Jordan Spieth: Olympics 'like a fifth major'

Harry West

Jordan Spieth: Olympics 'like a fifth major' image

As golf prepares to return to the Olympic Games for the first time since 1904, world No. 1 Jordan Spieth says he will treat the tournament "like a fifth major."

The sport was added to the Olympics by the International Olympic Committee in 2009 and is set to make its return to the global showpiece in Rio de Janeiro next year.

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Its addition to the Games has been met with a mixed reaction, with 2013 Masters winner Adam Scott declaring the event was "not really a priority" for him.

But Spieth, who enjoyed a stunning 2015 that saw him claim both the Masters and US Open titles, as well as the lucrative FedEx Cup, sees the Olympics as on par with any of the traditional four majors.

"Just competing in the Olympics, just walking the opening ceremony, staying in the village and doing whatever it is, meeting these incredible athletes from around the world, hopefully that's something I'll be able to experience next August," he said. "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? A Wanamaker Trophy (at the USPGA Championship) 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."

 

Harry West