Golf: Jason Day confirms Aussie Open after Rio pullout

Sydney: World number one Jason Day said he will head home to play the Australian Open this year, a day after becoming the latest golfer to withdraw from the Olympics.

The Australian has not teed off at his national Open since 2013 due to injuries and family issues and will line up alongside world number two Jordan Spieth.

“The Australian Open holds a special spot in my heart and I’d love to get my name on that trophy one day — hopefully this November,” Day said in a statement.

“Injuries and family commitments have made it impossible for me a couple of times lately, but it’s a tournament I’ve always cherished, just as I know some of the sport’s greats have through the years.”