Laetitia Beck has launched a stinging attack on her rivals ahead of the golf competition in Rio, claiming they have snubbed the Games for financial reasons.

Beck, 24, is relishing her Olympic debut in a sport that returns following a 112-year absence. She has made a solid start to her professional career and has won more than $160,000 in prize money in less than two years.

“It hurts me that some of my fellow professionals are staying away from the Olympics because of the Zika virus,” she said.

“I don’t see any danger there and I think that’s just an excuse. It’s because there is no money in the Olympic tournament.

“For me Rio is all about the chance to represent Israel and do well for the people back home, even though most Israelis know very little about golf.”

Born in Belgium, Beck grew up in Israel and currently resides in America. She describes the Olympics as “one of the high-points” of her budding career.

She plays in all tournaments with Israeli flag on her golf bag and shoes and arrives in Brazil in good form following her first ever two top-20 tournament finishes in May at the Yokohama Tire Classic and Kingsmill Championship.

She lies 42nd in the Olympic rankings but thinks she can finish in a much higher position.

“I think I can place in the top 10 if things go well. I’m a long way from my potential and I think I can beat them all. I want to be the best.”