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World’s largest rodent on the mind of Olympic golfers

Although he didn’t give specifics, Fowler left little room for interpretation on Tuesday during the USA team’s press conference, suggesting he’s been in regular contact with those who skipped golf’s return to the Games after a 112-year hiatus. I knew there were concerns – I figured, though, that a lot of things get blown out of proportion.

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Reed doesn’t begrudge the two Americans who chose not to play, or any of the other top players such as Jason Day, Rory McIlroy and Adam Scott. “Hopefully we don’t have any encounters”, he added.

He said the exotic capybara rodent was a “decent size animal” that he would try to avoid but he was more concerned about caimans, a kind of alligator.

The men’s event runs from August 11-14 with a field of 60 competing over 72 holes and the top three claiming the medals. I wouldn’t want to get in a fight with it, that’s for sure. “I’m going to hop on the first flight I can”. Open championship victor Henrik Stenson, Spanish number 11 Sergio Garcia and British major winners Danny Willett and Justin Rose are the others. Fowler checks in at 14/1 to win gold and arrives off four consecutive made cuts – ending a streak of three straight MCs – but just one of those cashes reached inside the top 30 (T10, WGC-Bridgestone). The promise of silver and bronze medals could impact shot selection late on Sunday more than it might at a regular event when near-miss winners matter less. “And there may be some personal messages that have been sent back and forth that I was definitely showing them – that we’re having a good time down here”.

“Growing up all we ever dreamed about was the majors, because golf was never a part of it”, Reed said of the Olympic Games. “I imagine golf is going to be a big success and it’s going to be an easy one to keep in the rotation of sports”, Kuchar said.

“I think the event is going to go off great”, world number 20 Kuchar said.

Good question. If not for golf, what kind of Olympian would he like to be?

“It speaks volumes about our sport to have that guy love the game of golf like he does”.

Rickie Fowler, of the United States, takes the head cover off his driver at the ninth tee during a practice round for the men’s golf event at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2016.

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Rickie Fowler four-putted for double-bogey on his opening hole at the Olympics. “You get chills watching them when they do well”.

Rio 2016 Olympics: Rickie Fowler on capybaras