Louis Oosthuizen follows Scott in ruling himself out of Olympics

Louis Oosthuizen is the latest high-profile name to rule himself out of the 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil.

Oosthuizen is currently the world number 12, just one place behind top-ranked South African Branden Grace, and the duo were both expected to be selected for the Rio event later this year.

However, the former Open champion will not compete at the Olympics, as golf makes its return to the global event.

The 33-year-old, who finished tied for 15th at the Masters earlier this month, says his decision was not made lightly and hopes whoever represents his country can win a medal.

“I have always represented South Africa with pride so didn’t make my decision without a great deal of thought,” he said. “I would like to wish our golfers and all other athletes competing in Brazil all the very best for success.”

Oosthuizen’s announcement comes just a day after Australian Adam Scott pulled out of contention for the Olympics, saying his busy schedule was a major reason.

The debate of whether winning a gold medal is important to top golf players as much as a major has been rumbling on for months now, and both Jordan Spieth and Rory McIlroy has voiced their opinions.

The latter, who is a four-time major winner, insists the Olympics will never be as prestigious, but his American rival was more coy on the matter, saying a firm answer could ‘get me into trouble’.