I believe Rory McIlroy did watch Olympic golf on television after all. And so did thousands of spectators at the Olympics course in Rio and millions across the globe.

Despite what the doomsayers predicted, men’s golf was a success by all accounts. It was heartening to watch so many fans turn up on all four days, and the medal winners Justin Rose, Henrik Stenson and Matt Kuchar made it all the more memorable with their fabulous performances.

I have no doubts now that golf will remain a part of the five-ringed sporting extravaganza in the future.

What was especially heartening was how all the players present in Rio embraced the Olympics spirit. From what I have read and heard, guys like Sergio Garcia, Bubba Watson, Rickie Fowler, Martin Kaymer, the three medalists and others loved what they experienced and are going to be hard-core salesmen for the Games come Tokyo in 2020.

I had Stenson as my pre-tournament favourite and he did not disappoint. The Swede is enjoying a superb run of form and if not for the back spasms that troubled him over the last five-six holes, he could have had a more precious tinge on his medal than silver.

Rose had not won any tournament this year, which is a rarity for the solid and consistent Englishman, and he made up for that in grand style. There is no cheque attached, but the gold medal will occupy as honoured a place in his cabinet as the US Open trophy.

From the Indian viewpoint, Anirban Lahiri struggled to find his form, while Shiv Shankar Prasad Chawrasia did well on the first three days before slipping back with a bad final round. They were nowhere near the medals, but I am extremely proud of what they have achieved. As it is often said, participation in Olympics is more important than winning. Not only did they qualify for Rio, I thought they are excellent representatives of both golf and India.

The women’s competition will be played this week and the field is teeming with superstars. Kiwi world No1 Lydia Ko will be the biggest attraction, but as I said last week, this is more important for ladies like India’s Aditi Ashok and players from countries like China, Thailand and South America. Shanshan Feng and Ariya Jutanugarn are the non-Korean big hopes for Asia.

The focus in men’s golf now turns to the Ryder Cup, which will be held in the last week of September. Not much time remains for players from either sides to make a final push. These last few events will also be important for those on the fringe to impress the captains. Form plays an important role and I am sure both the captains would have kept at least one spot open for someone who makes a late surge.

It is also the final week on the PGA Tour before the top-125 players qualify for the FedEx Cup Playoffs. The Wyndham Championship thus becomes an extremely important stop for many to consolidate their positions in the standings and ensuring they have a better chance of advancing in the play-offs, but more so for those who are ranked 120 to 130 right now.

(Jeev Milkha Singh is a four-time champion on the European Tour)