The Northern Irishman, winner of both The Open and the USPGA Championship in 2014, believes golf’s four majors remain the “pinnacle” of the sport, which makes its return to the Olympics after a 112-year hiatus in Rio.

 “I think I'll be remembered for my major championships,” the 26-year-old, who will compete for Ireland at Rio 2016, said.

“I think a major championship is the pinnacle of our sport.

"All I've dreamed of from a little kid is winning majors.

“I never dreamed of competing in the Olympics or winning an Olympic medal.

“So in my mind, a major will always be more important."

Golf’s inclusion at Rio 2016, approved at the International Olympic Committee’s Session in Copenhagen in 2009, has caused widespread debate within the sport.

Current world number one Jordan Spieth had previously described the Olympics as the “fifth major” but, speaking ahead of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, which begins tomorrow, the American is unsure of the value a gold medal at the Games in Rio de Janeiro would have.

The 22-year-old, who took the sport by storm last year by lifting The Masters and US Open titles, before finishing second at the USPGA Championship, did, however, reiterate his view that a gold medal would be “very special”.

“It's unsure and it will be I think unsure for 10 to 20 years how significant a gold medal will be in golf," he said. 

"For me, the way I look at it right now, I look at them equal.

“It's very early to tell how they will end up comparing to major championships in the future.

“If I had not won a major, I would probably still say a major [over a medal].

“At this point I would argue that a gold medal would be very, very special."

Some of the game’s top players, including Adam Scott of Australia, have suggested the Olympics is not a priority amid an already-packed schedule.

Scott, winner of the US Masters in 2013, hinted in November he may opt not to compete in favour of time off.

The Australian says he is still undecided about whether he will take part at Rio 2016, providing he qualifies, and claims he will make a decision “at the last minute”.

The first deadline comes on May 6, where players who are due to participate at the Games must be entered into the registered anti-doping testing pool, and those who become eligible after that date will be added to the pool until the final Olympic rankings are decided on July 11.

The top 15 men’s and women’s players will earn an automatic berth at Rio 2016, with a limit of four golfers from each country allowed in the field of 60.