Francesco Molinari will not take part in the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. In his place will be Matteo Manassero, who takes over the selection as the next best placed reserve, based on his position in the Olympic ranking drawn up by the International Golf Federation (IGF). Molinari will explain his decision tomorrow during a press conference at Royal Troon GC in Troon in Scotland where he will be playing at the Open Championship (14-17 July) the third major of the season.

"I am very sorry to announce that I have decided to pull out of the Rio Olympics for family reasons. I would never have wanted to miss the return of golf to the Olympics, but I am sure that Matteo will fly the flag for Italy in my place" announced Molinari on his Instagram profile.

Matteo Manassero will be the fourth 'azzurro' to qualify for Rio 2016, behind Nino Bertasio, Giulia Molinaro, and Giulia Sergas. Proving decisive for Manassero was his third place finish last week at the Scottish Open, which allowed him to climb significantly in the Olympic rankings and also guaranteed him a place at the Open Championship.