Rickie Fowler has said that he is "excited" to compete at this summer's Olympic Games despite a number of high-profile golfers withdrawing from the competition.

The sport's first appearance at the Games since 1904 has been overshadowed by a spate of withdrawals due to concerns over the Zika virus, with the world's top four among those to pull out.

Rory McIlroy caused a further stir yesterday when he suggested that he wouldn't even watch the golf as it is not an important sport at the Games, but Fowler is hoping that his performances can entice viewers to tune in.

"Maybe I'll cause enough of a stir that Rory will turn it back over to golf at some point. I'm excited. It'll be pretty special to be an Olympic athlete and get to walk in the opening ceremony and be part of the whole thing," Fowler told PA.

"I can definitely understand why players have pulled out. It wasn't an easy decision for me. I wanted to make sure I did my homework and knew the risks and that I felt comfortable with going down. Whether it's on the security side or health issues or even our schedule through the summer, I definitely understand why they are not going.

"That being said, I felt for me it was going to be a great experience and possibly once in a lifetime. It's potential golf won't be in the Olympics very long. We'll see after this one where it may go."

The men's Olympic golf tournament will take place between August 11 and August 14.