Rory McIlroy hopes to ease some of his recent major worries by winning "probably" his biggest title in 10 years this week at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

The Northern Irishman failed to win his first major title since 2014 at this year's US Open when he fell two shots short in the last three holes, losing by one stroke to Bryson DeChambeau, KosovaPress reports.

The world number three in golf then lost the British Open in Troon.

McIlroy chose not to play when golf returned to the Olympics after a 112-year absence at the 2016 Rio Games, saying he would not even watch the competition.

But he has changed his tune since then and narrowly missed out on a medal three years ago in Tokyo when he was part of a seven-man play-off for the bronze medal, which was won by Pan Cheng-tsung of Taipei.

McIlroy has won 17 PGA Tour titles since the last of his four major triumphs, including three Tour Championships and the Players Championship, but says the Olympic medal would rank at least alongside those achievements.

"It would be the achievement, certainly of the year, if not - I think for me, it's well documented that I haven't won one of the big four in 10 years," he told reporters.

“It would probably be one of, if not the biggest in my career for the last 10 years... I would say my focus is very high. Last time you saw me, I didn't give a very good account of myself at Troon. I want to make sure I'm exactly where I need to be. Thursday," he said further.

McIlroy will have plenty of competition when the first round gets underway on Thursday at Le Golf National, the site of the 2018 Ryder Cup won entirely by Europe.

World number one Scottie Scheffler will make his Olympic debut, while defending champion Xander Schauffele will also be among the favorites after the 2024 PGA Championship and British Open titles.

Paris will easily see the strongest field for an Olympic men's golf event, with eight of the world's top 10 competing.

"At the Olympics, you want the best players to be able to participate," Spain's two-time major champion Jon Rahm said.

"In any tournament, you want the best players possible to represent their country," Rahm added.