Golfer Spieth joins Rio exodus over Zika virus fears

World number three golfer Jordan Spieth has joined the chorus of players pulling out of next month's Rio Olympics over increasing fears about the Zika virus.

Brazil has been most affected by the mosquito-borne virus that has spread rapidly through Latin America and the Caribbean. It is known to cause the head-shrinking microcephaly and other birth defects.

The news was confirmed by the International Golf Federation president Peter Dawson, Sport24 reported.

With this decision, Spieth has joined a host of golfers to withdraw from this year's Olympics, which includes Rory McIlroy, Jason Day, Dustin Johnson, Adam Scott, Louis Oosthuizen, Charl Schwartzel, Marc Leishman and Vijay Singh.

Golf, which is making its return in Olympics after a century-long absence, has now lost four of its biggest stars following the withdrawal of McIlroy, Day and Johnson.