Olympics Rio 2016: No more asking why - can Justin Rose or Danny Willett win gold?

Golf has returned to the Olympics for the first time since 1904. Or 1908, if you prefer: the sport was on the schedule that year, but defending champion George Lyon of Canada was the only man who actually turned up to play. No, it wasn't Zika at Royal St George's - rather it was a disagreement on format between the English and Scottish contingents. They offered Lyon the gold medal anyway; he politely declined.

This year's Olympic golf tournament was hit by a similarly catastrophic farce as the world's top four golfers - Jason Day, Dustin Johnson, Jordan Spieth and Rory McIlroy - all opted to stay away.

But we're getting past that now, and on Thursday it will all be forgotten when Adilson da Silva of Brazil hits the first Olympic tee shot in 112 years.

The field is unarguably depleted by the high-profile dropouts, but tournament still features six major champions - including two from 2016.

The current Open champion Henrik Stenson heads into the event as favourite with Tiger Woods-esque odds of 5/1.

The 40-year-old overcame Phil Mickelson in an almighty tussle to become Sweden’s first male major champion.

With no money at stake, Stenson admitted there is a “slightly different feel” to the tournament.

"The beauty of this event is if you are third you are actually going to be leaving with something,” he told reporters.

“If you are third at a major you get world ranking points and a nice check, but I would definitely trade a third at a major with a bronze medal."

Stenson will certainly have gold on his mind, but support for the second favourite will be even stronger.

Sergio Garcia is second favouriet and is expected to be hot on the Swede’s tails in Rio. Can the popular Spaniard clinch gold after years of falling short in the majors? He certainly has no regrets over taking part.

“It’s definitely different, it’s a great experience,” the 36-year-old told reporters.

“If we chose to not come I think we would have regretted it, but it is totally different than any other tournament we play every week.”

Justin Rose and Danny Willett will fly the flag for Team GB. Both major champions, both eyeing gold.

Rose suffered in the majors this year after a tremendous 2015, but the 2013 US Open champion has barely wiped the smile off his face since flying to Rio.

“I've always been incredibly excited about the prospect and always really hoped my ranking would enable me to come and compete,” Rose told the BBC.

"The fact that was the case, then you get to be really excited about the opportunity to represent Team GB.

"With all the world's issues right now, to see so many different countries in one place and just co-existing with a smile on their face is so great to see.”

Willett has endured a torrid time in the majors since winning The Masters in April, and is therefore more of an outside shot for Rio glory.

Ireland’s Padraig Harrington will be one to look out for, while the American trio of Bubba Watson, Rickie Fowler and Patrick Reed will certainly fancy their chances.

Throw in Germany's two-time major champion Martin Kaymer into the mix and you have yourselves a Rio showdown.

Four days of golf is on its way. No money, as Stenson reminded, just national pride.

Still think it means nothing? Just wait until the back nine on day four and then see if you still think it means nothing.