Thai golfers, who are likely to earn Olympic spots, are keeping a close eye on the spread of the Zika virus in Brazil.
Ariya Jutanugarn, Kiradech Aphibarnrat and Thongchai Jaidee have concerns over the virus, their handlers at IMG said yesterday.
World No.10 Ariya, who won her third straight LPGA title at the Volvik Championship on Sunday, is seen as a medal contender at the Rio Games to be held from Aug 5-21.
According to an IMG official, the 20-year-old from Bangkok originally planned to arrive in Brazil on Aug 6 but will now be there on Aug 12.
The women's tournament at the Games will be held from Aug 17-20.
The official said Ariya often discusses the Zika situation in Brazil with her friends because "it looks dangerous."
Kiradech and Thongchai are monitoring the situation, the official said.
Both Thongchai and Kiradech plan to arrive in Brazil on Aug 6.
The men's event at the Rio Olympics will take place from Aug 11-14.
Golf returns to the Olympics after a 112-year absence but three-time major winner Vijay Singh of Fiji and Australian golfer Marc Leishman have both withdrawn from the Rio Games due to concerns over the virus.
Several others, including four-time major winner Rory McIlroy and Masters champion Danny Willett, are monitoring the situation.
The Thai Olympic golf team will be coached by Nithinun Hensirisakul, who guided the Kingdom to win their first ever Asian Games medals at the 2014 Games.
Nat Indrapana, Thailand's member of the International Olympic Committee, admitted the virus is a concern for the Rio Games.
The Sports Authority of Thailand should work closely with all involved parties including the Foreign and Public Health ministries to give advice to athletes and officials who will take part in the Olympics, he said.
Meanwhile, Japanese golfer Hideki Matsuyama admitted he harbours fears over the Zika virus.
"I have concerns," Matsuyama told reporters after a practice round ahead of this week's Memorial tournament in Ohio.
Matsuyama is a virtual certainty to qualify for the Games, but the 24-year-old was noncommittal when asked about playing in Rio.
"I won't know right until the last minute," said Matsuyama.
"I know that players who are married and players who have kids are more concerned about it. I am not married but it still bothers me."
Matsuyama said there had been no dialogue with the Japanese Olympics Committee over the issue.
"I have not been contacted by anyone and it is a bit much under the current circumstances to have someone tell you to go [and play at the Olympics]."