I have to confess there has not been a galvanizing aspect to golf in the 2016 Rio Olympics. It seemed like the sport was an outlier among the myriad sports we're used to seeing in the Summer Games (Rory McIlroy called them "the important ones").

But the idea that the United States is the only team that could send three golfers to the medal stand in golf is an enticing one for Americans interested in seeing golf return to the Games for the first time in 112 years. Gold, silver and bronze for Rickie Fowler, Bubba Watson and Patrick Reed? Yeah, that would be pretty compelling.

"It's a strong field. But we're the only country with a chance for a podium sweep," said Fowler on Tuesday at a pre-tournament press conference. They are also four of the eight favorites for the gold along with Henrik Stenson, Justin Rose, Sergio Garcia and Martin Kaymer.

The reason the U.S. is the only country that could sweep the medal stand is because it is the only country that brought four golfers. The stipulations were that you could bring your top two in the Official World Golf Rankings unless you had more than that inside the top 15 (which the U.S. did at the time the teams were chosen).

There is a lot at stake this week, though I'm not sure we will know for a few years how much an Olympic gold medal will actually mean from an historical standpoint.

"There were funny circumstances this year that led guys to not participate. I think they will regret it," Kuchar said. "After this year's event I think it's going to be a big success."

Fowler echoed that sentiment in his own way.

"As far as making guys jealous back home, I feel like I'm doing a pretty good job of it and there may be some personal messages sent back and forth and I'm telling them we're definitely having a good time down here," Fowler said.

I have no doubt Fowler is having a good time.

As for that all-American medal stand on Sunday, there's a plan in place, Watson joked. Everybody wants a medal of any color especially if golf is voted out of the Olympics after 2020. What's the plan if you're not going to win gold but still have a shot at another color, Bubba?

"I'm gonna lay up and go for bronze."