Villegas withdraws from Olympics because of tour status

Camilo Villegas. (Stephen B. Morton/AP)

TROON, Scotland — Camilo Villegas of Colombia has pulled out of the Olympics because he is trying to keep his job on the PGA Tour.

Villegas had indicated for the last two weeks that he wanted to be in Rio for golf’s return to the Olympic program for the first time since 1904. But he is No. 146 in the FedEx Cup with only four tournaments remaining to get into the top 125 and keep full status on tour.

Villegas says he has to do what’s best for his career. To go to the Olympics would meaning skipping an opportunity to move up in the standings.

That makes 21 male golfers who have withdrawn. Villegas joins Brendon de Jonge of those who specifically cited their tour cards for not playing in Rio.

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