De Jonge opts out of the Olympics

Harare - Brendon de Jonge of Zimbabwe has withdrawn from the Olympics because he doesn't want to miss two tournaments as he tries to keep his PGA Tour card.

De Jonge is the 12th player to pull out of the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, where golf makes its return after a 112-year absence. He is the first player to specifically cite the schedule as it relates to keeping his full playing privileges next year.

Only the top 125 reach the FedEx Cup playoffs and keep full status. De Jonge is at No 160, to play in the Olympics would mean to skip the Travelers Championship and John Deere Classic. He calls it a business decision that was best for his family.

The withdrawal means Zimbabwe will not have a golfer in Rio.