my family in front of everything else in my life. Medical experts have confirmed that while perhaps slight, a decision to compete in Rio absolutely comes with health risks to me and to my family.

“My wife Ellie and I have been blessed with two wonderful and healthy children and our plan is to have more.

“While it has always been a major goal to compete in the Olympics on behalf of my country, playing golf cannot take precedent over the safety of our family. I will not place them at risk.

"I have informed coach Ian Baker Finch and Stephen Pitt the CEO of Golf Australia of my difficult decision. I hope all golf and Olympics fans respect and understand my position. In closing, I would like to thank all of those who have supported me throughout my career and extend my best wishes to all participants. Especially the entire Australian Olympic Team as they pursue their dreams in Rio de Janeiro."