PGA Tour star Windham Clark says Olympic golf tournament is more exciting than Ryder Cup.
Clark made the claim after the first round of the designated Travelers Championship at TPC River Highlands.
The 2023 U.S. Open champion will represent Team USA at the Golf National Club in Paris this summer along with Scottie Scheffler, Collin Morikawa and Xander Schauffele.
Clark said joining the national team made him feel like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders.
“The Ryder Cup is the most important tournament in golf,” he told reporters.
“But now that golf is in the Olympics, it’s probably even more important than that because you’re representing your country at a higher level.
“Hopefully all four of us can go and get some podium spots and medal for Team USA to try to win the overall medal count.
“But yeah, it's been really cool. It's definitely the coolest team I've ever put together.”
Clark made his Ryder Cup debut last September at the Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in Italy.
The 30-year-old scored 1.5 points for his team, but in the end they were beaten comfortably.
The biennial event made headlines before it even started as Clarke appeared to be challenging Rory McIlroy.
The golfer made it clear that he has great respect for McIlroy and his career achievements.
Although he said he believes he is a better player and wants to prove it.
“I thought I was better than him and I wanted to prove it.
“I would love to play Rory – I think it would be fun for the fans too.
“[We are both] Long hitter. We're pretty even in that regard. It's kind of like David and Goliath. I hope to get that opportunity.
“I'm excited about whoever I play. But that scene is going to be a lot of fun.”
Clark said his comments were taken out of context after they made headlines in the golf world.
There was further surprise later when he suggested that the European team might be “leaking oil” and “mentally exhausted” before the tournament.
The Americans were later accused of not preparing seriously enough, as many players took six weeks off before the Ryder Cup.
The first round of the men's Olympic golf competition will begin on August 1.
The women's first round will begin on August 7.