Dustin Johnson to skip Olympics to due to concern about Zika

Tony Dejak / AP

Dustin Johnson chips on the ninth hole Thursday, June 30, 2016, during the first round of the Bridgestone Invitational golf tournament at Firestone Country Club in Akron, Ohio.

Associated Press

Friday, July 8, 2016 | 10 p.m.

DALLAS — U.S. Open champion Dustin Johnson is withdrawing from the Olympics because he is concerned about the Zika virus.

Johnson becomes the 13th player to pull out of the field for the Rio Games, where golf makes its return after a 112-year absence. Patrick Reed is expected to replace him.

Johnson released a statement through one of his representatives on Friday.

Johnson and his wife, Paulina, plan to have more children "in the near future," according to the golfer, and he feels it would be irresponsible to put his family at risk. The Zika virus can cause severe birth defects and babies being born with abnormally small heads.

Seven other players who have pulled out specifically cited Zika, including world No. 1 Jason Day and world No. 4 Rory McIlroy.