The Open 2016: Rickie Fowler will rub Rory McIlroy and Jordan Spieth’s faces in it with Rio gold medal

RICKIE FOWLER will rub Rory McIlroy and Jordan Spieth’s faces in it if he wins gold at Rio while they sit at home.

The Team USA star is ranked seventh in the world but is one of just four in the top ten who has said they will play in next month’s Olympic Games.

Fowler, looking to win his first Major at this week’s Open, revealed he had been told not to worry about Zika and his personal safety in Brazil.

And he could not care less that McIlroy said he won’t be watching because he believes golf is not one of the sports that “matter” in Rio.

Fowler, speaking at the HSBC Hour at Troon ahead of the Open, said: “I’m going to go to Brazil and enjoy it. It would be nice to get a medal and if I do it will rub them the wrong way while they sit at home.

“I’ve been excited about the opportunity to go down and to make the team was special.

“I had a good meeting in America a couple of weeks ago that answered some of my questions and got logistical things taken care of.

“I don’t think what Rory said will make the game suffer. I’ll still be out there trying to win gold. It would be nice to see it run smoothly down there.

“I think if the whole Games were to go ahead without any downsides it would be great for Brazil but also for the game of golf and its future spot in the Olympics.

“I hope they don’t regret not going. They made the decision after a lot of time thinking about it.

“I told Jordan he had to make the decision that was best for himself, same with Rory.”

“I know the Olympics started out slow for tennis as well, but for golf it could turn out potentially into something that’s big and on a different level to a Major.”

Rickie Fowler was speaking at a Live HSBC Hour event at the Open in Royal Troon. To find your nearest HSBC Hour go to: