Adam Scott Rules Himself Out of Olympics

World Number 7 Adam Scott pulls out due to busy playing schedule and personal commitments

Adam Scott has announced that he will not compete at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

The current World Number 7 put it down to scheduling issues and personal commitments.

The Australian team were one of the big favourites for gold with Adam Scott and World Number 1 Jason Day.

Marc Leishman looks favourite to take Scott's place.

Scott previously called golf in the Olympics an 'exhibition' but it is hard to see the other competitors looking at it that way - they will be giving their all to win an Olympic gold medal for their country - something a golfer hasn't been able to do for 112 years.

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“My decision has been taken as a result of an extremely busy playing schedule around the time of the Olympics and other commitments, both personal and professional,” said Scott.

“I have informed the Australian team captain (Ian Baker-Finch) and relevant authorities, who are understanding of my position and I wish the Australian Olympic team the very best of luck in Rio.”

The current World Number 7 won the Honda Classic and WGC-Cadillac Championship in back-to-back weeks in late February and early March.

Golf is in the Olympics for the first time since 1904.

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Golf Australia chief executive Stephen Pitt said the early decision would enable another medal contender to take his place.

“We’re obviously disappointed Adam will not play because he’s one of the best players in the world, but we understand his position,” Pitt said.

“This means one of our other elite players will get the chance and we’re more than happy that we will field a very strong team in Rio.

“We will have at least four great golfers compete for Australia in Brazil and we’re very excited for what that means to golf in this country and more broadly around the world.”