Rickie Fowler targeting major glory in 2016

Abu Dhabi: Rickie Fowler is prioritising winning an elusive major title over Olympic glory in 2016 – and is also upbeat about the United States’ chances of regaining the Ryder Cup.

The world number six hopes to enjoy “a fun week” at this weekend’s Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship, insisting his game is in better shape than it was at this stage last year when he finished a disappointing tied for 66th.

As such, the 27-year-old American is determined to translate this form into victories in golf’s four majors – his best performances to date being tied for second at the US Open and Open Championship respectively in 2014.

Of his prospects of rivalling the game’s elite, such as the world number one Jordan Spieth and fellow titan Rory McIlroy, Fowler said on Tuesday: “I definitely feel like adding a major to the resumé would be a huge step in the right direction. The last two years have been very good steps for me to continue to move forward to have the finishes that I did in the majors in 2014 and to get the wins that I did last year.”

Golf makes its Olympic debut at this summer’s Rio Games and Fowler hopes to represent his country at the extravaganza.

But asked whether he dreamt of winning a major or an Olympic medal, Fowler replied without hesitation: “I’ll take a major.”

He added: “To me, a major is going to be a major. It’s always a major. That’s the number one on my priority and goals list right now. But to just have the chance to play in the Olympics would be pretty special. It’s something that I’ve always watched, the Olympic Games, growing up, and thought about how cool it would be to walk in the opening ceremonies, the closing ceremonies and seeing everyone compete.”

Of the Americans’ chances of winning their first Ryder Cup since 2008, when the event is held in Minnesota from September 30, Fowler said: “I know the guys are fired up about The Ryder Cup, and that’s definitely a goal once everything gets passed through the year. Yeah, we want that Ryder Cup, so I think it’s going to be a good Ryder Cup year.”