Jordan Spieth :: ‘Olympics like a fifth major’

• Jordan Spieth will treat Olympic Games like a ‘fifth major’
• Says winning gold would be on a par with a Masters win
• But uninterested Adam Scott may not even tee it up in Rio

Jordan Spieth says he will be treating the upcoming Olympic Games as a ‘fifth major’ and revealed that winning gold in Rio de Janeiro would be on a par with winning the Masters.

The world No.1 looks a near-certainty to be one of the USA’s players in Brazil, with Bubba Watson, Rickie Fowler and Dustin Johnson also currently holding qualifying positions as things stand, and the two-time major winner will be pulling out all the stops to ensure he has the best chance of returning as Olympic champion.

“Just competing in the Olympics, walking the opening ceremony, staying in the village and meeting these incredible athletes from around the world. Hopefully that’s something I’ll be able to experience next August,” said Jordan Spieth, who is currently Down Under preparing for the defence of his Australian Open title.

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“Winning a gold medal has got to be up there now in my mind with winning a major championship. I’ve been asked the question: a green jacket or a gold medal, or a Wanamaker (trophy) or an Open Championship or a gold medal? That’s not fair.

“I think this year we’re going to approach it as a fifth major and we’re going to prepare like it is and I’m going to go down there and try and take care of business.”

Spieth’s stance on the Olympics, which returns next year after an absence of more than a century, couldn’t be further from that of arguably his greatest challenger at the Australian Open this week, Adam Scott.

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Scott has repeatedly spoken out against golf’s inclusion in the Olympics since it was announced, saying back in May that it was ‘nothing I’ve aspired to do and I don’t think I ever will’, before saying ahead of the Australian Masters last week that he may even skip the event altogether.

“It’s not really a priority of my scheduling next year, which is based around the majors, and if the Olympics fits in then it does,” said the 2013 Masters champion. “There is a gap in the schedule there – some time off looks quite good actually.

“I’m not really sure how just having another golf tournament is going to enhance the game or grow the game more than any other tournament anywhere just because it’s the Olympics. Certainly with the field criteria, it doesn’t necessarily get the strongest field in the game, either.”

The Olympics :: Jordan Spieth v Adam Scott

Two very polarising opinions on the Olympic Games, but who’s side do you agree more with? Jordan Spieth or Adam Scott? Leave your thoughts in the ‘Comments’ section below.