Danny Willett says although he hopes Team GB colleague Justin Rose plays well at the Olympics, his sole priority is to win gold.

Golf returns to the Games for the first time since 1904 in Rio de Janeiro and despite a host of high-profile withdrawals, it is a still a hugely talented field which is set to tee it up on Thursday.

Masters champion Willett is one of the headline names alongside Rose, while the American quartet of Rickie Fowler, Patrick Reed, Matt Kuchar and Bubba Watson are all fancied.

Sweden’s Henrik Stenson, who is the 6.00 favourite, also looks set to shine at Reserva de Marapendi, while Sergio Garcia has spoken of his pride at representing Spain in Rio.

Despite the natural camaraderie that is often generated between team-mates, the nature of the competition means it will be every man for himself once play gets underway.

Willett, who is priced at 23.00 to win gold, admits he has enjoyed spending time with 12.00 shot Rose over the last week but says he will not be doing him any favours during the tournament.

“Me and Rosey had a good nine holes (of practice), talking through different things and you’re helping each other out still,” Willett said, as reported by Sky Sports.

“But come Thursday morning, it’s like the gun goes off at a 100m final.

You’re trying for yourself, aren’t you? I’d love for me and Rosey to get a gold and silver, but I’m not going to stand here and say I’d prefer Rosey to get a gold, it doesn’t work that way.”