Martin Kaymer would prefer Olympic gold to major glory this season

Dual major-winning golfer Martin Kaymer says 2016 is all about the Olympics as far as he is concerned.

Golf will return to the Games for the first time since 1904 this summer in Rio but some of the sport's biggest names have been somewhat lukewarm about the prospect.

However, Kaymer says he is really looking forward to representing Germany and would be ecstatic if he can secure a gold medal.

Asked ahead of this week's Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship if he would rather land a major or a gold medal this year, Kaymer replied: "I'll take the major next year, the gold medal this year.

"In my career I've only maybe twice, hopefully three times, a chance to win a gold medal. The majors, I will have a lot more. I have time to win one of those again.

Live European Tour Golf

"So this year I would definitely take the gold medal.

"I think that if I go, I would like to have the maximum out of it.

"If I can win or if I can compete and at least have a chance, and go to other sports, watch them and see how much heart they put into it, I think that is what the Olympic Games are all about, and that's why I think it would be amazing to be successful there."

Unlike Kaymer, Henrik Stenson of Sweden has yet to triumph at one of golf's big four tournaments and, while he is looking forward to the Olympics, he is not sure whether a win there would trump major glory.

"It's very hard," said Stenson said. "I think the Olympics is new for us.

"We're not quite sure how it's going to pan out and how it's going to feel to play there.

"I'm very excited about it. I haven't been to an Olympic Games, so to make it my first one as a participant, I'm thinking it's going to be a lot of great experiences.

I think the Olympics is new for us. We're not quite sure how it's going to pan out and how it's going to feel to play there.

"And then if I can play well and do myself and my country proud, that would be awesome too.

"But I guess if I had to choose, I might take a major championship by a couple of per cent. But if I win the gold medal, I might tell you differently."

World No 6 Rickie Fowler of America says he would also prefer a maiden major win to Olympic gold.

But he added: "A major is a major and it's always going to be a major. Up until this year, the Olympics was never really even a thought for us. So they are just completely different ends of the spectrum.

"But a medal at the Olympics, and just to be part of the team and play for your country. Looking back at playing in the Walker Cup and now to the Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup, they are special occasions and special moments.

"That would just be another chance to do that. It's pretty special being able to carry your flag and wear your colours."