The Zika virus may be deadly serious, but is it really a potent enough reason to explain the withdrawal of Jason Day, Rory McIlroy and many other star golfers from the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro?

There's a more likely explanation: The Olympics simply are not a priority for them. Which is why golfers, along with stars from other already enriched sports, have no place in the Olympics.

Think of it this way: If the Zika mosquito had descended upon Rae's Creek at Augusta National in April, it strains credulity that any of these stars would have pulled out of the Masters field. That's because a Masters green jacket is a more precious commodity for professional golfers than a bronze, silver or even a gold medal.