McIlroy says majors more important than Olympics

World No 1 Jordan Spieth and rival Rory McIlroy begged to differ on Wednesday on the importance of winning golfing gold at the Rio Olympics this August.

While Spieth said standing on top of the podium would rank alongside winning a major tournament, Northern Irishman McIlroy left no doubt about which one he would rather win given the choice.

"I think a major championship is the pinnacle of our sport," the world No 3, who won two majors in 2014 but lost the top ranking last year after a slow start and ankle injury, told reporters ahead of the European Tour's Abu Dhabi Championship, which started on Thursday.