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R&A chief executive Martin Slumbers says he "doesn't care" that the Open Championship prize fund is not among the top 25 in men's professional golf

Earlier this week, the R&A announced minimal increases to prize money for the 152nd Open at Royal Troon, amid "concern" about the impact on financial sustainability and the perception of men's professional golf.

The winner this week will receive a record $3.1m (£2.38m) - an increase of $100,000 on last year.

By comparison, Bryson DeChambeau earned $4.3m for winning last month's US Open, and Scottie Scheffler's second Masters victory in April came with a $3.6m prize.

Their fellow American Xander Schauffele collected $3.3m for winning the US PGA Championship in May.

The total Open prize fund of $17m (£13.1m) is a $500,000 increase on last year but is less than the other three majors, 12 PGA Tour events and all 14 LIV Golf events.

"A) I didn't know, and b) I don't care," said Slumbers, who steps down from his role in November, when told where The Open ranks in terms of prize money on offer.

"While we will always offer a very competitive prize fund for the Open, our wider focus is on increasing participation and improving pathways in golf.

"We have to make choices about how we allocate resources and make the resources we have go as far as they can. Our responsibility is to ensure the game is thriving 50 years from now."

Source: BBC
 

McIlroy toils at Troon as Thomas sets early pace​


A frustrated and disconsolate Rory McIlroy signed for a seven-over 78 as his quest to win a second Open title floundered on a wet and windy opening morning at Royal Troon.

The world number two finished 10 shots behind American two-time major winner Justin Thomas, who rolled in a 25-footer at the last, to set the clubhouse target on three under.

A downbeat McIlroy said it "was one of those days where I just didn't adapt well enough to the conditions" before adding that his approach on Friday would simply be "to focus on trying to make the cut".

England's Justin Rose, who came through qualifying to book his place in the tournament, closed with 11 straight pars as he moved one off the lead on two under.

The 43-year-old, who says he will "keep believing" he can win an Open, is joined on two under by fellow European Ryder Cup players Alex Noren and Nicolai Hojgaard and American Russell Henley.

Matt Wallace of England briefly led on four under after a birdie on the short eighth, but a wayward drive on the ninth led to a triple-bogey seven and he finished one under.

Scotland's Robert MacIntyre, who won last week's Scottish Open, opened with a one-over 72, one ahead of Spain's Jon Rahm and four better than England's Tommy Fleetwood.

World number one Scottie Scheffler and three-time Open champion Tiger Woods are among the later starters, with the weather forecast set for more of the same as the afternoon wears on.

McIlroy was moving along serenely at level par after his opening seven holes, a birdie on the third cancelling out a dropped shot on the first.

But the four-time major champion found trouble on Troon's two iconic holes.

His tee shot to the 118-yard par-three eighth 'Postage Stamp' landed on the green but trickled off right into a bunker and he took two to escape from the sand as he posted a five.

The Northern Irishman then sliced his tee shot on the par-four 11th 'Railway' on to the train track, as he carded a six on what has been the hardest hole in each of the past three Opens held here.

A run of three pars followed as he fought stay in the tournament but the emotion spilled out after he hit his second shot on the par-four 15th into one of Troon's many penal pot bunkers. He found another on the last. Both led to bogeys.

McIlroy came into this week on the back of a solid performance at last week's Scottish Open, where he finished joint fourth, but he is perhaps still bearing the scars of his collapse at last month's US Open, where he dropped three shots in the closing four holes to lose by one to Bryson DeChambeau.

American DeChambeau also failed to sparkle in the dreary conditions. He was five over after seven and he too found trouble at the eighth, where he dropped another shot.

The two-time major winner was seven over after bogeying the 15th but he was smiling after converting a 55-foot putt for eagle on the next as he ended on five over.

Thomas, who has won two US PGA Championship titles, rolled in four of his seven birdies on the front nine, one of which was on the eighth after coming within eight inches of holing his tee shot.

He overcame "a bit of a hiccup in the beginning of the back nine" when a wild drive on the 12th cost him two shots and another went on the next, but said he was rewarded for staying "patient" with his closing pair of birdies.

"Any time you can shoot under par, let alone in the 60s first round of a major - it’s great. It was tough out there," he told BBC Sport.

"There are a lot of variables that you can't control on links golf. I feel like over 72 holes, you're going to have some things not go the way you want and I’m just trying to stay as even keel as possible."

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The Open 2024: Justin Thomas sets pace as McIlroy and DeChambeau struggle at Troon

American Justin Thomas sets the clubhouse target midway through the first round of the Open Championship at Royal Troon.
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Lowry leads from Rose and Brown at Royal Troon Open

Ireland's Shane Lowry leads The Open by two at the halfway stage after a blustery second round at Royal Troon.

Lowry, the 2019 champion, rolled in a 20-footer for birdie on the last as he followed his opening 66 with a two-under 69 to improve to seven under.

"To shoot in the 60s is very good any day on this course, even when the conditions aren't this bad. I'm very happy," he told BBC Sport NI, referring to the 30mph winds that were buffeting the links during his round.

No Englishman has won the Claret Jug since Sir Nick Faldo in 1992 but two are leading the chasing pack on five under.

Former US Open and Olympic champion Justin Rose holed a 40-foot birdie putt on the 18th to join Dan Brown, the world number 272 who was the surprise round one leader on six under and backed that up with a 72.

"That was a hard round of golf, a great round of golf," Rose, who played through the worst of the conditions, told BBC Sport.

When he teed off at 12:42 BST the 366-yard first hole was playing around 100 yards longer because of the strength of the wind.


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The Open 2024: Shane Lowry sets pace as Tiger Woods bows out at Royal Troon

Ireland's Shane Lowry sets the clubhouse target at seven under in round two of The Open at Royal Troon.
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Rory McIlroy misses cut and admits wind was too much for him at the Open

Rory McIlroy joined a who’s who of stars in failing to make the cut at the Open and claimed “the wind got the better of me” as he departed Royal Troon.

Bryson DeChambeau, Tiger Woods, Cameron Smith, Viktor Hovland, Tommy Fleetwood, the 2023 US Open champion Wyndham Clark and a clearly furious Tyrrell Hatton were among the names to join the world No 2 in missing out on the weekend. The cut was at six over par.

McIlroy dropped six shots in the first six holes of his second round, effectively setting the seal on his championship after a dismal score of 78 on the opening day. A stronger back nine at least gave the 2014 Open champion something to smile about, but after his collapse at the US Open last month, he will be hoping the Olympics can provide a change of mood after a summer to forget.

“The wind got the better of me the last two days here”, McIlroy said. “I didn’t adapt well at all to that left-right wind on the back nine yesterday and then this afternoon going out in that gusty wind on the front, I felt pretty uncomfortable over a few shots.

“I obviously got off to the worst start possible today being six down through six”, he added. “It was like that was it, 22 holes into the event and I’m thinking about where I’m going on vacation next week. But then I played the last 12 holes pretty well, bogey free.

“I think when the wind died down a little bit, or at least manageable for me, I started to play better. But if you haven’t played in wind like that for quite a while, sometimes it’s just hard to adapt.”

While DeChambeau was spotted shaking his head in befuddlement after he posted a second round of 75 to end nine over for his tournament, and Hatton was shouting angrily at his perceived failings (and of those watching on), spare a thought for Japan’s Aguri Iwasaki who recorded an astonishing second round score of 91 to finish 154th on the leaderboard and 23 over par.

There were some good news stories however: the American Max Homa clawed his way into the weekend, securing his place in the top 80 players with a birdie at the 18th; Scottish Open champion Bob MacIntyre recovered from dropping eight shots in his first four holes to finish with a 32 on the back nine, a score of 75 and a place in the final two rounds.

THE GUARDIAN
 
Schauffele holds off Rose to win Open at Troon

Xander Schauffele held off the challenge of Justin Rose to win the 152nd Open Championship at the end of a captivating week at Royal Troon.

It is a second major title in three months for 30-year-old Schauffele, who becomes the first player to win The Open and US PGA Championship in the same year since Rory McIlroy in 2014.

The American hit a stunning bogey-free six-under 65 to finish on nine under, two clear of his playing partner Rose, who shot a 67 in a fascinating duel in breezy conditions.

"Hearing your name called with Open champion after it is something I've dreamed of for a very long time," said the Champion Golfer of the Year.

For Rose, it has been the closest he has come to lifting the Claret Jug, 26 years after he finished joint fourth as a 17-year-old to win the Silver Medal as low amateur.

"The dream's been alive all week and I did an awesome job," the 43-year-old, who came through a qualifying event in Somerset, told BBC Sport.

"This will be a tough one but a great one. I played in some of the hardest weather all week. I played some of the best golf but it didn't quite add up to the trophy."

Three birdies in his opening seven holes had put Rose briefly in the lead on six under, but Schauffele surged three clear of his playing partner with an electrifying run of five birdies in nine holes from the sixth.

Overnight leader Billy Horschel birded the final three holes to join Rose in joint second.


BBC
 

'No regrets' for Rose after Open dream falters in final holes​


Justin Rose has "no regrets" after missing out on his dream of winning The Open Championship, and says he will have " a few more chances" to claim a second major title.

The 43-year-old topped the leaderboard on the final day at Royal Troon after a birdie on the eighth, but was ultimately usurped by playing partner Xander Schuaffele's stunning back nine of 31.

Rose finished in a tie for second with another American, Billy Horschel after compiling an accomplished four-under 67 and a seven under par total.

It means the wait for an English winner of the title will stretch to at least 33 years and that Rose remains a one-time major champion.

However, the Ryder Cup stalwart and Olympic gold medallist refused to be too downbeat after narrowly missing out on adding to his 2013 US Open triumph.

"The deal I made with myself was to come off with no regrets," said Rose, who had to survive final qualifying to even be in Ayrshire this week.

"I had opportunities and I took a lot of them. And I felt super comfortable out there, which gives me a lot of heart.

"I was gutted when I walked off the course and it hit me hard. I was choking back tears. I just think it's such an amazing stage, a magic moment.

"Towards the end of my career, I'm looking for big-stage moments, and today was nearly it. It was a lot of fun."

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The Open 2024: Justin Rose has no regrets after missing out at Royal Troon

Justin Rose has "no regrets" after spurning the opportunity to fulfil his dream of winning The Open Championship, and says he will have " a few more chances".
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Horschel excited by return to scene of McIlroy scalp​


When the Irish Open returns to Royal County Down in September, it will stir fond memories for Billy Horschel

The American, who finished tied second behind compatriot Xander Schauffele at last week's Open Championship, has not been back to the iconic links since the 2007 Walker Cup.

Then a fresh-faced 20-year-old, Horschel was part of the United States team that beat Great Britain and Ireland in the 41st edition of the biennial amateur competition.

The American team contained future major winners in Dustin Johnson and Webb Simpson, as well as soon-to-be superstar Rickie Fowler, but Horschel played as well as anyone, contributing three points to the USA's 12.5-11.5 victory.

Horschel's efforts included two wins over Rory McIlroy. Then 18, McIlroy had won the silver medal for leading amateur at the 2007 Open at Carnoustie but was beaten by Horschel in foursomes and singles before the Northern Irishman gained a measure of revenge in the final session.

"I had the pleasure of being introduced to a young Rory McIlroy at that time. I will say I did come out victorious. I beat him two times and he beat me once. It was a great week," Horschel recalled during an Irish Open media day.

"The fans in Ireland and Northern Ireland are unbelievable. I’m excited to get back there."

Horschel and McIlroy played with each other during last year's Irish Open at The K Club

Horschel, now an eight-time PGA Tour winner, admitted that while he saw a "really talented player" in McIlroy in 2007, he could not be sure that the Northern Irishman would have a career that has yielded four major titles and numerous other accolades.

"When we went over there we had heard of him, but no-one knew how good he was," said 2014 FedEx Cup champion Horschel, who considers McIlroy the "greatest player in our generation".

Horschel, who missed the 2015 Irish Open at Royal County Down, added: "When I played against him, I saw a really good player, a really talented player. Especially for someone aged 18.

"But you never know how someone is going to pan out. To see what he’s accomplished in the game of golf, to see the person he’s developed into and become. It’s truly amazing."

Source: BBC
 
Jon Rahm accused of ‘buyers remorse’ as caddie rages at LIV Golf crowd

Jon Rahm has been told he might be regretting his decision to join LIV Golf as his caddie let loose on a member of the crowd.

Rahm was left shaking his hand after becoming visibly frustrated with a member of the crowd during the second round of LIV Golf's UK event at the JCB Golf & Country Club on Saturday.

The 2023 Masters champion was irritated by the time he reached the 16th hole, having hit his third shot in the rough following a bogey on the 15th before he was distracted by a loud noise from the stands as he prepared to take his chip shot.

Rahm immediately withdrew and stepped back from the ball before shouting: "Hey man!"

A loud shout was heard as the Spaniard was about to step back to the ball, instead putting his hands on his hips in exasperation.

It is not the first time that Rahm has been left fuming during his debut season with LIV Golf, having penned an extravagant deal last year to join the controversial circuit.

And it has led to Rahm being accused of suffering from 'buyer's remorse' by Sky Sports golf correspondent Jamie Weir.

Fans responded to the post on X, which showed footage of the incident at the Uttoxeter course, with one saying: "Zero sympathy!"

Another wrote: "Sleeping in a bed you made can be very frustrating."

And a third said: "Serves him right really… got sold the dream, fell for it."

Rahm eventually made bogey on the hole before finishing the day with a birdie to see him finish eight-under for the day.

The 29-year-old is LIV Golf's most high-profile signing after making the move in a huge switch from the PGA Tour ahead of the new season.

Last month, at an event in Nashville, the two-time major champion lashed out at the use of drones and has yet to win on the LIV Golf tour, though he did end the day at the JCB Golf & Country Club leading by two shots.

Despite awaiting his first tour victory, Rahm is still second in the overall standings for the season with Joaquin Niemann leading the way after two event victories and six top-10 finishes.

talksport.com

Jon Rahm accused of 'buyers remorse' as caddie rages at LIV Golf crowd

Jon Rahm has been told he might be regretting his decision to join LIV Golf as his caddie let loose on a member of the crowd. Rahm was left shaking his hand after becoming visibly frustrated with a…
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Spain's Rahm wins LIV's UK event on final hole

John Rahm ended his wait for a first win since last year's Masters with victory on the final hole of the LIV Golf UK event at JCB Golf and Country Club in Staffordshire.

The Spaniard was tied on 13 under par with his Legion XIII team-mate Tyrrell Hatton at the 18th but the Englishman's three-putt bogey handed Rahm the title after he made par.

Overnight leader Andy Ogletree had looked in pole position with birdies on the opening two holes but consecutive double bogeys on the back nine ended his challenge.

Hatton's disappointing finish saw him tied for second with Cameron Smith and Joaquin Niemann, who both birdied their final holes to end a shot behind Rahm on 12 under par.

Rahm has finished in the top 10 of each LIV competition he has entered since its formation but had to withdraw from the Houston event last month with a toe injury, which also cost him a place at the US Open.

The 29-year-old said victory would fulfil his son's request of returning home with a trophy.

"First of all I've got to give a lot of credit to Tyrrell too, he's a fantastic player and you never want to see it end like that," Rahm said.

"I almost wish we had to get it done in a play-off.

"It's just emotional, you know. It hasn't been the easiest year for our family. Kelly [his wife] and I have gone through quite a bit and she has gone through even more, being on bed rest and many other things.

"She did tell me our son Kepa said to bring a trophy home on this stretch of golf and I started to believe it was going to happen at one point today - maybe not in the last 20 minutes but at least I can bring one home for them.

"To get over the hump feels quite incredible and it's just relief that it happened."


BBC
 
PGA Tour & LIV implications as Ryder Cup selection changes

New rules mean performances on the US-based PGA Tour will count directly towards qualification for the European team for next year's Ryder Cup in America.

A single qualifying list - which will be decided by performances in tournaments on the European-based DP World Tour and the PGA Tour - will establish the six automatic picks for Luke Donald's 12-man team.

As expected, events on the breakaway LIV Tour that features Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton, who were both part of Donald’s winning team last year, will not count towards qualification.

European players must be members of the DP World Tour to be eligible for Ryder Cup selection and players on the LIV circuit must pay fines and serve suspensions to remain part of the tour.

Donald retains six wildcard picks for the defence against Keegan Bradley's US side at Bethpage Black next September.

Automatic selection was previously determined by two separate lists.

Three players got in as a result of performances solely on the DP World Tour and three more via a list of world ranking points collected in the qualification period.

European Tour chief executive Guy Kinnings described the changes as a "major milestone".

"This is without question a much cleaner and simpler qualification system than the ones utilised in previous years," he said.

The qualifying period will begin at the British Masters, starting at The Belfry on 29 August.

Points can only be earned in 2024 in DP World Tour events, which should encourage the continent's biggest stars to play on this side of the Atlantic.

Tournaments on the PGA Tour will count towards European qualifying from the new year, with the high-end 'Signature Events' as well as The Players Championship and FedEx Cup play-offs each carrying 3,000 qualifying points.

The four majors count even more heavily - the Masters, US PGA, US Open and The Open are each worth 5,000 points - and are likely to be Rahm and Hatton's best chances to make the team automatically.

The DP World Tour’s elite Rolex Series tournaments carry 2,000 points, the same value as standard PGA Tour competitions.

"A lot of work has gone on behind the scenes to get to this point and everything is now focused on doing all we can to retain the trophy in New York next September," said Donald.

The qualifying period will run until Sunday, 24 August 2025. The concluding tournament for that date has yet to be decided.


BBC
 
Team GB's Georgia Hall and Charley Hull endured a difficult first day of the women's Olympic golf at Le Golf National

Hull carded a nine-over 81 to sit 58th of 60 competitors, while Hall's 74 left her tied for 30th at two over par.

There is no cut in the event, so neither is danger of going out of the tournament, but they are well adrift of leader Celine Boutier after the first of four rounds.

France's Boutier is seven under par after her 65, three shots clear of South Africa's Ashleigh Buhai.

Reigning champion Nelly Korda, of the USA, recovered from a poor start to finish at even par, seven strokes behind Boutier and tied for 13th overall.

"It's true that it's nice to be able to post a good first round, and [I'm] super-positive for the rest of the week," said Boutier, who became the first Frenchwoman to win a major on home soil at the 2023 Evian Championship.

"The first round doesn't mean much - there are still three days left, it's a lot of golf [and] so much can happen."

Source: BBC
 
Valhalla in Louisville to stage 2028 Solheim Cup

Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky will host the 2028 Solheim Cup.

It will be the first major women's competition held at Valhalla, which has staged four PGA Championships and the 2008 Ryder Cup.

World number two Xander Schauffele claimed his first major title in May on the course which was designed by golfing great Jack Nicklaus.

The dates for the Solheim Cup, a biennial tournament between the best female players from the United States and Europe, are yet to be finalised.

The 2024 edition of the tournament will be held between 13-15 September at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Gainesville, Virginia, while the 2026 competition will take place at Bernardus Golf in Cromvoirt in the Netherlands.

The United States lead Europe 10-7-1.


BBC
 
Lee and Khang share lead at Women's Scottish Open

Australia's Minjee Lee and Megan Khang of the USA are tied for the halfway lead at the Women's Scottish Open.

Khang birdied the last hole for a second successive round of 68 at Dundonald Links to make up a shot on overnight leader Lee, with both at eight under par.

England's Charley Hull also enjoyed a 68 to jump up to a share of third place on six under.

Hull is joined by American Lauren Coughlin and New Zealand's Lydia Ko, who won gold at the Paris Olympics.

"I played pretty solid today," Hull told lpga.com., external "It was super windy out there this morning, and I was pretty cold, but I felt like it was a pretty good score. Made a few birdies and an eagle on 18, as well. I'm pretty happy with my game."

Mary Liu of China and Germany's Esther Henseleit, who took silver in Paris, are joint sixth on three under.

English pair Cara Gainer and Georgia Hall are in a cluster of nine players at two under.

The three Scots in the field, Gemma Dryburgh, Kylie Henry and Laura Beveridge, all missed the cut mark for the weekend, which was four over par.


BBC
 
Matsuyama wins FedEx St. Jude Championship

FedEx St. Jude Championship final leaderboard

-17 H Matsuyama (Jpn); -15 V Hovland (Nor), X Schauffele (US); -14 S Scheffler (US); -13 S Burns (US), N Dunlap (US)

Selected others: -12 R MacIntyre (Sco); -10 S Power (Ire); -8 A Rai (Eng); -7 M Fitzpatrick (Eng); -6 T Fleetwood (Eng), C Morikawa (US), J Rose (Eng)

Japan's Hideki Matsuyama gave up a five-shot overnight lead before recovering to win the FedEx St. Jude Championship in Tennessee.

The Paris Olympics bronze medallist retained a healthy lead on the front nine before his challenge seemed to be slipping away as he lost four shots on a four-hole stretch, which included a disappointing tee shot into water on the 14th.

Matsuyama's wobble allowed Viktor Hovland to move in front before he regained his composure on the 17th with a 26-foot putt to retake the lead by one shot with one hole to play.

An excellent second shot on the par-four 18th found the green before a putt for birdie secured the title by two at the opening leg of the PGA Tour's season-ending play-offs.

Matsuyama, 32, was playing at TPC Southwind without his usual caddie after his team was robbed on a stopover in London after the Olympics.

Norway's defending champion Hovland finished tied for second with American world number two Xander Schauffele on 15 under par.

American world number one Scottie Scheffler finished fourth on 14 under in an event which featured the top 70 in the FedEx Cup points standings, with the top 50 advancing to the next round at the BMW Championship in Colorado.

Not only do the top 50 progress to Colorado but they are also eligible for each of the eight PGA Tour signature events in 2025.


BBC
 
Koepka beats Rahm in LIV Golf Greenbrier play-off

LIV Golf Greenbrier Invitational final leaderboard

- 19 B Koepka (US) J Rahm (SPA); -18 J Korak (US); -17 M Leishman (AUS) R Bland (ENG); -15 L Herbert (AUS)

Selected others: -14 S Garcia (SPA); -11 B DeChambeau (US); -3 L Westwood (ENG)

Brooks Koepka beat Jon Rahm in a play-off at the Greenbrier Invitational to win his fifth LIV Golf title and his second of the year.

Koepka, 34, shot a seven-under-par 63 in his final round to tie level with Rahm, who shot 65, on 19-under at the Old White course in West Virginia.

In the play-off on the 18th, Rahm's tee shot left him in a bunker at the back edge and his second shot got him to within 20 ft of the hole.

Koepka made par with ease, piling the pressure on Rahm to match his opponent to stay in the contest.

The Spaniard went agonisingly close but missed his putt for par to hand victory to Koepka.

The win marked Koepka's fifth LIV Golf title of his career, following wins in Jeddah in 2022 and 2023, Orlando in 2023 and Singapore earlier this year.



BBC
 
Matthew to play in final Women's Open at St Andrews

Former champion Catriona Matthew has announced this year's Women's Open will be her last.

The Scot, 54, won the title in 2009 and this year's championship over the Old Course at St Andrews will be her 30th consecutive appearance in the major.

Matthew has claimed 11 professional wins, including four on the US-based LPGA Tour and six on the Ladies European Tour, in a stellar playing career.

The two-time winning Solheim Cup captain will skipper the Great Britain and Ireland team when the leading female amateurs take on the United States in the Curtis Cup at Sunningdale next week.

"What better place than St Andrews to finish off," Matthew told BBC Sport.

"If it hadn't been here, I probably wouldn't be playing. This is probably my favourite golf course. It'll be good fun.

"I've probably hit it the best I've hit it in a couple of years in practice and on the range. Teeing it up on Thursday is a different matter, so we'll see.

"Sunningdale, again, is another great golf course that I really enjoy playing. The Americans are going to be tough, no doubt about it.

"If our team can play how they can play, we might have a little chance there."


BBC
 
Bradley leads after storms hit BMW Championship

BMW Championship 2024

-6 Bradley (US); -5 Matsuyama (Jpn); -4 Noren (Swe), Scott (Aus), Conners (Can), Im (Kor)

Selected others: -3 Schauffele (US); -2 McIlroy (NI); Evens Fleetwood (Eng); +3 Lowry (Ire)

American Keegan Bradley held a one-shot lead after shooting a six-under 66 during a thunderstorm-hit first round at the BMW Championship.

Bradley, 38, was one of eight players left on the course at Castle Pines, near Denver, when thunderstorms delayed play for three hours.

He was tied with Japan's Hideki Matsuyama on five under going to the 18th hole, which Bradley birdied to take a slender advantage into the second round.

Bradley, who was recently named the United States' captain for the 2025 Ryder Cup, scraped into the 50-strong field with the last available spot in Colorado.

"I want to be out there with the guys and the Ryder Cup team," said Bradley after his first round.

"I want to be playing with them, on the range with them, in the locker room, in the tournament.

"It was really important for me to be in this top 50."

Sweden's Alex Noren, Australia's Adam Scott, Canada's Corey Conners and South Korea's Im Sung-jae formed a four-strong pack on four under.

Two-time major winner Xander Schauffele sat three back, while world number one Scottie Scheffler struggled with a back problem as he finished one under.

Rory McIlroy was tied for 10th after a two-under 70.

BBC
 
Ko wins Women's Open to end eight-year major drought

Lydia Ko ended an eight-year major drought by claiming the AIG Women's Open after a tense finish in blustery conditions at St Andrews.

The New Zealander, who won the Olympic gold medal earlier this month, birdied the last as she closed with a three-under-par 69 to win her third major on seven under.

Last year's champion Lilia Vu failed to hole a 15-foot birdie putt on the last to force a play-off and then missed from 12 inches to gift Ko a two-shot victory.

Vu's 73 saw her finish joint second alongside world number one Nelly Korda, who faded in the closing holes and posted a 72, overnight leader Jiyai Shin (74) and China's Ruoning Yin (70).


www.bbc.com

Lydia Ko wins Women's Open at St Andrews as Nelly Korda fades in tense finale

New Zealand's Lydia Ko ends an eight-year major drought with victory at the AIG Women's Open at St Andrews.
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Rose and Molinari named playing captains for Team Cup

Justin Rose and Francesco Molinari have been confirmed as the playing captains for the 2025 Team Cup in Abu Dhabi.

The Team Cup sees Great Britain and Ireland take on Continental Europe over three days in a Ryder Cup-style matchplay contest.

Italy's Molinari led Continental Europe to victory in the inaugural edition in 2023, while Englishman Rose will captain Great Britain and Ireland for the first time.

The 2025 tournament is taking place at the Abu Dhabi Golf Resort's National Course from 10-12 January.


BBC
 
Europe won't change Ryder Cup rules for LIV - Donald

Europe's Ryder Cup qualification rules will not be changed to accommodate LIV golfers Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton for next year's match against the United States, captain Luke Donald has told BBC Sport.

Spain's Rahm and England's Hatton have switched to play on the Saudi-funded LIV circuit since superbly teaming up to help Europe regain the trophy with a dramatic victory in Rome last autumn.

But while they have said they want to play in the September 2025 match at New York's Bethpage Black, Donald confirmed they "have to play their four" DP World Tour events this season to at least retain their eligibility.

Donald has welcomed Hatton's decision to play this week's British Masters - which marks the start of the 2025 Ryder Cup qualification process - but Rahm will not be at The Belfry in Warwickshire.

Hatton is competing after lodging an appeal against the sanctions imposed for playing LIV events without a release from the Wentworth-based circuit.

It is understood he has served the required suspensions, and payment of any fines is stayed until the outcome of his appeal.


www.bbc.com

Ryder Cup: Europe won't change qualification rules for LIV golfers - captain Luke Donald

Europe's qualification rules will not be changed to accommodate LIV golfers for next year's Ryder Cup, captain Luke Donald tells BBC Sport.
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Hatton leads British Masters after second-round 65

Tyrrell Hatton is leading the British Masters after shooting a superb seven-under-par 65 in the second round at The Belfry.

The 32-year-old Englishman is 10 under for the week and a shot clear of South Africa's Brandon Stone, Spaniard Jorge Campillo and Ko Jeong-weon of France.

It is Hatton's first start at a regular DP World Tour event since January after appealing against the sanctions imposed for playing LIV Golf events without permission.

The two-time Ryder Cup winner - clear favourite before the event - made eight birdies and just one bogey to put himself at the top of the leaderboard going into the weekend.

"We always say that we've left something out there - it's never perfect, is it?" Hatton said.

"But I'm more than happy with seven under today. Ultimately it's the first job done to make the cut and give yourself a chance going into the weekend and I'm happy with where we're at.

"I still missed a few short ones, so it will be nice if I can not do that over the weekend. I just need to keep giving myself opportunities."

Stone produced the round of the day, making nine birdies, including four in a row from the 14th to 17th, on his way to a magnificent 64.

England's Paul Waring had a share of the lead after the first day, but a three-over second round, littered with bogeys, meant he slipped to two under.


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British Masters 2024: Tyrrell Hatton shoots 65 to lead at The Belfry

Tyrrell Hatton leads the British Masters after shooting a superb seven-under-par 65 in the second round at The Belfry.
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Scheffler's lead cut to four at Tour Championship

Tour Championship second round leaderboard

-21 S Scheffler (US); -16 C Morikawa (US); -15 X Schauffele (US); -12 A Scott (Aus), W Clark (US), S Theegala (US); -11 S Burns (US).

Selected others: -8 R McIlroy (NI); -7 S Lowry (Irl); -6 A Rai (Eng), -4 R MacIntyre (Sco)

World number one Scottie Scheffler saw his lead cut to four shots after fellow US players Collin Morikawa and Xander Schauffele closed the gap during a weather-disrupted second round at the Tour Championship.

The two-time major winner, who started the tournament at 10 under par thanks to his position as leader in the FedExCup standings, had a seven-stroke lead over his two rivals after the opening round following an impressive opening 65 in Atlanta.

Bidding for his first FedExCup title, Scheffler birdied two of his final three holes after a weather delay to card a second-round 66 and to take himself to 21 under par.

"I feel like my swing is in a good spot. I've hit it nice the last couple of days," Scheffler said.

"A lot of quality stuff out there, and yeah, in a good spot going into the weekend."

Morikawa is four back from Scheffler after hitting a 63, the best round of the day, to take sole possession of second place on the leaderboard.

The 27-year-old dropped only one shot on the 11th hole and finished his round with back-to-back birdies.

Xander Schauffele is one shot back from Morikawa, with whom he was tied after round one, and remains in the hunt for the £19m prize after a second-round 64.

Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy is tied for 10th place on eight under par.

BBC
 
Scheffler leads £19m PGA Tour finale by five shots

Tour Championship third-round leaderboard

-26 S Scheffler (US); -21 C Morikawa (US); -17 S Theegala (US); -16 X Schauffele (US); -15 A Scott (Aus), W Clark (US)

Selected others: -13 S Lowry (Ire); -11 R McIlroy (NI); -6 T Fleetwood (Eng); -5 A Rai (Eng); -4 R MacIntyre (Sco)

World number one Scottie Scheffler will take a five-shot lead into the final round of the season-ending Tour Championship.

After a slow start, the American finished his third round strongly with birdies on four of the final five holes.

They helped Scheffler to card a 66 for a 26-under-par total and sit five strokes ahead of compatriot Collin Morikawa.

Morikawa had reduced the deficit to two shots on the front nine but Scheffler recovered with back-to-back birdies on the seventh and eighth.

"I've had my chances here to win some tournaments and I'll have no better opportunity than Sunday," said Scheffler, who is bidding for his first FedExCup title.

"I've been mentally at my best this year and I'm looking forward to doing more of that tomorrow."

Morikawa finished strongly, too, with birdies on three of his last four holes to stay in touching distance of Scheffler.

"It's going to be very hard but I believe in myself that I can do it," said Morikawa.

"I've got 18 holes left to the season - I'm going to put everything I have into these next 24 hours."

The biggest mover was Sahith Theegala, who finished with five consecutive birdies to move into third place ahead of Xander Schauffele on 17 under.

The winner of the Tour Championship will claim prize money of £19m.

BBC
 
Norgaard wins maiden tour title at British Masters

British Masters final leaderboard

-16 N Norgaard (Den); -14 T Lawrence (SA); -12 R Hojgaard (Den); -11 K Jeong-weon (Fra); -10 J Svensson (Swe)

Selected others: -8 M Wallace (Eng); -7 A Wilson (Eng); -6 A Fitzpatrick (Eng), H Hall (Eng), J Smith (Eng); -4 T Hatton

Denmark's Niklas Norgaard finished two shots clear on 16 under overall to win the British Masters at The Belfry.

The 32-year-old carded a level-par round of 72 to secure his first DP World Tour title, with South Africa's Thriston Lawrence two strokes adrift in second.

Norgaard's compatriot Rasmus Hojgaard charged up the leaderboard with a seven-under-par 65 to take third overall on 12 under.

Matt Wallace was the highest-placed home golfer in eighth, four shots further back, while Tyrrell Hatton signed for a disappointing two-over 74 to end in a tie for 18th on four under.

"You have no idea how much it means," Norgaard said. "I've been dreaming of this since I was 10 years old.

"I've had kind of a long career, just moving slowly ahead and every year getting a little bit better. I've never won on the Challenge Tour, nothing like that, so to win here for a first win I feel very good.

"I was trying not to think about it too much but this morning I almost threw up at breakfast, I was just so nervous."

Norgaard becomes the third Dane to win the British Masters after Thomas Bjorn in 2005 and Thorbjorn Olesen in 2022.

Asked about winning the first Ryder Cup qualifying event, Norgaard added: "I didn't even know. That's a good start.

"It's the ultimate goal for sure, but I've just been thinking so much about getting into the final event of the season this year. Getting into the top 50 [on the Race to Dubai] has been on my radar so I think this should secure it now."


BBC
 
Scheffler cruises to £19m Tour Championship victory


Tour Championship final leaderboard

-30 S Scheffler (US); -26 C Morikawa (US); -24 S Theegala (US)

Selected: -16 R McIlroy (NI), S Lowry (Ire); -11 R MacIntyre (Sco); -10 T Fleetwood (Eng); -6 A Rai (Eng)


Scottie Scheffler underlined his status as the world's number one golfer with a dominant victory at the season-ending Tour Championship in Atlanta.

It caps a remarkable 2024 for the American who has won an Olympic gold medal, his second Masters and become the first to land successive Players Championship titles.

He is the first player since Tiger Woods in 2007 to win seven events in a PGA Tour season.

Scheffler, who started the final round with a five-shot lead over Collin Morikawa, shot a four-under 67 to win on 30 under and collect $25m (£19m) of the $100m prize fund.

He was four clear of Morikawa, who hit a 66, with another American, Sahith Theegala, in third on 24 under after a 64.



BBC
 
Rose hopes Rahm remains eligible for Ryder Cup

Justin Rose has urged Jon Rahm to retain DP World Tour membership to ensure the Spanish LIV golfer is eligible for next year’s Ryder Cup in the United States.

Rahm needs to play three events on the European Tour before the end of the season in November to be available for Luke Donald’s team, that will defend the trophy for Europe at Bethpage in September 2025.

"No matter where the world rankings say he is or the golf that he is competing against, we know what a great player he is," Rose said.

"My point is you want him on the team. There is a pathway for him to play the Ryder Cup if he wants it.

"I think that’s all the DP World Tour can do, and they have their interests to protect, and I still think that it is a doable situation should the player want to choose to do it."

The English golfer was speaking after announcing increased prize money for his Rose Ladies Open, a Ladies European Tour Access event at Brocket Hall which starts on Friday at the Hertfordshire course.

The field includes Sara Byrne, a hero of Great Britain and Ireland’s Curtis Cup team, who has turned pro after going unbeaten in the home team’s thrilling victory at Sunningdale last Sunday.

This week’s field will be competing for £72,000 compared with £59,000 in 2023, the highest purse on the LET Access Series - the feeder circuit that leads to the LET.


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Ryder Cup: Justin Rose hopes Jon Rahm remains eligible through DP World Tour

Justin Rose urges Ryder Cup team-mate Jon Rahm to retain DP World Tour membership, to ensure he is eligible for next year.
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England's Alex Fitzpatrick leads older brother and two-time winner Matt by three shots after the opening round of the European Masters at Crans-sur-Sierre.

Alex Fitzpatrick carded an impressive 63 in Switzerland, which included seven birdies in windy conditions, to share the lead with Spain's Alfredo Garcia-Heredia on seven under par.
Four players, including England's Matt Wallace, are tied in third on six under.
"I played really nicely," said Alex Fitzpatrick.

"The first five or six holes were fairly brutal, I think it was gusting at 25-30mph or whatever it was.
"I got the nice side of the draw to be honest. This morning was brutal and luckily the last eight or nine holes there was not much wind, so it was nice to capitalise on the opportunities I had and hopefully the same tomorrow."

Former US Open champion Matt Fitzpatrick, who is aiming to emulate the late Seve Ballesteros as a three-time European Masters, finished on 66.

"Happy with a good start, I would have taken it this morning when I woke up and it was pouring," said Matt Fitzpatrick, who won the title in 2017 and 2018.

"It's one of my favourite places to be but it wasn't really this morning. It was horrible; warming up in the rain and you get out there and it's pouring, you don't feel like the ball is going very far.
"Fortunately with that the greens are a little bit softer so you can be a bit more aggressive but it was quite tricky."

Source: BBC
 
Horschel pulls out of Irish Open because of injury

Billy Horschel has pulled out of next week's Irish Open at Royal County Down because of injury.

The US star, who is 25th in the world rankings, said he sustained a "minor back/rib injury" at the recent BMW Championship PGA Tours play-offs event, which carried into last week's Tour Championship in Atlanta.

"My body needs another week to recover so the injury doesn’t continue to linger," said the 37-year-old.

"I’m disappointed to miss the Irish Open as I enjoyed and loved my time at the K Club last year. The support that I and all the players received from the Irish fans was unbelievable."

Horschel played for the USA in the 2007 Walker Cup at Royal County Down and said that he had been "looking forward" to returning to the venue.

The American is a regular competitor on the DP World Tour and will aim to repeat his 2021 victory when he plays in the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth, before participating at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championships and French Open next month.

Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry will headline the Irish Open field.


BBC
 
Wallace wins European Masters in play-off

European Masters - final leaderboard

-11 M Wallace (Eng), A Garcia-Heredia (Spa); -10 A Johnston (Eng); -8 J Scrivener (Aus), C Gugler (Swi); -7 J Luiten (Ned,) A Fitzpatrick (Eng)

Selected others: -3 R Ramsay (Sco); E Pepperell (Eng); +1 C Syme (Sco)

England's Matt Wallace held his nerve to win the European Masters in Switzerland after a play-off against Spain's Alfredo Garcia-Heredia.

The 34-year-old was pegged back after going into the final day with a four-shot lead.

But a birdie on the additional hole, the 18th, gave Wallace his fifth DP World Tour title - and first for six years.

"That was a hard day," said an emotional Wallace, who had lost the 2022 tournament at Crans-sur-Sierre in a play-off to Thriston Lawrence.

"It brought back memories of when I lost two years ago - I wasn't focused then, but that was focus there. I'm buzzing. I stuck at it."

Wallace was level for his final round but a birdie at the last allowed Garcia-Heredia to join him on 11 under after a four-under round of 66.

Wallace's compatriot Andrew 'Beef' Johnston was also close to tears after a 66 enabled him to finish third on 10 under after struggling in recent years with injuries and form.

"There's a lot of relief - it's been a tough couple of years," he said.


BBC
 

Europe warned to expect hostile Solheim Cup atmosphere​


The US have won seven of the nine Solheim Cups played on home soil

Europe will face a "hostile" home crowd "absolutely desperate" for the United States to win back the Solheim Cup in Virginia this week, says former captain Mickey Walker.

Last year's 14-14 draw in Spain, the first in the contest's 34-year history, meant Europe retained the trophy after victories in 2019 in Scotland and 2021 in Ohio.

No side has held the trophy for a fourth successive time and Europe have won just twice in nine previous events in the US.

"The Americans will feel it is essential to win and it's going to be difficult for Europe because it can get quite hostile," Walker, who led Europe to their first triumph in 1992, told BBC Sport.

"The American crowds will be out there to win it. It will be very pro-American and that will be really tough.

"Those that have played before will know what to expect and they will be as prepared as they can be, but it's a lonely place when you're out there playing and 90% of the support is American."

Walker, who was Europe's captain in the first four editions of the biennial contest, is wary that continued unsporting partisan behaviour will spoil both the Solheim and Ryder Cup.

And while the Solheim Cup does not appear to have as large an issue, Walker said she felt "intimidated" as a spectator as far back as at the 2009 contest in Chicago and "does not like" the way it is going.

It is no secret that the Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits in 2021 saw the European players and their families receive some horrendous abuse from a minority of US fans at the course on the banks of Lake Michigan.

No away side has won the Ryder Cup since Europe's victory at Medinah in 2012 and while Padraig Harrington accepted that some of that is down to home captains being able to dictate course set-up, he also acknowledged the part fans play.

Speaking before last year's contest in Italy, the Irishman, who led Europe in 2021, forecast there would be trouble, telling the Daily Telegraph: "I wish I could say it is one-way traffic, but it isn't and we should realise that and look at our own backyard as well.

"It's not just the players either. The same as in America, the wives and families are being singled out by hecklers as well, with some pretty awful stuff going on."

Walker agreed, saying: "The past two Ryder Cups have been bordering on the crowds not behaving very well because they have been so much behind their team.

"Rome was the worst it has been in Europe.

"I don't like it, you want to win just by playing the better golf."

It is a sentiment echoed by John Solheim, the son of Karsten and Louise Solheim who have sponsored the tournament since the inaugural event in 1990 and who the trophy is named after.

"It's extremely important to the Americans to win it back, but it doesn't really matter to me who wins," he told BBC Sport.

"I just want a close match."

Source: BBC
 

McIlroy 'hopeful' about PGA-PIF deal amid new talks​


Rory McIlroy says he is "hopeful" that the fracture in men's professional golf will be resolved after news of the latest meeting between the PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF).

Earlier this week, ESPN reported, external that a number of PGA Tour representatives, including Tiger Woods, were in New York for talks with the PIF, which funds the LIV Golf tour.

It has been 15 months since the PGA and DP World Tours announced a 'framework agreement' for a merger with PIF.

And while McIlroy, who recently voiced frustration at the lack of progress in the negotiations which began over a year ago, the world number three is hoping to hear good news from the New York meeting in the coming days.

"I think everyone in the game would love there to be one [a resolution]," McIlroy told BBC Sport NI.

"A solution is hard to get to because there are different interests and people want different things. There's going to have to be compromise on both sides but hopefully they're the things they're talking about in those meetings.

"I'm hopeful and hopefully we'll be hear some good news in the foreseeable future where things start to come back together."

McIlroy was speaking ahead of this week's Irish Open at Royal County Down, where he headlines the field in his first competitive appearance on home soil since the 2019 Open at Royal Portrush.

McIlroy missed the cut that week, as he did when the Irish Open last visited Royal County Down in 2015, and admits he has struggled with the pressure of performing in front of his home fans in the past.

"I've had to learn over the years how to manage my week when I come home," the four-time major winner told BBC Sport NI.

"I'm trying so hard to perform in front of the home fans but then if I push too hard it's detrimental to my game."

McIlroy, whose sole Irish Open triumph came at the K Club in 2016, added: "It's about managing all those emotions and getting lost in my own little world and not trying to do anything I wouldn't normally do.

"Just go out there and play the best golf that I can and not get too frustrated when things don't go my way. If I can do that then I think I'll be OK."

On what it would mean to win in Northern Ireland, he added: "It would be extra special.

"I think after the year I've had and the close calls, I've won three times and I've had to remind myself of that, but after everything that went on this summer and being so close to winning the US Open and being close at the Olympics as well, it would be a nice way to forget about those things and move on."

McIlroy will play with fellow Northern Irishman Tom McKibbin during the first two rounds at Royal County Down, which the 35-year-old says is "the number one links course in the world".

After finishing in a tie for ninth place at the Tour Championship earlier this month, McIlroy said he will aim to "cut back" his tournament schedule in the future after a congested 2024 which will see him compete in 27 events by the end of the year.

But while he is targeting a 22-tournament calendar in the future, he says he will "definitely" be back at the K Club for the Irish Open in 2025.

"For Shane [Lowry] and myself and some of the other guys that play predominantly in America, this date suits better," he said.

"We can focus on the FedEx Cup and Stateside and then turn our attention to Europe.

"These two weeks, here and Wentworth [for the BMW PGA Championship] next week, we're always looking forward to getting back. It's a long stretch in the States so to get back and play two great tournaments, a lot of guys enjoy that so I'll definitely be back."

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Rory McIlroy: World number three 'hopeful' over PGA & PIF merger amid new talks

Rory McIlroy remains "hopeful" that the fracture in men's professional golf will be resolved after news of the latest meeting between the PGA Tour and the Public Investment Fund (PIF).
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Rahm wants Ryder Cup spot but won't pay fines

Jon Rahm says he has no intention of paying his outstanding DP World Tour fines as the row over his Ryder Cup eligibility rumbles on.

The Spaniard was a pivotal figure in Rome last year as Europe regained the trophy.

But Rahm's involvement in next year's contest against the United States in New York remains in doubt because of his move to LIV Golf.

He was fined for playing Saudi-funded LIV tournaments which conflicted with DP World Tour events, without requesting permission from the European-based tour.

The 29-year-old needs to play in three more tournaments before the season ends in November to retain his membership of the DP World Tour and be eligible to play at Bethpage in 2025.

Rahm has entered the Spanish Open, Dunhill Links Championship and Andalucia Masters, but a DP World Tour spokesman told BBC Sport that until the fines are paid "he is ineligible to play".

Speaking on Wednesday at LIV Chicago, Rahm said: "I'm not a big fan of the fines. I don't intend to pay the fines and we keep trying to have a discussion with them (the DP World Tour) about how we can make this happen.

"I intend to play in Spain. Whether they let me play or not is a different thing."

European players must play four DP World Tour events a year to retain their membership. Rahm's participation in the Paris Olympic Games counted as one.


BBC
 
Late surge leaves McIlroy in the mix at Irish Open

Irish Open first-round leaderboard

-5 T Clements (Eng); -4 S Valimaki (Fin), A Del Rey (Spa); -3 W Enefer (Eng); R McIlroy (NI), F Celli (Ita), T Lawrence (SA), M Armitage (Eng)

Selected: Level R MacIntyre (Sco), +1 S Lowry (Ire); +2 P Harrington (Ire); +3 S Power (Ire), T McKibbin (NI), L Donald (Eng)

Rory McIlroy finished with a hat-trick of birdies to card a three-under 68 and sit just two shots off the pace after the opening round of the Irish Open.

The Northern Irishman, competing at home for the first time since 2019, mixed six birdies with three bogeys to lead the Irish challenge in testing crosswinds at Royal County Down.

McIlroy's superb finishes keeps him within reach of English pacesetter Todd Clements, who finished with an eagle at the par-five 18th to put himself in pole position, a shot ahead of Finland's Sami Valimaki and Spain's Alejandro Del Rey.

World number three McIlroy was the best of the home hopes with Shane Lowry carding a one-over 72 and Tom McKibbin two shots worse off.


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Rory McIlroy: World number three makes strong Irish Open start at Royal County Down

Rory McIlroy finishes with a hat-trick of birdies to card a three-under 68 and sit just two shots off the pace after the opening round of the Irish Open at Royal County Down.
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US regain Solheim Cup with victory over Europe

The United States won the Solheim Cup for the first time since 2017 with a tight 15½-12½ victory over Europe in Virginia.

World number two Lilia Vu delivered the winning moment after holders Europe had pushed the hosts close in a tense and thrilling finale.

"It could have gone either way, it's crazy how it unfolded," said US captain Stacy Lewis.

"It's amazing how often these things come down to half a point here and there and we're happy to be on the right side this time."

Europe skipper Suzann Pettersen added: "We gave them a run for their money. We had a chance, there were possibilities and several times we thought we could get it done.

"But I'm happy for Stacy on home turf."

Europe began the day dreaming of a 'Manassas miracle' with Pettersen saying she had no option but to push her "form" players out in the early singles matches and English pair Charley Hull and Georgia Hall led from the front.

And Hull, out first against world number one Nelly Korda, raced to a superb 6&4 win, while Hall delivered a second European point out in match three with a similarly dominant 4&3 victory over Alison Lee.

But, in between those results, Megan Khang demolished Emily Pedersen 6&5 to put the US 11-8 ahead and within three and a half points of success.

And two of those red points quickly followed with Allisen Corpuz beating Anna Nordqvist 4&3, while former world amateur number one Zhang crushed Carlota Ciganda 6&4 to be the only player to score four points this week.

But then the nerves crept in with European blue flooding the bottom half of the scoreboard and setting up a dramatic climax.


BBC
 
LIV golfers allowed in US Ryder Cup team, PGA says

Golfers who play on the Saudi-backed breakaway LIV Golf tour will be allowed in the United States Ryder Cup team, the PGA of America has announced.

LIV players will also be able to compete at the PGA Championship.

Golfers must be members of the PGA of America to be considered for the Ryder Cup and the body has now added LIV to its list of "approved tours", giving those players membership.

"Going forward, all LIV Golf players are eligible for the PGA Championship and any American player who qualifies for the Ryder Cup on points or is added to the US team as a captain's pick is eligible to compete," the body said.

LIV's Brooks Koepka was included in the US team for the biennial tournament against Europe as a wildcard pick last year, but only because of a grace period that was in place following golf's split.

The PGA and Europe's DP World Tour announced a "framework agreement" for a merger with Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund - which backs LIV - last year. However talks are still ongoing to repair the fracture in men's golf.

LIV players can qualify for the European team but they need to have retained their membership of the DP World Tour and played in four of the organisation's events.

They may incur penalties for playing on the LIV tour without a waiver from the European tour, but remain eligible if they settle those sanctions.

The Ryder Cup between Europe and the United States will be played at Bethpage Black in New York next September.


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PGA allows LIV golfers in US Ryder Cup team & PGA Championship

Golfers who play on the Saudi-backed breakaway LIV Golf tour will be allowed to be in the United States Ryder Cup team, the PGA announces.
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McIlroy two shots off England's Baldwin in PGA Championship

BMW PGA Championship leaderboard

-7 Baldwin (Eng); -6 Detry (Bel), Norgaard (Den)

Selected: -5 Armitage (Eng), Bradbury (Eng), Horschel (USA), Sullivan (Eng), McIlroy (NIr), MacIntyre (Sco) Lowry (RoI); -4 Willett (Eng); -3 Rose (Eng) +7 Molinari (Ita)

Rory McIlroy finished the first round of the BMW PGA Championship two shots behind Englishman Matthew Baldwin despite a day full of calamity at Wentworth in Surrey.

On the 12th hole, McIlroy's eight-iron clubhead went flying off mid-swing, but the former world number one still ended up putting the ball within 10 feet of the pin on his way to a birdie.

The Northern Irishman also had to hit a putt left-handed, saw his tee shot on the 17th bounce out of the trees and went out of bounds on his approach to the 18th.

The 2014 champion and last week's Irish Open runner-up finished with a double-bogey to finish on five under par.

On a day of low scoring, leader Baldwin, who won his first DP World Tour title in South Africa last year, carded seven birdies in a bogey-free 65.

The 38-year-old from Southport holds a one-shot lead over British Masters winner Niklas Norgaard and Belgium's Thomas Detry.

McIlroy's 67 was matched by Ryder Cup team-mates Shane Lowry and Robert MacIntyre, with England's 2016 Masters champion Danny Willett a shot back on four under.


BBC
 
Former Ryder Cup captain Huggett dies aged 87

Brian Huggett, the Welsh golfer who played in six Ryder Cups and finished second in the 1965 Open Championship, has died at the age of 87.

A statement issued on behalf of Huggett's family said the golfing icon had died in the early hours of Sunday morning after a short illness.

Porthcawl-born Huggett won 16 European Circuit events during his career, and was Europe's top golfer in 1968.

He was captain of the Great Britain and Ireland team at the 1977 Ryder Cup - the last before players from the rest of Europe took part.

Huggett was also part of the team that brought the Ryder Cup to Wales in 2010.


BBC
 
'It took inspired brilliance to beat McIlroy at Wentworth'

Rory McIlroy must wonder what it takes to win a golf tournament, which is a perplexing question for someone who has celebrated 40 victories in a glittering professional career.

His latest near miss, in last week’s BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth, was a second runner-up finish in as many weeks - having been beaten by Rasmus Hojgaard at the Irish Open.

Both were titles to covet; at the famed Royal County Down in his native Northern Ireland and then in the DP World Tour’s flagship event. Both tournaments were played before vast galleries raucously urging a McIlroy win.

But we are left to add these results to a growing list of disappointing denouements in 2024; defeat by Tommy Fleetwood in the Dubai Invitational, falling apart down the stretch at the US Open and finding water while in with a shout at the Olympics.


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Rory McIlroy's PGA Championship defeat inflicted by inspired Billy Horschel brilliance

Rory McIlroy proved his relentless excellence at Wentworth despite finishing runner-up for a second successive week, writes Iain Carter.
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Scheffler-Kim spat as US surge to 5-0 lead

Scottie Scheffler and South Korea’s Tom Kim were involved in a spat as the United States swept to a 5-0 Presidents Cup lead over the International team.

World number one Scheffler and partner Russell Henley beat Kim and Im Sung-jae 3&2 as the Americans won all the opening fourballs in Canada.

Tempers flared after Kim celebrated a 27-foot birdie putt at the par-three seventh with a fist-pump and shouted "let’s go".

Scheffler responded with his own birdie to halve the hole and yelled: “What was that?” towards his friend.

Kim celebrated strongly again when he sunk a long putt to birdie the eighth and then controversially left the hole for the adjacent ninth tee before Scheffler’s birdie attempt, which he missed.

"They took gamesmanship too far and over the line on sportsmanship and lost some integrity," US assistant captain Kevin Kisner told the Golf Channel.

Sky Sports golf pundit Paul McGinley called it “disrespectful” but Kim said: "There was no reason to stay there and look at him putt. It doesn't help us at all.

"It wasn't trying to be cheap or do anything like that. We were focused on our own game.

“He's a good friend. But at the same time, this week I don't like him. I want to beat him so bad, and I'm sure he feels the same way."

Masters champion Scheffler suggested Kim had “poked the bear” but sought to play down their exchange.

"I would have done the same thing back at home. It's all in good fun. We're friends after. We're not friends during,” he said.

US team dominate in Montreal

The US have won the past nine editions of the biennial contest, with their opponents triumphing just once in 14 attempts, and Jim Furyk's side romped into a commanding lead, external at Royal Montreal Golf Club in Quebec.

Tony Finau and Xander Schauffele were one-up winners over An Byeong-hun and Jason Day in the top game, with Collin Morikawa and Sahith Theegala winning by the same margin against Min Woo Lee and Adam Scott.

Scheffler and Henley extended the lead before Wyndham Clark and Keegan Bradley defeated Christiaan Bezuidenhout and Taylor Pendrith on the final hole while Patrick Cantlay and Sam Burns beat Hideki Matsuyama and Corey Conners 2&1.

Kim will not feature in Friday's foursomes matches, which open with Americans Cantlay and Schauffele against Matsuyama and Im Sung-jae followed by Morikawa and Theegala against Scott and Pendrith.

Max Homa and Brian Harman will face Day and Bezuidenhout, Finau and Clark meet Conners and Mackenzie Hughes and Scheffler joins Henley against An and Kim Si-woo.

Presidents Cup scores and format

Thursday fourballs (US lead 5-0)

Schauffele/Finau beat Day/An 1 up

Morika/Theegala beat Scott/Lee 1 up

Scheffler/Henley beat Im/Kim 3&2

Clark/Bradley beat Pendrith/Bexuidenhout 1 up

Cantlay/Burns beat Matsuyama/Conners 2&1

Friday

Five foursome matches from 18:05 BST

Cantlay/Schauffele v Matsuyama/Im

Theegala/Morikawa v Scott/Pendrith

Homa/Harman v Bezuidenhout/Day

Clark/Finau v Conners/ Hughes

Scheffler/Henley v Si Woo Kim/An

Saturday

Four fourball matches from 12:00 BST

Four foursome matches from 18:40 BST

Sunday

Twelve singles matches from 17:00 BST

The winning target is 15½ points

BBC
 
International team stun US to draw level in Presidents Cup

The International team staged a remarkable comeback by dominating Friday's foursomes to draw level at 5-5 against the United States in the Presidents Cup in Montreal.

Hideki Matsuyama and Sungjae Im led the way, reeling off seven straight birdies to go eight under after 12 holes as they equalled the largest victory of all time in the competition, by defeating Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele 7&6.

That set the tone for Mike Weir's side to reverse the score from Thursday's fourballs in stunning fashion.

It was the first time the US failed to win a single point in a session since 2003 - the last year they did not triumph in the event.

Australia's Adam Scott and Canada's Taylor Pendrith put a second point on the board for Weir's side, wrapping up a 5&4 win against Sahith Theegala and Collin Morikawa.

Scott now has 22 points in the Presidents Cup, an International team record. He is making his 11th consecutive appearance in the contest but has never played on a winning team in an event that the Americans have dominated since its inception in 1994.

Corey Conners almost holed his tee shot on the 13th as he and fellow home favourite Mackenzie Hughes closed out a 6&5 win against Wyndham Clark and Tony Finau.

And Christiaan Bezuidenhout and Jason Day held on to beat Max Homa and Brian Harman in the first match of the day to go down the 18th hole.

Si Woo Kim's 15-foot par putt on the 18th ensured he and his partner Byeong-Hun An defeated world number one Scottie Scheffler and Russell Henley.

"I saw the first four groups winning points and I knew I needed the point," Kim said. "We're game on."

Until Friday, there had also never been sweeps in back-to-back sessions at either a Presidents or Ryder Cup.

"Every great comeback story starts with a deficit," said Internationals captain Weir.

"That was the message and the guys were very motivated.

"We responded incredibly. I believed in the guys. We just wanted to get ourselves back in this and 5-0 was a bonus. The guys just played unbelievable."

There are 20 points available over Saturday and Sunday with a total of 15½ needed to win outright.


BBC
 

U.S. takes 11-7 lead into final day of Presidents Cup​

MONTREAL -- Patrick Cantlay couldn't have hit the putt -- he might not have seen the hole -- without lights from a videoboard and the headlamps from golf carts surrounding the 18th green in the final match of the longest day at the Presidents Cup.

And then he delivered another "Patty Ice" moment that might have been enough to turn the lights out on the International team Saturday.

Scottie Scheffler delivered big moments late in both of his matches, and Cantlay's putt from just inside 17 feet in the dark gave the Americans another win and another point, moving them one session closer to another Presidents Cup victory.

"Huge putt," U.S. captain Jim Furyk said. "If you had to hand select someone to hit a big putt on your team, I think Pat would come to a lot of people's minds."

They won the four-ball and foursome sessions by a 3-1 margin. Cantlay and Xander Schauffele won on the 18th over Tom Kim and Si Woo Kim, the high-charged South Korean duo, to give the Americans an 11-7 lead at Royal Montreal.

"Xander helped me read it," Cantlay said of his match winner in near darkness. "It was like a cup out with some speed, and a putt like that will make me sleep a little better tonight."

It was Si Woo Kim who chipped in from deep rough below the 16th green that gave his side hope, and he leaned his cheek into his hands the "night-night" gesture made famous by Stephen Curry.

That turned out to be an early call.

Tom Kim said he could hear some American players cursing at them, though it wasn't corroborated, and Schauffele said he didn't know what the 22-year-old was referring to. Most of the matches have been tight all week. The crowd has been loud. It has gotten chippy at times, expected in these team competitions.

What hasn't changed is the Internationals facing a big deficit.

They need to win eight of the 12 singles matches Sunday for a tie, and halve another if they want to win for the first time since 1998 -- four years before Tom Kim was born -- and only the second time since the Presidents Cup began in 1994.

International captain Mike Weir sat out four players all of Saturday, wanting to ride the teams that helped get his side back into the match with that 5-0 shutout on Friday.

One of them was Jason Day, who will be first out Sunday against Schauffele.

It's the same deficit from two years ago, and Weir recalls the Internationals -- a team facing distractions in 2022 of losing players who defected to the Saudi-backed LIV Golf League -- making the Quail Hollow crowd quiet and the Americans sweat.

"We just have tremendous belief in our guys," Weir said. "Might feel similar to what it was in Charlotte, but I'm just telling you, maybe there's an upgrade in belief for our team."

Tom Kim sounded even more determined, bordering on angry.

"I am so motivated to go out tomorrow ... because we've lost so many times, there's going to be one day where it's just going to be our day," he said. "I believe it's tomorrow.

"If we fall short, we'll try again. That's what we are. We'll keep trying. There's going to be one time when we're going to hold the Cup, and it's going to be sometime soon."

Scheffler finished off a tight four-ball match with two late birdies in a morning session delayed 90 minutes by fog, and then he gave the Americans their first lead in foursomes with a wedge into a foot on the 14th hole that led to another point.

Scheffler started both matches slowly. Collin Morikawa kept them in the game in four-ball until Scheffler hit a dart from 195 yards to 8 feet for birdie on the 16th, and rolled in a 15-foot putt from off the green on the 17th for the win.

Russell Henley carried him in foursomes, especially after Scheffler missed par putts from 6 feet and 3 feet as they fell 3 down after five holes. But the world's No. 1 player delivered late with a wedge into a foot on the 14th for their first lead and a 12-foot birdie on the next to take control.

"I have the best player in the world on my team, and we just kind of hung in there," Henley said.

Adam Scott, playing in his 11th Presidents Cup without ever being on the winning side, carried Taylor Pendrith to a 2-and-1 victory in the afternoon foursomes over Brian Harman and Max Homa, the only International point in foursomes.

Si Woo Kim and Tom Kim won big over Keegan Bradley and Wyndham Clark in morning four-ball for the lone International victory.

They were all square or leading in all the afternoon matches at one point until the Americans took control, as they often do. Morikawa and Burns dug out of an early hole and beat the Canadian duo of Corey Conners and Mackenzie Hughes on the 18th hole when Hughes hit a poor chip and Conners never came close on the 12-foot par putt.

In the anchor match in the morning, Sungjae Im three times matched birdies against Cantlay and Burns to keep the match from getting out of hand. Cantlay chipped in for eagle on the 12th for a 2-up lead and he twice kept the Internationals from coming back by making putts from 25 feet and 18 feet when they were in tight.

"The guy's an absolute assassin," Burns said about Cantlay.

Source: ESPN
 

Rahm two shots back after Spanish Open third round​

Spain's Jon Rahm moved to within two shots of the lead at the Spanish Open after carding a six-under-par 65 in Saturday's third round.

The three-time former champion pulled back three shots on leader Angel Hidalgo, whose 68 left him on 13 under for the tournament.

Rahm will join fellow Spaniard Hidalgo in Sunday's final pairing at Club de Campo Villa de Madrid.

David Puig, also of Spain, is a shot back on 11 under following his 65, while England's world number 184 Joe Dean and United States Ryder Cup player Patrick Reed are on eight under.

Rahm was only allowed to enter the tournament after lodging a late appeal against fines imposed by the DP World Tour for his participation in conflicting Saudi Arabian-funded LIV Golf tournaments.

The 29-year-old two-time major champion needs to play in four tournaments a season to retain his membership of the European-based circuit, which is necessary to be considered for the 2025 Ryder Cup team.

He has already played at the Paris Olympics, which counts as a DP World Tour event, and has entered next month's Dunhill Links Championship in Scotland and the Andalucia Masters at Sotogrande in Spain.

The DP World Tour season ends in November.

Source: BBC
 
US cruise to 10th straight Presidents Cup

The United States continued their dominance of the Presidents Cup by claiming an 18½-11½ win over the International team to seal a 10th straight title.

The US led 11-7 before Sunday's 12 singles matches, needing 4½ points on the final day to defend their title in Canada.

Keegan Bradley beat Kim Si-woo to secure the winning point at Royal Montreal, with the US winning six of the singles matches and halving three.

Xander Schauffele set the Americans on their way with a 4&3 victory over Australian Jason Day in the opening contest.

"My goal was just to set the tone, to get [American] red up on that board as early as possible, and I was able to do that," Schauffele told NBC.

Schauffele, who has won two major championships this year, finished the week with a 4-1-0 record, as did team-mates Patrick Cantlay and Collin Morikawa.

South African Christiaan Bezuidenhout (2-1-0) was the only International player with a winning record.

"I'm so proud of the team and proud of being here," said Bradley, who will captain the US against Europe in next year's Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black on Long Island.

"We're going to copy a lot of what [captain] Jim Furyk did this week. He set a culture here for us, and we're going to carry that over into Bethpage. I hope a lot of these 12 are on that team."

All 12 players on the US team are ranked in the world's top 25, compared to four of the International players.

"We talked about being a dog all week, being the tougher team," Furyk added.

"Those back nine holes, if you look at how many holes won and lost, I've got to feel we owned the back nine this week and that was the difference."


BBC
 
Hatton wins record third Dunhill Links title

-24 T Hatton (Eng); -23 N Colsaerts (Bel); -21 T Fleetwood (Eng); -19 R Neergaard-Petersen (Den), D Puig (Spa), R Williams (SA)

Selected others: -18 J Rahm (Spa); -17 B Koepka (US), D Jordan (Eng); -16 S Lowry (Ire); -14 R Macintyre (Sco), R McIlroy (NI), C Shinkwin (Eng), P Harrington (Ire), S Jamieson (Sco)


England's Tyrrell Hatton survived a late scare before securing a record third Alfred Dunhill Links Championship title at St Andrews.

Hatton, 32, had equalled the course record on Saturday to hold a one-shot lead going into the final day and he went three ahead thanks to four birdies in his first 11 holes.

However, a double bogey at the 13th and a bogey at the 14th enabled Nicolas Colsaerts to grab a share of the lead with three holes remaining.

But the 2016 and 2017 champion birdied the last hole from three feet to finish on 24 under - one shot ahead of his Belgian rival who left a long eagle putt from the Valley of Sin eight feet below the hole and was unable to convert the birdie attempt.

Hatton also finished second in the team event alongside his father Jeff, the pair finishing two shots behind Denmark's Thorbjorn Olesen and Irish businessman Dermot Desmond.

"It's the first time I've actually won the tournament with my dad here so it means a lot and to do it at the home of golf is really special," said Hatton, who has been part of two winning Ryder Cup teams.

"I'm trying not to cry, to be honest. I'm a bit lost for words."

The win ensures he will be at the DP World Tour's season-ending event in Dubai and means he can also attend the upcoming wedding of Ryder Cup team-mate Matt Fitzpatrick.

He went on: "I was meant to be going to Fitzy's wedding the week of Spain [the Andalucia Masters] and I had to message him a few weeks ago to say if I don't earn enough points I might not be able to go, and I felt so bad about that.

"I guess having a little bit of extra motivation to play well and be able to be there for their special day [was good]."


BBC
 
Ryder Cup will eject misbehaving fans in New York

Unruly spectators who "cross the line" will be ejected from next September's Ryder Cup, United States captain Keegan Bradley has warned.

A raucous and partisan crowd is expected at Bethpage Black in New York for the 45th instalment of the biennial contest as the US look to regain the trophy won so convincingly by Europe in Rome last year.

But Bradley is keen to have a "fair place for both teams" and said there will be observers inside the ropes to ensure that happens.

Speaking to BBC Sport, the 38-year-old added: "The PGA of America has things in place for each group to monitor the situation and if you act inappropriately you're going to be asked to leave the tournament.

"I hope and expect the fans will respect what the guys are doing but also at the same time be lively and supporting our team."


www.bbc.com

Ryder Cup 2025: Misbehaving fans at US v Europe contest in New York to be ejected

Both US captain Keegan Bradley and Europe skipper Luke Donald want fans to make next year's Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black "a fair place to play" for both sides.
www.bbc.com
 
McIlroy to play in exhibition against LIV golfers

Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler are to take part in an exhibition event against Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka at Shadow Creek in Las Vegas on 17 December.

The 18-hole challenge will pit two of the top-ranked PGA Tour players against two of the leading names from the Saudi-backed LIV Golf series, with organisers of the made-for-television event now confirming the location and date.

The details of the contest, which is being billed as 'The Showdown', were announced against a backdrop of ongoing talks between the PGA Tour and LIV's backers, the Saudi Arabian Investment Fund (PIF) about a possible merger.

The format of the competition has yet to be finalised.

Shadow Creek Golf Course previously hosted the first version of 'The Match', the predecessor to 'The Showdown', between Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson.

World number one Scheffler has won eight events this year, including the Masters at Augusta in April and the Olympic gold medal in Paris, while four-time major winner McIlroy has secured successes in the Dubai Desert Classic, Zurich Classic of New Orleans and the Wells Fargo Championship during 2024.

McIlroy also finished second in the US Open and the Irish Open, and tied for runner-up spot at the PGA Championship at Wentworth.

DeChambeau edged out world number three McIlroy to take victory at the US Open at Pinehurst in June and Koepka is a five-time major winner.

With LIV golfers banned from participating in PGA Tour events, major championships have provided the only opportunity for all the sport's best players to compete against each other in recent years.

Consequently, LIV golfers have limited opportunity to earn ranking points.


BBC
 
England's Bradbury wins Open de France

England's Dan Bradbury fired three consecutive birdies on the back nine to emerge from a pack of title contenders and win the Open de France at Le Golf National.

Bradbury carded a 66 in the final round to finish on 16 under par and take his second title on the DP World Tour.

The 25-year-old made par at the 18th before watching his closest rivals, including compatriot Sam Bairstow, finish one shot behind.

Germany's Yannik Paul and the Danish pair of Jeff Winther and Thorbjorn Olesen tied with Bairstow for second place.

Bradbury, who began the day two shots behind overnight leader Jesper Svensson from Sweden, said he was due some good fortune as his tee shot on the 15th stopped short of water.


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Open de France: England's Daniel Bradbury wins DP World Tour title

England's Dan Bradbury fires three consecutive birdies on the back nine to emerge from a pack of title contenders and win the Open de France at Le Golf National.
www.bbc.com
 
Rookie McCarty clinches first PGA Tour win

American Matt McCarty secured a place at next year's Masters and PGA Championship by winning his first PGA Tour title at the inaugural Black Desert Championship in Utah.

The 26-year-old left-hander, in his rookie season on the tour, earned a two-year exemption thanks to his three-shot win over Germany's Stephan Jaeger.

Having clinched his tour spot this year by winning three times on the development Korn Ferry Tour, McCarthy becomes the first player since Jason Gore in 2005 to win on both tours in the season they were promoted.

"It's been an unbelievable last few months," said McCarty, who shot a four-under-par 67 to finish on 23 under. "It was a lot of fun [and a] pretty surreal moment."

Going into the final round, McCarty held a two-stroke lead over Jaeger, Joe Highsmith, Kevin Steelman and Harris English, which had been reduced to one with five holes remaining.

But an eagle two on the par-four 14th effectively secured victory for McCarty, who carded two more birdies and a bogey before celebrating with his caddie and family.

Streelman and fellow American Lucas Glover tied for third on 19 under.


www.bbc.com

Matt McCarty wins Black Desert Championship for first PGA Tour victory

Matt McCarty secures a place at next year's Masters and PGA Championship ny winning the Black Desert Championship in Utah.
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Guerrier wins maiden tour title after epic play-off

Andalucia Masters final leaderboard

-21 J Guerrier (Fra), J Campillo (Spa) - Guerrier won at ninth play-off hole; -19 D Brown (Eng); -18 J Smith (Eng), R Hojgaard (Den); -17 J Rahm (Spa).

Selected others: -14 P Waring (Eng); -12 A Sullivan (Eng), A Wilson (Eng); -10 M Wallace (Eng), J Perry (Eng), R Ramsay (Sco).


Frenchman Julien Guerrier ended his long wait for a maiden DP World Tour title after he beat Spain's Jorge Campillo in a record-equalling nine-hole play-off at the Andalucia Masters.

The 39-year-old holed out from eight feet to secure victory on his 230th start.

In a remarkable coincidence, Guerrier's French coach Raphael Jacquelin won a nine-hole play-off for the Spanish Open in 2013, external while the only other European Tour event decided by a nine-hole playoff was the 1989 Dutch Open, won by Jose Maria Olazabal.

The lead changed hands between Guerrier and Campillo throughout the final day but the Spaniard bogeyed the 18th and Guerrier landed a 16-foot par putt to force the play-off.

Campillo, who sank his putt from 15 foot for par on the first play-off hole, had chances to win on the third, seventh and eighth extra holes, but missed from six, 10 and 15 feet respectively.

Guerrier then made par on the ninth extra hole after Campillo was unable to get up and down from a greenside bunker.


BBC
 
Woods and McIlroy's TGL to begin in early January
`
TGL, the technology-driven golf competition headlined by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, will debut on 7 January.

The virtual contest had been slated for a January 2024 launch but was delayed after a power outage caused the collapse of the air-supported dome roof at the SoFi Center in Florida.

Fifteen-time major winner Woods is scheduled to compete on 14 January with his Jupiter Links Golf Club team.

Woods has not played since the Open Championship in July and had further surgery on his back last month.

World number three McIlroy, who is part of the Boston Common Golf team, is set to make his debut on 27 January.

The opening contest of the 15-match season sees New York Golf Club - comprised of Xander Schauffele, Matt Fitzpatrick, Rickie Fowler and Cameron Young - face The Bay Golf Club side of Ludvig Aberg, Wyndham Clark, Min Woo Lee and Shane Lowry.


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TGL: 2025 schedule revealed for Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy's golf league

The inaugural schedule for TGL, the tech-infused golf competition spearheaded by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, has been revealed.
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Schauffele 'an idiot' after tree root bogey farce

Zozo Championship first round leaderboard:

-7 T Moore (US); -6 E Cole (US), M Greyserman (US), N Echavarria (Col)

Selected others: -2 R Fowler (US), M Kuchar (US) H Hall (Eng); -1 S Power (Ire); +3 X Schauffele (US); +6 D Skinns (Eng)

Full leaderboard

Xander Schauffele called himself "an idiot" after he carded a quadruple-bogey eight during the opening round of the PGA Tour's Zozo Championship in Japan.

The 30-year-old United States player's wayward tee shot on the par-four ninth at the Narashino Country Club wedged itself among some tree roots.

Rather than take a penalty drop, the double major winner twice tried to hit the ball from out of the roots - only to fail to dislodge it.

Schauffele shook his head and laughed as he considered making a third attempt, but finally took the drop for an unplayable lie.

"I wanted to take a photo of it almost, how bad it was. For me to think I can do anything definitely got me in a hole there," Schauffele said.

"I should have just taken an unplayable, but I was an idiot and tried to hit it. Then I was stubborn and tried to hit it again, then finally took an unplayable."

It was the only blemish on an otherwise straightforward three-over round of 73 for Schauffele, who won both PGA Open and British Open earlier this year, which featured one birdie and 16 pars.

Schauffele is 10 shots off first-round leader and compatriot Taylor Moore, whose round of 63 left him out in front at seven under par.

Moore holds a one-shot lead over fellow Americans Max Greyserman and Eric Cole, and Colombia's Nico Echavarria.

England's Harry Hall, who won his maiden PGA Tour title in July, is five shots off the lead at two under, while defending champion Collin Morikawa of the USA is a further shot back.

bbc
 
'I've always persevered' - PGA golfer blinded by ball pledges return

Australian golfer Jeff Guan, who has lost sight in his left eye after being hit by a ball at a pro-am tournament, says his "main goal" is to play again professionally.

The incident happened a week after the 20-year-old had made his debut on the PGA Tour.

Guan had surgery in New South Wales and spent two weeks in intensive care after being transferred to Sydney for a second operation.

Speaking publicly for the first time since the incident, he revealed doctors said he is unlikely to ever regain vision in the eye.

Nevertheless, Guan - who had been playing professionally for a year - is targeting a return to the elite level of the game.

"As a kid I always had a lot of perseverance," Guan told BBC Sport.

"Obviously there are going to be many obstacles in the way. But the quicker you can get over them, the stronger you will be.

"That’s the philosophy mentally for me and I guess that has been to my advantage so far.

"I want to play back at the top level professionally. That's the main goal for me."


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Jeffrey Guan: Australian golfer blinded in one eye by freak accident shortly after PGA Tour debut

Australian golfer Jeffrey Guan has lost sight in his left eye after being hit by a ball at a pro-am tournament.
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Fleetwood equals course record to lead in Abu Dhabi


Abu Dhabi Championship - first round leaderboard

-10 T Fleetwood (Eng); -9 T Olesen (Den), J Veerman (US); -8 L Canter (Eng), F Laporta (Ita), T Hatton (Eng), P Waring (Eng); -7 R MacIntyre (Sco)

Selected others: -7 B MacIntyre (Sco); -6 A Fitzpatrick (Eng), M Jordan (Eng); -5 R McIlroy (NI), M Wallace (Eng)


England's Tommy Fleetwood shot a 10-under-par 62 to equal the course record and lead by one shot after the opening round of the Abu Dhabi Championship.

Dane Thorbjorn Olesen and American Johannes Veerman share second place, with English trio Tyrrell Hatton, Paul Waring and Laurie Canter and Italian Francesco Laporta one stroke further back.

Scotland's Bob MacIntyre went round in seven under, England's Alex Fitzpatrick and Matthew Jordan six under and Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy five under.

Fleetwood said: "When you shoot a 62, obviously everything is going to have gone very, very well."

McIlroy needs to finish in the top two at Yas Links to win a sixth Race to Dubai title, before the final event of the European Tour season at the World Tour Championship in Dubai next week.

McIlroy, who has spent three weeks in a studio hitting balls at a screen with a modified swing, said his performance on day one of the tournament "felt OK".

"I probably wasn’t as imaginative out there - I was hitting very straight shots."


BBC
 
Langer beats his age to extend 18-year record

Charles Schwab Cup Championship final leaderboard

-18 B Langer (Ger); -17 S Alker (NZ) R Green (Aus); -13 A Cejka (Ger); -10 R Pampling; -9 K Tanigawa

Bernhard Langer shot lower than his age to snatch victory at the season-ending Charles Schwab Cup Championship and extend his record of winning a title every year on the PGA Tour Champions' circuit to 18 years.

The 67-year-old holed a 30-foot birdie putt on the final hole to card a five-under-par 66 and seal a one-stroke victory on 18 under over defending champion Steven Alker and Richard Green.

It is the 47th title Langer has won on the over-50s circuit and the first since tearing his Achilles tendon in early 2024.

"It's unbelievable," said Langer, who also had rounds of 69, 64 and 67 at the Phoenix Country Club in Arizona.

"To win this big tournament after what I've been through and to make 18 years in a row out here, it's quite amazing. I'm very grateful, very blessed."

Langer, a two-time Masters winner, had a five-shot lead heading into the back nine but back-to-back bogeys on the 10th and 11th saw his lead diminish.

A further bogey on the 17th, coupled with Alker making a birdie, saw the pair head down the 18th level.

Langer drove into the trees on the par-five closing hole but made a brilliant birdie to beat his age for a 22nd time and secure the win, as Alker could only make par.

A joint second finish for 53-year-old New Zealander Alker was enough to pass Ernie Els and capture the season-long Charles Schwab Cup points race.

"It would have been nice to win it all, the whole lot, but I've got the Schwab Cup and that's important to me," said Alker.


BBC
 
Rory McIlroy claims sixth Race to Dubai title after Thriston Lawrence falters

Rory McIlroy claimed the sixth Race to Dubai title of his career after Thriston Lawrence finished in midfield at the DP World Tour Championship.

The Northern Irishman only needed a top-11 finish at Jumeirah Golf Estates to reach the summit of the season rankings, with South African Lawrence the only player able to deny him with a win in Dubai.

However, Lawrence’s challenge never materialised and when he came home in one under par for the event, McIlroy secured his third successive Race to Dubai crown with five holes left in his final round.

The world No 3 joins Spanish great Seve Ballesteros in second place in the all-time list with six order-of-merit triumphs, with only Colin Montgomerie ahead of the pair with eight victories.

McIlroy had spoken about wanting to be stood on the final green on Sunday with both trophies, and he was in a two-way battle for the title with Rasmus Højgaard for the DP World Tour Championship.

Højgaard’s identical twin brother, Nicolai, won the season-ending event 12 months ago.

THE GUARDIAN
 
Garcia set to rejoin DP World Tour to aid Ryder Cup bid

LIV Golf's Sergio Garcia is set to rejoin the DP World Tour for the 2025 season as he seeks to play at next year's Ryder Cup.

Garcia, 44, who is the event's record points scorer, wants to match Lee Westwood and Sir Nick Faldo's European record of 11 appearances at the biennial competition.

However, in order for that to happen, the Spaniard has had to settle the outstanding substantial fines - reported to be over £1m - imposed on him by the tour for his previous defection to play LIV events, and he will also have to serve a suspension.

A spokesman for the Europe-based DP World Tour confirmed former Masters winner Garcia submitted an application to return to the membership before the 17 November deadline.

European players wishing to be selected for the Ryder Cup must be members of the tour.

"He has paid his fines but will have to serve his suspensions before he can play on the DP World Tour," the spokesman added.

The 2025 Ryder Cup takes place at Bethpage in New York from 26-28 September.

Europe's captain Luke Donald recently said he had been speaking to Garcia about the Spanish star returning to the tour and becoming eligible to play on the team.

Garcia has won 16 titles on the European tour, as well as 11 PGA Tour titles, with his 2017 Masters title counting in both tallies.

He joined the breakaway LIV Golf, a Saudi-funded series, in 2022 along with other big names from the sport.

He resigned his membership of the European circuit in May 2023 after an arbitration panel found in favour of the DP World Tour and confirmed its right to fine and ban players who competed in LIV Golf events without permission.


BBC
 
Hatton makes GB&I side for Ryder Cup-style event

Tyrrell Hatton has been named in the Great Britain and Ireland team to face Continental Europe in the 2025 Team Cup in Abu Dhabi.

Hatton's inclusion is a boost for the Englishman's chances of competing at next year's Ryder Cup.

The 33-year-old has represented Europe in the past three Ryder Cups but his participation at next year's matches against the United States in New York had been in doubt following his decision to join LIV Golf.

However, Hatton has returned to DP World Tour action in recent months after appealing against the sanctions the tour imposed on him for playing LIV Golf events without permission.

The Team Cup, which was won by Continental Europe last year, will take place at Abu Dhabi Golf Resort's National Course from 10-12 January.

Among those joining Hatton on playing captain Justin Rose's team will be world number nine Tommy Fleetwood - the highest-ranked player in the event - and Northern Ireland's Tom McKibbin, who last week secured his PGA Tour card for 2025.


www.bbc.com

Ryder Cup-style 2025 Team Cup to feature Tyrrell Hatton in GB&I side against Continental Europe

Tyrrell Hatton is named in the Great Britain and Ireland team to face Continental Europe in the 2025 Team Cup in Abu Dhabi.
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Patrick Reed shoots 59 with preferred lies on Asian Tour​

HONG KONG -- Patrick Reed became the ninth player this year to shoot a 59 or lower, closing with four straight birdies for an 11-under round Saturday to take the lead in the Hong Kong Open on the Asian Tour.

The score will not be recognized as a record on the Asian Tour because of preferred lies, in which players could lift, clean and place the golf balls in the short grass.

John Catlin also had a 59 on the Asian Tour this year in Macau, another International Series tournament on the Asian Tour, which remains the record.

Reed opened with five straight birdies and finished with four straight birdies. He was three strokes ahead of Rashid Khan of India and Nitithorn Thippong of Thailand.

The other sub-60 rounds this year were two on the PGA Tour, three on the Korn Ferry Tour and one each in the LIV Golf League and PGA Tour Americas. Cristobal Del Solar shot 57 on the Korn Ferry Tour for the lowest round of the year and matching the lowest on a professional tour.

Source: ESPN
 
Thitikul beats Yin in dramatic finish to LPGA finale


CME Group Tour Championship - final leaderboard

-22 J Thitikul (Tha); -21 A Yin (US); -17 L Ko (NZ); -16 R Yin (Chi); -15 N-R An (Kor), N Korda (US)

Selected others

-12 C Boutier (Fra); -11 C Hull (Eng); -4 L Maguire (Ire)



Thailand's Jeeno Thitikul carded an eagle and birdie on the final two holes to take a dramatic victory in the LPGA Tour's season-finale in Florida.

The 21-year-old moved level with American Angel Yin on 21 under after her three on the par-five 17th.

Yin narrowly missed a lengthy putt to go to 22 under on the 18th before Thitikul, helped by a brilliant approach shot, holed her birdie putt to win the CME Group Tour Championship and claim the $4m (£3.2m) in prize money, which is the largest in the history of women's golf.

The two players were in the joint lead on 15 under overnight and Thitikul finished with a seven-under 65, while Yin signed for a 66.

"I don't know what happened to me on 17 and 18," said Thitikul. "I really needed a birdie on 17 to give me a good chance but having an eagle, it was more than I can ask for.

"Hitting a really good second shot on 18 and to hole the putt, it's like all the hard work that I've done has just paid off."

Yin received $1m (£795,300) for finishing as the runner-up.

"My game is good going into next year," she added.

"I'm happy because this is a golf course I'm not very fond of. To play well here means a lot to me."

World number one Nelly Korda ended 15 under after a 66, while England's Charley Hull - who was four shots off the lead going into the last day - finished on 11 under after a level-par finish.


BBC
 
Johnston and Shin claim Australian Open titles

American rookie Ryggs Johnston claimed the biggest win of his career with a final-round 68 to win the men's Australian Open.

South Korean former world number one Shin Ji-yai secured her 65th career victory as she won the women's title at the event, which sees the men's and women's Opens played on the same course at the same time.

Johnston, named after Mel Gibson's character Martin Riggs in the Lethal Weapon movies, only turned professional this year and earned his playing card through the DP World Tour qualifying school.

The 24-year-old world number 953 finished on 18 under at Kingston Heath in Melbourne to earn an exemption to next year's Open at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland.

Johnston started the final round in a share of the lead alongside Australian Lucas Herbert, two strokes clear of the rest of the field.

But Herbert struggled in the wet and breezy conditions and it was another Australian, Curtis Luck, who became Johnston's main challenger.

Birdies on the 10th, 14th and 15th gave Johnston the edge heading home and Luck's victory hopes disappeared after bogeys at the 17th and 18th saw him finish three shots behind the winner.

Australian pair Marc Leishman and Jasper Stubbs were third on 14 under while Herbert finished tied for fifth two further shots back

In the women's event, former two-time British Open winner Shin held off a late fightback from South African Ashleigh Buhai, who was bidding for a third title in a row.

Shin took control to lead by eight at one point but her rival came storming back to make it within two shots.

But Shin held on to finish on 17 under with Buhai on 15 under and Shin's compatriot, 17-year-old amateur Yang Hyo-jin, eight shots further back in third.


BBC
 
'US Ryder Cup players should get $5m and donate to charity'

Tiger Woods has suggested that each American player in the Ryder Cup should receive $5m (£3.9m) and give that money to charity.

Last month it was reported that the 12 US players competing at next year's 45th staging of the biennial contest against Europe, at Bethpage Black in New York, will each earn $400,000.

In its 97-year history, players have never received money for playing for their respective teams.

"We had the same conversation back in 1999," said Woods.

"We didn't want to get paid. We wanted to give more money to charity, [but] the media turned it round against us and said we wanted to get paid.

"The Ryder Cup makes so much money, why can't we allocate it to various charities?

"I hope they [USA's players] get five million dollars each and donate it all to different charities. I think that's great. What's wrong with that?

"It's so hard to get on to that team - there are only 12 guys. What's wrong with being able to allocate more funds?"

Four-time major champion Rory McIlroy said he would "pay to play" for Europe in the Ryder Cup in the wake of the reports.

Asked what that says about the Europeans' attitude towards the Ryder Cup, Woods replied: "That's fine, that's their right to say.

"If the Europeans want to pay to be in the Ryder Cup then that's their decision, that's their team.

"I know once on European soil it subsidises most of their tour, so it is a big event for the European tour. If they want to pay to be in it, so be it."

'I'm not tournament sharp'

Woods says the "fire still burns to compete" but he remains sidelined by injury heading into 2025.

Woods, a 15-time major-winner, has not played since The Open in July where he failed to make the cut for the third consecutive major.

While the past few years have seen the American blighted by injuries, the 48-year-old remains focused on a competitive return.

"I'm not tournament sharp yet, I'm still not there," said Woods.

"When I'm ready to compete and play at [the top] level, then I will.

"The fire still burns to compete. The difference is the recovery of the body to do it is not what it used to be."

Woods' most recent setback has been because of back issues that have spread, causing pain in his legs.

In September, Woods had back surgery for the sixth time, two months on from his last outing at Royal Troon.

"I didn't think my back was going to go like it did this year," added Woods, speaking at this week's Hero World Challenge event he hosts in the Bahamas.

"It was quite painful throughout the end of the year, and hence I had another procedure done to it to alleviate the pain I had going down my leg.

"I feel like I'm getting stronger, I'm getting more pliable, but I've got a long way to go to be able to compete against these guys."

BBC
 
Young takes two-shot lead at Hero World Challenge


-8 C Young (US); -6 J Thomas (US); -5 A Bhatia (US), L Aberg (Swe), P Cantley (US), S Scheffler (US), S Theegala

Selected others

-4 R MacIntyre (Sco); -1 A Rai (Eng); +3 J Day (Aus)


American Cameron Young holds a two-shot lead after the opening round at the Hero World Challenge, hosted by Tiger Woods in the Bahamas.

Young, 27, shot a bogey-free eight under par in Albany on Thursday to lead compatriot Justin Thomas, who birdied four of the last five holes.

Scottie Scheffler, the defending champion, is three shots behind Young on five under alongside Akshay Bhatia, Patrick Cantlay, Sahith Theegala and Sweden's Ludvig Aberg.

Host and 15-time major winner Woods was forced to miss the tournament - an unofficial event featuring 20 of the world's top players - having been expected to take an exemption spot.

Woods, 48, did not give a reason for his absence but has kept a limited competitive schedule for years because of numerous injuries.

Scotland's Robert MacIntyre is tied for eighth after opening with a round of 68 to sit four shots off the lead, level with American trio Keegan Bradley, Sam Burns and Nick Dunlap.

Meanwhile, England's Aaron Rai is three shots further back at one-under.

World number 38 Young, named the 2022 PGA Tour Rookie of the Year but yet to win a PGA title, made eight birdie putts to take charge at the invitational event.

"It's a nice thing to come out and just feel like yourself," Young said.

"Really happy with it. I feel like with the driver I was just really comfortable and that's a huge key out here. I'm sure I missed a fairway or two, but for the most part I was really well in position. Then I made a couple putts early, which was nice."


BBC
 
Scheffler takes lead at Hero World Challenge

Hero World Challenge - second round leaderboard

-13 S Scheffler (US); -11 J Thomas (US), A Bhatia (US); -9 K Bradley (US); -7 L Aberg (Swe), S Straka (Aut), Sung-Jae Im (Kor)

Selected others

-5 R MacIntyre (Sco); -2 A Rai (Eng); +1 J Day (Aus)


Defending champion Scottie Scheffler holds a two-shot lead after the second round of the Hero World Challenge following a stunning 64 on Friday.

The 28-year-old American made eight birdies in a bogey-free round, seven of them on the front nine, to finish on 13 under at the Albany Golf Club in the Bahamas.

"[I was] just trying to keep my foot down on the pedal," said Scheffler.

"It was good. I did a lot of good things. Front nine was really nice and then the back nine I felt like I did some good things as well."

Compatriots Justin Thomas and Akshay Bhatia share second on 11 under, with US 2025 Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley two shots back in fourth place.

Cameron Young, who led by two shots after day one, stumbled after a second-round 75 for a share of 10th spot.
 
Norman expects to be replaced as LIV Golf CEO

Geg Norman says he expects to be replaced as the chief executive of LIV Golf.

The New York Times reported, external in November that LIV Golf is set to appoint Scott O'Neil, the former chief executive of the Philadelphia 76ers basketball team, as its new CEO.

Norman, 69, has been chief executive of the Saudi-backed outfit since October 2021.

The two-time Open winner told Indiana channel WISH-TV, which broadcasts LIV Golf tournaments in the United States, that he was "fine" with the change.

"Is there going to be a new CEO? Yes. There will be a new CEO," said Norman.

Since its first season in 2022, some of the world's top golfers have joined LIV Golf, which is financed by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF).

After taking a firm stance against the breakaway circuit, the PGA Tour and European-based DP World Tour announced in June 2023 a "framework agreement" for a merger with PIF, although no deal has yet been agreed.

"I've seen it [LIV Golf] come from a business model on paper to giving birth on the golf course to where it is today," added Norman.

"Will I always have a place and be involved with LIV to some capacity? Yes. I'll always have that.

"Because the impact that has been created in the game of golf by LIV, I've had a small, small piece of that, which I'm proud of."

Norman has faced criticism for his role in the formation of LIV Golf, most notably from Northern Ireland's four-time major winner Rory McIlroy.

He called for Norman to "exit stage left" in 2022, when the tour was first formed, saying "no one's going to talk unless there's an adult in the room".

McIlroy is a member of the PGA Tour's transaction committee, which is monitoring the protracted negotiations between the American-based PGA and PIF.

BBC
 
Chile's Niemann claims Saudi International title after three-way playoff

Chile's Joaquin Niemann won his maiden Saudi International title in sunny conditions at the Riyadh Golf Club on Saturday, beating Australian Cameron Smith and American Caleb Surratt in a three-way playoff.

The trio had been locked on 21 under-par after the final round but Smith and Surratt were unable to match overnight leader Niemann in the playoff as the Chilean wrapped up the win with a superb birdie on the second playoff hole.

Having finished one stroke ahead of American duo Peter Uihlein and Surratt after the third round, the 26-year-old Niemann mixed two bogeys with six birdies for a four under-par 71 to enter the playoff.

The victory also meant Niemann clinched the International Series Rankings.

"I enjoy being in that position, but there's times sometimes that it takes a little bit longer. It was a good day. Caleb and me, we played great," Niemann said.

"It's a really good way to wrap up the season. I'm really excited for what’s coming next season on LIV and hopefully get into a few majors."

The 2022 British Open champion Smith sank nine birdies in a blemish-free final round, while Surratt, who shot a course record 10-under 61 on Friday, hit six birdies and one bogey.

Defending Saudi International champion Abraham Ancer finished seven strokes behind Niemann, Smith and Surratt in the season finale on the Asian Tour and International Series.


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Scheffler equals record for most wins in a year


Hero World Challenge - final leaderboard

-25 S Scheffler (US); -19 T Kim (Kor); -18 J Thomas (US); -15 A Bhatia (US); -14 K Bradley (US); -12 L Aberg (Swe); -11 R MacIntyre (Sco)

Selected others: -4 A Rai (Eng); Level W Clark (US); +1 J Day (Aus)



Scottie Scheffler hit a sensational nine-under 63 as he capped a year of dominance by retaining the Hero World Challenge with a six-shot winning margin.

The world number one, who won the Masters and Olympic gold in 2024, claimed a record-equalling ninth title of the year with a bogey-free round to triumph on 25 under.

The victory means he has won an incredible 42.9% of the 21 tournaments he has played in 2024.

"[That was] very satisfying," he said after tying Tiger Woods (2000) and Vijay Singh (2004) for the most wins in a single season since 1950, although this event and the Olympics are not PGA Tour competitions.

"I did a lot of good stuff on the course, played a really solid round of golf.

"[It] feels nice to take a little break and come back and continue to play some pretty solid golf."

Scheffler, who had not competed in a strokeplay event since winning the PGA Tour Championship in August, joined Woods (2006-2007) and Norway's Viktor Hovland (2021-2022) as the only back-to-back winners of the 20-man invitational event at Albany Golf Club in the Bahamas.

Scheffler, 28, birdied three of the first four holes and four of the final six as he romped to victory.

South Korea's Tom Kim, who hit a 68, was a distant second while overnight leader Justin Thomas ended a shot further back in third.

Thomas, who remains without a win since claiming the 2022 US PGA Championship closed with a one-under 71.

The 31-year-old followed birdies at the first and fourth holes with bogeys at the par-three second and fifth.

That allowed Scheffler, who holed an eight-foot birdie at the opening hole, a tap-in birdie at the par-five third and a stunning birdie putt from just inside 50 feet at the fourth, to take a lead he would not relinquish.

"It has been a great year and a fun year," added Scheffler.

"I have had a little bit of time to reflect, but I am not really sure how to assess it. It has just been pretty surreal, a lot of fun and I am just really grateful."


BBC
 
Scheffler matches Woods with third PGA Tour award

Scottie Scheffler matched Tiger Woods by becoming the only second man to win the PGA Tour player of the year award in three consecutive seasons.

The American world number one collected his third Jack Nicklaus Award after winning 91% of the vote from his fellow players.

Scheffler won seven titles across the season, including a second Masters title at Augusta National in April.

While Rory McIlroy has won the award on three occasions, Scheffler and Woods are the only two players to have collected it three times in a row.

"I think we're always looking to compare somebody to Tiger Woods," said 28-year-old Scheffler after receiving the award.

"I saw it a lot growing up but there's really only one Tiger - that's just kind of it."

Scheffler was the first player to win seven titles in a single season since Woods in 2007.

Woods, 48, has won the award 11 times in his career and he collected it five times in a row between 1999 and 2003, and then won three consecutive awards again from 2005-07.

While the Masters victory was the highlight, Scheffler says he reserved his best golf for his gold medal victory at the Paris Olympics.

"I would say the nine holes that kind of sticks out to me the most maybe would be the back nine at the Olympics," said the Texan.

"The way that Teddy (caddie Teddy Scott) and I kind of finished off that tournament was pretty cool."

BBC
 
Norris wins Alfred Dunhill with final-round 67

Alfred Dunhill Championship - final leaderboard

-13 S Norris (SA); -12 M Kinhult (Swe), J Parry (Eng), R van Velzen (SA); -11 A Ayora (Spa), D van Driel (Ned)

Selected others: -10 A Sullivan, D Whitnell; -9 N Kimsey, M Southgate; -7 A Fitzpatrick

Shaun Norris shot a final-round 67 to win the Alfred Dunhill Championship by one shot in his native South Africa.

Norris carded an eagle, five birdies and a bogey to finish on 13 under and claim victory at Leopard Creek Country Club.

England's John Parry, Sweden's Marcus Kinhult and South Africa's Ryan van Velzen were a shot back on 12 under.

Kinhult had led going into the fourth round but shot a 74, while Van Velzen could only manage a 72 as Parry signed off with a 69.

Van Velzen could have joined compatriot Norris at the top of the leaderboard with a par at the last but his chances of doing so were ended when he put his ball into the water as he finished with a bogey.

England's Andy Sullivan (70) and Dale Whitnell (71) finished on 10 under.



BBC
 
Tavatanakit & Knapp win mixed PGA/LPGA Tour event

Grant Thornton Invitational - final leaderboard

-27 P Tavatanakit (Tha) & J Knapp (US); -26 A Thitikul (Tha) & T Kim (Kor); -25 J Kupcho & A Bhatia (US); -24 B Henderson & C Conners (Can)

Selected others: -20 L Ko (NZ) & J Day (Aus); -16 N Korda (US) & D Berger (US); -13 L Thompson (US) & R Fowler (US); -12 M Reid (Eng) & C Champ (US)

Full leaderboard

Patty Tavatanakit and Jake Knapp carded a final round of 65 to win the Grant Thornton Invitational in Naples, Florida.

The pair combined for an eagle and five birdies for a seven-under par round on Sunday as they finished on 27 under at the PGA & LPGA Tour mixed event.

The third round was played in a new format for team play. In the 'modified fourball', both players teed off and then switched balls for their second shots and played that ball until holed. The lower score counted as the team score.

"I putted well this week and I feel like everything has just been fun," said Thailand's Tavatanakit of her combination with US player Knapp.

"I feel like our chemistry was really good, we just talked about random things. It worked really well."

Thailand's Atthaya Thitikul and Korean Tom Kim posted a third round of 64, with two birdies on the last two holes giving them a second-place finish on 26 under.

US pair Jennifer Kupcho and Akshay Bhatia shot an eagle on the 17th to put themselves on 26 under, but they bogeyed the 18th to finish a shot further back.

New Zealand's Lydia Ko and Australia's Jason Day, who won the inaugural staging of this tournament in 2023, carded a third round 67 to end the tournament on 20 under.


BBC
 
US players to be paid £400k for playing in Ryder Cup

Players on next year's United States Ryder Cup team will be paid to compete after a package was agreed by the PGA of America.

It will be the first time in the 98-year history of the matches that either side has been paid to play.

The 12 players will each receive $500,000 (£400,000), with $300,000 (£240,000) donated to a charity or charities chosen by each member of the team.

The PGA of America, which organises the event, approved the package despite saying "no players asked to be compensated".

Six players will qualify automatically via the US Ryder Cup points list and captain Keegan Bradley will make six wildcard selections.

"The players and captains, past and present, are responsible for the Ryder Cup becoming the most special competition in golf and one of the most in-demand events on the international sports scene," the PGA of America said in a statement.

Last year's contest in Rome was marked by Patrick Cantlay not wearing the American team cap in what was reported to be a protest, external at the fact the players were not being remunerated to compete.

Europe's Rory McIlroy said last month he would pay to play in the matches, which will be held at Bethpage in New York.

"I personally would pay for the privilege to play on the Ryder Cup," McIlroy told BBC Sport.

"The two purest forms of competition in our game right now are the Ryder Cup and the Olympics, and it's partly because of that, the purity of no money being involved."


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Ryder Cup 2025: USA to pay players £400,000 for Bethpage matches

Players on next year's United States Ryder Cup team will be paid to compete for the first time in the history of the matches.
www.bbc.com
 
McIlroy and Scheffler dominate PGA-LIV 'Showdown'

PGA Tour superstars Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler showed their superiority against LIV Golf pair Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka in a floodlit exhibition billed by some as a grudge match between the rival factions.

With the PGA and LIV forming each side of golf's so-called civil war, 'The Showdown' was a rare chance to see four of the world's most recognisable golfers going head to head.

Played on a darkening and increasingly chilly evening in Las Vegas, with the stars wearing microphones for the benefit of an American television audience, there was the promise of a different form of golfing entertainment.

However, the one-sided nature of the contest - and a lack of consistent and insightful interaction between the players - meant there was not a whole deal to be left excited about.

Northern Ireland's McIlroy, 35, and American world number one Scheffler, 28, never trailed in an 18-hole matchplay contest which mirrored the format of the Ryder Cup.

"We're super happy to get the win. It's a nice way to finish the year," McIlroy said.

"Scottie and I got off to a pretty good start and then from there it was just about trying to keep the momentum."

LIV stars put up 'pillow fight'

Opportunities for the high-profile quartet to compete in the same field have been restricted by the PGA Tour banning LIV defectors.

The four majors in men's golf - the Masters, US Open, Open Championship and PGA Championship - are predominantly the arenas where PGA and LIV players can duel.

So the Showdown offered the chance to see four of the sport's biggest names - who have a combined 13 major victories between them - go head-to-head in an innovative format.

The opening six holes were played as a better ball - where each player plays their own ball and the lowest score on each hole is used as the team score - with McIlroy and Scheffler clinching the winning point after just four played.

Foursomes followed on the next six holes, with each player in the team taking alternate shots. The PGA pair moved 2-0 ahead when McIlroy sunk a winning putt on the 12th.

Head-to-head singles - McIlroy taking on DeChambeau and Scheffler facing Koepka - were played over the final six holes.

Needing just a half to secure bragging rights, Scheffler tapped in a birdie putt on the 16th - going two up with two holes to play against Koepka - to earn the victory.

"It felt like it was a pillow fight from us," DeChambeau said.

Crypto prize puzzles Scheffler

With the players wearing microphones throughout the event, it promised the prospect of some entertaining exchanges on the course.

The bar was set on the day before the event when DeChambeau threw a cutting barb at McIlroy over his staggering collapse at the US Open in June.

McIlroy blew a two-shot lead with five holes to play at Pinehurst, missing a golden chance to end his 10-year major drought and presenting the title to DeChambeau instead.

On the driving range, McIlroy attempted to ramp up the excitement by saying he wanted to face the American in the singles and avenge that chastening experience.

"I'd like to go up against Bryson and try and get him back for what he did to me at the US Open," he said.

DeChambeau sensed his opportunity without a missing a beat. "To be fair you kind of did it to yourself," came the deadpan reply.

On the day itself, arguably the most amusing moment came when McIlroy and Scheffler received their winnings - a $10m cryptocurrency purse put up by the event's sponsors.

"What are you going to do with yours," a smirking McIlroy asked Scheffler, who won over $29m of prize money during his stunning 2024 season.

"I dunno," said a bemused Scheffler.

The Masters champion added: "You know, I don't know a whole lot about crypto, but this is some good motivation to do some research and figure out what is going on."

What does it mean for the future?

The contest between four of the biggest names in the sport comes as the PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) - which funds LIV - continue to discuss a merger.

Negotiations between the PGA Tour and the PIF have been taking place for more than a year in an attempt to end a split in the game.

When a deal will be agreed remains uncertain.

Relations have undoubtedly thawed, however, as evidenced by PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan playing alongside PIF governor Yassir Al-Rumayyan at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship pro-am event in October.

Although the PGA Tour initially met 'The Showdown' with a degree of scepticism, there is no denying it is another step in the direction of unity.

McIlroy said the purpose of the exhibition was not necessarily to act as a catalyst, but there was a sense of the players taking things into their own hands.

He said: "We want to let the fans know that we're trying to provide entertainment, that the players want to play together more often."

BBC
 
England's Penge banned for betting breach

English golfer Marco Penge has been banned by the DP World Tour for placing bets on multiple events.

However, the tour said the 26-year-old did not bet on himself or tournaments he was participating in.

It led the tour's disciplinary panel to find the integrity of the events which Penge bet on "had not been compromised".

Penge, who has just completed his first full year on the European-based tour, has received a three-month ban - with one month suspended for a year.

He was also fined £2,000.

Penge retained his DP World Tour status at the final regular event of last season - after a nervy week at the Genesis Championship in South Korea.

Knowing he needed a decent finish to secure his playing privileges, Penge sunk a five-foot putt to make the weekend cut and went on to finish 22nd.

It brought enough points to finish 110th in the seasonal standings, meaning he retained his card with just four places to spare.

Penge began his suspension on 13 December, meaning he can return to action from mid-February.


www.bbc.com

Marco Penge: English golfer banned by DP World Tour for betting breaches

English golfer Marco Penge is banned by the DP World Tour for placing bets on multiple events - but not ones he was involved in.
www.bbc.com
 
Hoge leads as PGA Tour season starts in Hawaii

The Sentry first-found leaderboard

-9 T Hoge (US); -8 H Matsuyama (Jpn), W Zalatoris (US), -7 C Conners (Can), C Young (US), C Morikawa (US); -6 T Finau (US), W Hadwin (Can), T Detry (Bel)

Selected others: -5 A Scott (Aus), H Hall (Eng), A Rai (Eng); -4 L Aberg (Swe), W Clark (US); -3 V Hovland (Nor), R MacIntyre (Sco); -1 X Schauffele (US); E M Fitzpatrick (Eng)

Tom Hoge leads by one stroke after the first round as the 2025 PGA Tour season teed off at The Sentry in Hawaii.

The American shot a nine-under-par 64 to lead from compatriot Will Zalatoris and Japan's Hideki Matsuyama.

The 35-year-old opened with four birdies in his first five holes, finishing the day with 10 birdies and a lone bogey on the sixth.

Matsuyama carded a birdie-eagle-birdie run on the back nine to move up the leaderboard, with Cameron Young, Collin Morikawa and Canada's Corey Conners all two shots further back.

World number two Xander Schauffele, last year's winner of The Open and US PGA Championship, is the highest-ranked player in the field and opened with a one-under 72.

The tournament brings together 31 PGA Tour winners and 29 players who finished inside the top 50 FedEx Cup standings last year.

World number one Scottie Scheffler, who won nine times last season - including the Masters - was ruled out after undergoing surgery to repair a hand injury sustained while cooking Christmas dinner.

BBC
 
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Matsuyama holds halfway lead in PGA Tour opener

he Sentry second-round leaderboard

-16 H Matsuyama (Jpn); -15 C Morikawa (US); -14 C Conners (Can), M McNealy (US), T Hoge (US), T Detry (Bel); -13 K Bradley (US), H Hall (Eng), C Young (US), W Clark (US)

Selected others: -10 R MacIntyre (Sco); -9 A Scott (Aus); -8 M Fitzpatrick (Eng), P Cantlay (US); -7 A Rai (Eng); -4 X Schauffele (US)

Former Masters champion Hideki Matsuyama carded a second successive 65 to take a one-stroke lead at the halfway point of the season-opening PGA Tour event in Hawaii.

The Sentry features 31 PGA Tour winners and 29 players who finished inside the top 50 in the FedEx Cup standings last year.

The 32-year-old from Japan made eight birdies in his round to hold a slim advantage at Kapalua over another major winner, Collin Morikawa.

The American, who won the 2020 US PGA Championship and The Open the following year, shot a 65 thanks to five successive birdies from the 13th.

"I'm definitely satisfied with where I am," said Matsuyama.

"Obviously the views are beautiful here. I haven't played well here in a while, so it's good to get off to a good start."

Morikawa could have finished the day level with Matsuyama but had to be content with a par at the 18th.

"I just hit some quality shots and gave myself a run of birdie opportunities," he said.

"I felt like for the entire back nine I had birdie looks. Obviously I made a handful, but it was just nice to see a couple drop."

American Maverick McNealy equalled the lowest round of the day with a 64 to move to a shot behind Morikawa on 14 under alongside Canada's Corey Conners, Thomas Detry of Belgium and first-round leader Tom Hoge of the US.

England's Harry Hall birdied four of his last five holes on his way to a 65 that took him into a group a further shot back that also includes US Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley and former US Open champion Wyndham Clark, who both carded 64s.

BBC
 
Matsuyama sets 54-hole record to keep Sentry lead

The Sentry third-round leaderboard

-27 H Matsuyama (Jpn); -26 C Morikawa (US); -22 T Detry (Bel); -21 S-J Im (Kor); -20 H Hall (Eng).

Selected others: -18 A Scott (Aus); -16 P Cantlay (US), K Bradley (US); -15 M Fitzpatrick (Eng); -14 A Rai (Eng), R MacIntyre (Sco); -11 X Schauffele (US).

Japan's Hideki Matsuyama set a new 54-hole tournament record at the PGA Tour season-opening event in Hawaii at The Sentry.

The overnight leader shot a 62 to move to 27 under par - but still only leads by one shot after Collin Morikawa also went round in 62.

Both players fell one shot short of equalling the course record on a day when virtually no wind meant perfect conditions for low scores.

Matsuyama, the 2021 Masters champion, rattled in 11 birdies, the most he has managed in a single PGA Tour round.

The 32-year-old could have equalled the course record with a long eagle putt at the 18th but took two putts for the final birdie of his round.

Fellow major winner Morikawa took the lead on the front nine with three birdies and an eagle in the first five holes.

But his advantage did not last long, with Matsuyama - who has dropped just one shot in the opening three rounds - catching him on the next hole.

"Collin played well and I just kind of followed him, so good day," Matsuyama said.

"It was a lot of fun, but I would like for him to take it easy on Sunday."

Morikawa, the 2020 US PGA and 2021 Open champion, believes he can overhaul his rival.

"I'm going to put everything out there tomorrow because I have the goal to win," said the American.

"When you're playing that well, everyone talks about being in the zone, but you really are just focused on every shot."

Belgium's Thomas Detry is four strokes further back on 22 under after a 64, one better overall than South Korea's Sungjae Im who also carded a 62, while England's Harry Hall is fifth on 20 under after a third-round 66.

BBC
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Scheffler pulls out of another PGA Tour event

Scottie Scheffler has withdrawn from a PGA Tour event in California next week to continue his rehabilitation from the hand injury he sustained preparing Christmas dinner.

The world number one said in a story on his Instagram, external account he will skip The American Express tournament in La Quinta from 16 to 18 January to "give my injury more time to heal".

Scheffler required surgery on the palm of his right hand over the festive period after he suffered a puncture wound from broken glass.

The 28-year-old American has already missed the opening tournament of the campaign at The Sentry last week and will also sit out this week's Sony Open in Hawaii.

He has now targeted the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, which starts on 30 January, for his comeback.

Scheffler won nine titles last year including the Masters and the gold medal in the 2024 Paris Olympics.

BBC
 
McKibbin set for shock move to Rahm's LIV Golf team

Northern Ireland's Tom McKibbin is set for a shock switch to join Jon Rahm's LIV Golf team in a lucrative multi-year deal.

McKibbin claimed a PGA Tour card in November after finishing among the top 10 players without a card in the DP World Tour's Race to Dubai.

However, the 22-year-old will forgo a debut season on the PGA Tour to take the final spot in Rahm's Legion XIII team.

He will join two-time major winner Rahm, England's Tyrrell Hatton and the USA's Caleb Surratt in the four-player outfit.

McKibbin would become the second player from Northern Ireland to make the switch to LIV Golf after 2010 US Open winner Graeme McDowell joined the Saudi Arabia-backed tour in 2022.

The LIV Golf season begins in Riyadh in Saudi Arabia on 6 February.

McKibbin is playing in the Team Cup event in Abu Dhabi this week and is scheduled to compete in the DP World Tour's Dubai Desert Classic next week.

The Holywood golfer has also qualified for this year's Open Championship, which will be held at Royal Portrush.

McKibbin turned professional in April 2021 and won his first DP World Tour event in June 2023 at the Porsche European Open in Germany. He also lost in a play-off at this year's Italian Open.


www.bbc.com

Tom McKibbin: NI player set for shock LIV Golf switch with Jon Rahm

Northern Ireland's Tom McKibbin is set for a shock switch to join Jon Rahm's LIV Golf team.
www.bbc.com
 

GB&I unaffected by McKibbin LIV speculation - Rose​


Captain Justin Rose says speculation over Tom McKibbin's future has not been an issue as Great Britain and Ireland prepare for this week's Team Cup.

Earlier this week it emerged the Northern Irishman is set to join LIV Golf in a shock move, just two months after he earned his first PGA Tour card.

McKibbin, who is expected to join Jon Rahm's Legion XIII team, refused to comment on his future on Wednesday.

"I think we're all aware of that. It hasn't been confirmed to me, but it hasn't been denied either," Rose told BBC golf correspondent Iain Carter before the start of the Ryder Cup-style event in Abu Dhabi on Friday.

"The team room is the team room this week and the lads are all here for this week."

The former world number one said players have become used to speculation around their peers joining LIV Golf since the Saudi Arabian-backed circuit was established in 2022.

"I think all of that is down the road in the future and we're used to that narrative in golf now the last few years, it's been unsettled for a while," Rose added.

"We're all quite accustomed to it. My team is just enjoying being here in the Middle East - what a wonderful place to start the season - and mucking in and wanting to get their own individual seasons off to a fantastic start."

Rose, who is a playing captain at the Team Cup against Francesco Molinari's continental European side, is targeting more consistency in 2025 as he bids to play in his seventh Ryder Cup.

The 2013 US Open champion was one of Europe captain Luke Donald's picks for the 2023 victory over the United States in Rome and is determined to earn a spot on his team for this year's contest in New York.

Rose did not win a tournament in 2024 but finished joint runner-up to Xander Schauffele at the Open Championship in July.

"This year, I've woken up more motivated than ever," said the 44-year-old.

"I had some nice results last year and a chance to win The Open signalled that I still have what it takes to play at the highest level.

"My job is to do that more consistently this year than I have in the past couple of seasons.

"With that, I need to make some changes personally. What those are I won't go into at this moment. But I think I just need to step it up a bit this year and I'm very enthused to do that."

www.bbc.com

LIV Golf: Tom McKibbin future is not affecting GB&I - Justin Rose

Great Britain and Ireland captain Justin Rose says speculation over Tom McKibbin's future has not been an issue before this week's Team Cup.
www.bbc.com
 
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