RIO DE JANEIRO -- Professional golf is played around the world, in some remote places, by players who never get a sniff of the bright lights of the PGA Tour, the emerald green grass of Augusta National and the Masters, or the intensity of the U.S. Open.

Adilson da Silva fits that description pretty well. He's been playing for pay for more than 25 years, having turned pro as a teenager. He had to leave his native country of Brazil to pursue his dream in South Africa, where he has won 12 times on the Sunshine Tour.

But for the entirety of his career, da Silva, 44, has played in just two major championships, both Opens. And that makes the Olympic golf tournament a huge deal to him -- especially since it is being played in his own country.

Recognizing the significance of that, the International Golf Federation chose da Silva to hit the opening tee shot of the 72-hole tournament Thursday morning. And the gesture has not gone unnoticed.

"Wow. It is like having a hole-in-one and the feeling will sink in later," da Silva said. "It's quite a feeling. Very happy and honored for such a thing. Sometimes I think, 'Why do I deserve this?'

"I hope I'll be sleepy so I don't feel the pressure so much.''

Da Silva is ranked 288th in the world, the 50th player out of 60 in the field to qualify.

He learned to play golf in a small Brazilian town, where he caddied at a nine-hole golf course. He turned pro as a teenager and eventually made his way to South Africa, where he lives in Durban.

Although Brazil was assured of having at least one player in the tournament, da Silva was determined to be the top-ranked player from his country just in case. So when the qualifying period began two years ago, he keenly kept an eye on the rankings.

"I had to add some tournaments in South Africa and Asia,'' he said. "Anything I could get into. I kept going, played more than I wanted to, but I had to get the points up. I kept looking to see what guys are doing. A lot of sacrifices to play more, leaving my family behind. I have to thank my wife, as well, to put up with going away so much.

"But it is very rewarding to be here today. It's an honor to represent Brazil.''

Eleven players in the field have never competed in a major championship. To them, the Olympic golf tournament is similar, the vibe and excitement level just like it.

"The Olympics is a big one,'' da Silva said. "It will bring awareness and cause a bit more interest for the people. It will create some curiosity. And for the kids, as well.''