Top German golfer Martin Kaymer says it's disappointing top golfers have stayed away from competing at RioOlympics ahead of the start of the men's gold competition in Rio on Thursday.

SOUNDBITE: (German) Martin Kaymer, German golfer:

"We in our sports, we are lucky, that we earn a lot of money (by doing our sport). And here (at the Olympics) there are sports disciplines in which the athletes must sometimes even have (second) jobs in order to do it (or to afford it) at all, and they have to practise significantly harder and more often compared to us golf players. And we of course are also working for them as well (here at the Rio Olympics) and I will also fight for them in the upcoming (golf) tournament here from Thursday on. This is super-inspiring...I still know, when I have watched the Olympic Games on TV and when I now see and experience the athletes in the Olympic village, there is so much passion and heart within the team, because they are just proud to compete for their country and to do their sports here. You are also kind of responsible for your team-mates, so that you definitely try and give your best. And this is the nice thing with regard to a team competition, which we usually do not have in our sport."

SOUNDBITE: (German) Martin Kaymer, German golfer:

"Honestly, it is sad in a way that we must speak about such things (absence of players due to Zika virus) here during a promotion for the Olympic Games. For me it is very, very, very difficult to understand that some people do not want to take part in the biggest sport event. I do not know the explanation for this. I do not know the reasons for this. We all know the official reasons but I think for many (players) it is just a very, very pleasant excuse, but everyone must make their own decision. I personally have done everything right to come here, to come here early. And I can now take the opportunity to participate here at the Games. I think that this is a pity and it is also sad for our sport that some are not participating. And I cannot say more than that."

SOUNDBITE: (German) Martin Kaymer, German golfer:

"Yes, obviously. I mean it (the Olympics) is a little bit bigger than what we usually have. Usually we just play our own tournaments in a fairly selfish way, because we only play for ourselves and for no one else. Maybe for a small team, but that is it. You can't really compare this to the Ryder Cup, because it is so, so much bigger. In terms of feeling and passion it is pretty much the same, you know. The Ryder Cup, you play for your country and for your continent and you try everything you can to contribute something to your team. And this exactly what I'm going to do and I will try this week to get myself up there and give myself a chance to win a medal on Sunday (14th August), even though it is very difficult these days to win golf tournaments. But the impression that I got from the Olympic village is crazy. It will take a few days to sink in and to reflect on it, but hopefully when Thursday (11th August) comes, I will be ready to perform."

SOUNDBITE: (German) Martin Kaymer, German golfer:

"Yes, you're right. I am very tired of that (being questioned about absent players). The only thing I can do, you know, is take care of my own business. I think at the end of the day it is their loss, really, because I think I have done everything right to come here, especially a little bit earlier to enjoy all the different sports, enjoy meeting the other athletes. And I think, you know, when we come back on tour and talk about the Olympic Games, talk to the different athletes about it, I think they will think twice, maybe next time when Japan is around the corner, about whether they come or not."