Rose ready to savour the sweet smell of Olympic success

Palmer’s top tip
Justin Rose 12-1
Motivation and desire have been key factors for the Olympics golf competition for several months. Many players, led by the outspoken Rory McIlroy, have no interest in trying to win a gold medal. Many of the elite have made their excuses and stayed at home, while others are spending the minimum possible amount of time in Brazil.

Ireland, Australia and South Africa have suffered most from Olympics apathy, with McIlroy, Shane Lowry and Graeme McDowell, Jason Day, Adam Scott and Marc Leishman, and Branden Grace, Charl Schwartzel and Louis Oosthuizen snubbing the event.

Dustin Johnson and Jordan Spieth are not prepared to represent the USA, and three of the four American runners – Bubba Watson, Patrick Reed and Matt Kuchar – spent last week competing in the Travelers Championship, missing the opening ceremony.