American Jordan Spieth, a two-time major winner, began the traditional week of preparations by announcing he would not represent his country at next month’s Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

McIlroy, who clinched The Open title in 2014, then used his press conference yesterday to claim the Olympic golf tournament at Rio 2016 did not matter.

The Northern Irishman admitted he “may not even watch” the competition in the Brazilian city, marking the latest blow to the sport’s future Olympic prospects.

Spieth had stressed deciding to skip Rio 2016 was the “toughest decision of my life” but has now set his sights on a third major crown on the Scottish course, which he described as “perfect” for the Open Championship.

The world number three says he is “desperate” to lift the Claret Jug after the final round on Sunday (July 17).

“This is a very, very special tournament; everybody knows that,” he said.

“Again, the Claret Jug is something I've now held in my hands - I was with Zach [Johnson] the night that he won it last year.

“I crave to have that trophy in my possession at some point, and to reach a third leg of the Grand Slam this week would be a fantastic achievement and a life-long goal of mine.”

Spieth will be hoping to continue the tradition of American success at the tournament, the third major of the season, as the winner of the past six competitions have hailed from the country.

The 22-year-old has been grouped along with Ireland’s Shane Lowry, another withdrawal from the Olympics, and Justin Rose, named on the British team for Rio 2016 this morning.

McIlroy will play alongside Japan’s Hideyki Matsuyama and Bubba Watson of the United States, with defending champion paired with Adam Scott of Australia and Sweden’s Henrik Stenson.

The course, which comprises 7,190 yards, is expected to prove trick for the majority of the field who will take to its various greens and fairways over the course of the next four days.

Royal Troon last staged The Open in 2004, where American Todd Hamilton beat South African Ernie Els in a play-off to earn his maiden major victory.