Raring to go: Asian women's golf stars ready for Olympic Games challenge

Reigning US Women’s Open champion Chun In-gee of South Korea and Thailand’s Ariya Jutanugarn can’t wait for the sport to return next month in Rio despite widespread concerns over Zika

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Chun In-gee of South Korea acknowledges fans after making a par on the 17th green during the third round of the Meijer LPGA Classic on June 18. Photos: AFP

Published: 1:16pm, 6 Jul 2016Updated: 2:16pm, 6 Jul 2016

Two of Asia’s top women’s golfers in position to play at next month’s Rio de Janeiro Olympics are excited about the opportunity and plan to compete despite Zika virus worries.

Reigning US Women’s Open champion Chun In-gee of South Korea, who defends her crown this week, and Thailand’s Ariya Jutanugarn are cherishing the chance to compete for their homelands in women’s golf’s return to the Olympic sporting line-up after being contested only in 1900.

“I can’t wait for Olympics because it’s going to be my first tournament play to represent Thailand,” world number seven Ariya said.

“I really want to play that tournament because I can represent Thailand and I’m really excited about that.”

Ariya Jutanugarn hits her tee shot on the 10th tee during the second round of the Meijer LPGA Classic.

Several top men’s players have already withdrawn over Zika concerns, including world number one Jason Day of Australia, world number four Rory McIlroy, Ireland’s Shane Lowry and Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama.

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