As South Africa’s top-ranked golfer in the official world rankings, the 2010 Open champion, automatically qualifies to play in the global showpiece.

He has however decided against playing for a second time, after qualifying for the 2016 Rio Games in Brazil as well.

Oosthuizen said that for now his focus is on the Fedex Cup and his family.

“Qualifying for the Olympics is a humbling accomplishment and there’s no greater honor than representing your country, so it has been a very difficult decision for me, my team and my family to withdraw from playing in Tokyo.

“I am focused on finishing a strong Fed Ex Cup season in the States, in addition to honoring family commitments with the new life we are building at the farm. Family has always been my core and this is the best decision for us at this time in our lives.

“My best wishes are with the South Africans competing, and we will be cheering you on!”

This will mean that Garrick Higgo will be the top-ranked South African, while it opens the door for Christiaan Bezuidenhout to become an Olympian.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport