Golf Archives - SportsNewsIreland https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/category/other_sports/golf Sports News, Live GAA scores, GAA fixtures Sun, 27 Jul 2025 19:37:25 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://i0.wp.com/www.sportsnewsireland.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/sni-icon.jpg?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 Golf Archives - SportsNewsIreland https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/category/other_sports/golf 32 32 229439223 Harrington wins ISPS Handa Senior Open by three shots https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/other_sports/harrington-wins-isps-handa-senior-open-by-three-shots https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/other_sports/harrington-wins-isps-handa-senior-open-by-three-shots#respond Sun, 27 Jul 2025 18:46:38 +0000 https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/?p=34189 Pádraig Harrington carded a 67 on Sunday to win the ISPS Handa Senior Open at Sunningdale. The Irishman, who secured his second U.S. Senior Open title last month, finished three strokes ahead of fellow former Ryder Cup Captain Thomas Bjørn and 1997 Champion Golfer of the Year Justin Leonard to claim his third Senior Major […]

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]]> Pádraig Harrington carded a 67 on Sunday to win the ISPS Handa Senior Open at Sunningdale.

The Irishman, who secured his second U.S. Senior Open title last month, finished three strokes ahead of fellow former Ryder Cup Captain Thomas Bjørn and 1997 Champion Golfer of the Year Justin Leonard to claim his third Senior Major victory.

Harrington, who won the Senior US Open in June, completed his four rounds at Sunningdale in -16, and becomes the third Irish player to win the Senior Open, following Christy O’Connor Jnr and Darren Clarke.

Harrington, who won The Open in 2007 and defended the Championship in 2008, joins Bob Charles, Darren Clarke, Gary Player and Tom Watson as the only men in history to have won both the Claret Jug and Senior Open Trophy.

The 53-year-old started the day with a two-stroke lead over Leonard, which he immediately increased to three after an eagle at the first on the Old Course at Sunningdale. Further gains at the sixth and ninth holes saw his lead extend to four strokes after the turn, but Bjørn moved to within two after a run of four birdies in six holes from the ninth.

The Dane’s momentum was halted by a bogey at the 16th and, despite dropping a shot of his own on the 17th, Harrington held a three-stroke lead on the 18th tee.

Playing partner Leonard also tried to apply pressure but ultimately signed for a two under par round of 68 and a 13 under par total. Harrington hit his approach safely on the 18th green and had two putts for par for a three under par 67, a 16 under par total and his 11th victory since joining the over-50s ranks.

“I’m just thrilled”

A delighted Pádraig Harrington said of his third Senior major success:

“Right now I’m just thrilled to have won the tournament and gone out there and played well. I think, yeah, that will seep in. I know you were talking about how I won The Open, to win the Senior Open, there’s only five players, so you want to be in that category. I think they are the sort of things that you realise over the next couple of days, the significance of it. I’m thrilled, euphoric, that I’ve gotten it done.

“As you get older, you realise a lot of things is legacy and what you’ve done and you want to win on a great golf course like Sunningdale. You want to do things that stand out, and having won a real Open, coming out, winning the Senior Open, it does give some — it adds a validation. It’s certainly satisfying to do it, to extent your career that way.”

The Dubliner continued:

“There are some great names on the trophy. I was watching it coming out last night. I was looking up inside at the board that has all the winners. It’s a deep sense of satisfaction. I’m kind of on a high of winning, but then there will be that deep sense of satisfaction knowing that you’ve done both.

“And especially you come to this stage, there’s only a certain window. You know, you can win later on as a senior but the window, they say, sort of up to about 55, 56, so you want to get it done. And having had a couple of second places, I didn’t want to leave it too long. It would start becoming a problem if you don’t win it too soon, and I’m glad I got mine.”

Australian Scott Hend finished the week in fourth place on 12 under par, while Ernie Els and Cameron Percy shared fifth on 11 under.

Select scores after Round Four:

264 P HARRINGTON (IRL) 67 65 65 67,
267 T BJORN (DEN) 70 63 67 67, J LEONARD (USA) 69 65 65 68,
268 S HEND (AUS) 68 71 64 65,
269 C PERCY (AUS) 69 65 70 65, E ELS (RSA) 67 67 69 66,
270 S ALKER (NZL) 63 73 66 68,
271 S ALLAN (AUS) 68 67 70 66, K SUTHERLAND (USA) 69 67 66 69, G CHALMERS (AUS) 70 66 66 69,
272 Y YANG (KOR) 70 66 71 65,
273 R GREEN (AUS) 68 69 70 66, S GALLACHER (SCO) 68 68 70 67,
274 P LAWRIE (SCO) 69 67 71 67, A CEJKA (GER) 72 65 70 67, K HORNE (RSA) 70 69 65 70,
275 S GRIFFITHS (ENG) 70 68 71 66, B VAN PELT (USA) 73 67 69 66, J KELLY (USA) 69 69 68 69, M WRIGHT (AUS) 72 65 68 70, D FICHARDT (RSA) 68 70 66 71,
276 S WEBSTER (ENG) 70 69 69 68, C DENNIS (USA) 70 68 64 74,
277 B DREDGE (WAL) 73 68 69 67, K CHOI (KOR) 66 67 75 69, A ATWAL (IND) 67 72 69 69, M JIM?NEZ (ESP) 67 70 70 70, R GONZALEZ (ARG) 67 67 72 71, B LANGER (GER) 72 68 66 71, M HENSBY (AUS) 64 72 69 72,
278 S AMES (CAN) 69 72 70 67, T PETROVIC (USA) 70 71 70 67, T O’NEAL (USA) 67 74 69 68, A CABRERA (ARG) 69 69 71 69, C MONTGOMERIE (SCO) 69 71 69 69, J HENRY (USA) 70 70 69 69, S BERTSCH (USA) 70 67 71 70, R GOOSEN (RSA) 67 70 70 71, J ROLLINS (USA) 69 70 68 71,
279 T RIDINGS (USA) 67 73 72 67, B ESTES (USA) 70 68 73 68, J CARON (USA) 71 69 71 68, C PAVIN (USA) 68 68 74 69, M GOGEL (USA) 71 68 69 71, C WI (KOR) 67 71 68 73, P GOYDOS (USA) 71 68 67 73.

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]]> https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/other_sports/harrington-wins-isps-handa-senior-open-by-three-shots/feed 0 34189 Harrington has 2-shot advantage in ISPS HANDA Senior Open https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/other_sports/harrington-has-2-shot-advantage-in-isps-handa-senior-open https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/other_sports/harrington-has-2-shot-advantage-in-isps-handa-senior-open#respond Sun, 27 Jul 2025 11:27:07 +0000 https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/?p=34183 Pádraig Harrington is two strokes clear ahead of the final round of the ISPS HANDA Senior Open at Sunningdale. The Dublin golfer is aiming to become the fifth player in history to win both The Open and ISPS HANDA Senior Open. The Irishman, who won the Claret Jug in 2007 at Carnoustie and defended it at […]

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]]> Pádraig Harrington is two strokes clear ahead of the final round of the ISPS HANDA Senior Open at Sunningdale.

The Dublin golfer is aiming to become the fifth player in history to win both The Open and ISPS HANDA Senior Open.

The Irishman, who won the Claret Jug in 2007 at Carnoustie and defended it at Royal Birkdale in 2008, carded a second consecutive round of 65 to reach 13 under par after three rounds.

Harrington made the turn two under par after birdies on the fourth and ninth holes. He then made his third gain of the day at the 11th hole. He recovered from a dropped shot on the 12th with back-to-back birdies on the 13th and 14th holes and then rolled in a short putt on the 18th hole after hitting his approach to three feet.

A birdie putt at the last saw him move two strokes clear of Justin Leonard, who also carded a second consecutive round of 65. The American, who won The Open in 1997 at Royal Troon, is also bidding to etch his name in history.

Commenting on his third round, Pádraig Harrington admitted:

“I still wasn’t comfortable. Like I thought I was getting better but yeah, I don’t think I rode my luck as much today. I wasn’t out of position but I certainly didn’t play much better than yesterday. Maybe a little bit more cautious today.

“It’s always nice to come back with a bounceback and a birdie. Believe it or not, I’d prefer to make a bogey and a birdie than two pars. I think when you can get caught in that sort of, I-haven’t-made-a-bogey-for-a-while type thing, that can get in your head. So getting rid of that is not a bad thing.”

Just four players have won both The Open and Senior Open, with Darren Clarke becoming the latest to do so after triumphing in 2022. The Irishman defeated Harrington by one stroke at Gleneagles to join Bob Charles, Gary Player and Tom Watson as the only men to achieve that feat.

Thomas Bjørn, Europe’s victorious 2018 Ryder Cup Captain and 15-time winner on the DP World Tour, carded a three under par 67 to sit in solo third on ten under.

In a share of fourth on eight under par are 2022 KitchenAid Senior PGA Champion Steven Alker, former PGA Tour winner Greg Chalmers, 2017 Legends Tour Order of Merit winner Clark Dennis and 2002 WGC Match Play winner Kevin Sutherland.

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]]> https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/other_sports/harrington-has-2-shot-advantage-in-isps-handa-senior-open/feed 0 34183 Pádraig Harrington leads ISPS HANDA Senior Open https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/other_sports/padraig-harrington-leads-isps-handa-senior-open https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/other_sports/padraig-harrington-leads-isps-handa-senior-open#respond Fri, 25 Jul 2025 21:58:51 +0000 https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/?p=34180 Pádraig Harrington will bid to become the fifth player in history to win both The Open and ISPS HANDA Senior Open as he takes a one-stroke lead into the weekend at Sunningdale. The Dubliner, who won and then successfully defended the Claret Jug in 2007 and 2008, carded a five under round of 65 on […]

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]]> Pádraig Harrington will bid to become the fifth player in history to win both The Open and ISPS HANDA Senior Open as he takes a one-stroke lead into the weekend at Sunningdale.

The Dubliner, who won and then successfully defended the Claret Jug in 2007 and 2008, carded a five under round of 65 on the Old Course at Sunningdale as he reached eight under par after the first two days.

Already a Senior Major winner this year after his U.S. Senior Open success at The Broadmoor in Colorado last month, Harrington leads by one stroke over defending champion K.J. Choi of South Korea, who hopes to become the first player to successfully defend a Senior Open title since Christy O’Connor Jnr in 2000.

Speaking after his second round on Friday, Harrington admitted:

“I rode my luck a lot today. Got my head in the game. Did a lot of good stuff mentally. Short game was sharp. But I did a good job, where I should make a score I scored, and then I got in trouble on plenty of other holes. Hit some recovery shots and managed my game, but I never showed much confidence out there at all in my swing at all.

“I obviously like these 72-hole ones and the bigger golf courses suit me. I’m glad to see there is a little bit of moisture on this course. It is starting to firm up a bit. As it’s gets a little shorter that advantage will be taken away from me. I seem to be scoring okay, so maybe I’ll do it a different way this time.”

Choi carded six birdies in his round of 67 and the 55-year-old did hold the lead at one point on nine under par after a birdie at the 14th, but two dropped shots on 16 and 17 saw him slip back into a share of second alongside 2018 European Ryder Cup Captain Thomas Bjørn.

Bjørn stormed into contention as he carded a seven under par round of 63 after starting the day level par following his opening round. The 15-time DP World Tour winner carded seven birdies and an eagle to move 41 places up the leaderboard.

Major Champions Ernie Els and Justin Leonard, also aiming to write their names in the history books as winners of both The Open and Senior Open, sit in a share of fourth place on six under par alongside Ricardo Gonzalez of Argentina and Australia’s Cameron Percy.

Stephen Allan, also of Australia, and Englishman Greg Owen share eighth on five under, while Major winners Paul Lawrie, Corey Pavin and Y.E. Yang are among a clutch of golfers in a tie for tenth on four under.

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]]> https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/other_sports/padraig-harrington-leads-isps-handa-senior-open/feed 0 34180 Collin Morikawa Splits With Caddy After Only Five Tournaments https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/other_sports/collin-morikawa-splits-with-caddy-after-only-five-tournaments https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/other_sports/collin-morikawa-splits-with-caddy-after-only-five-tournaments#respond Fri, 11 Jul 2025 12:12:43 +0000 https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/?p=34160 Former champion Collin Morikawa is continuing his search for the perfect partner, having recently dismissed his current caddy after just five tournaments. Why is this so important, and will it actually lead to a turnaround in the athlete’s game?  The Dismissal of Joe Greiner  Joe Greiner has barely had time to bed in as the caddy […]

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]]> Former champion Collin Morikawa is continuing his search for the perfect partner, having recently dismissed his current caddy after just five tournaments. Why is this so important, and will it actually lead to a turnaround in the athlete’s game? 

The Dismissal of Joe Greiner 

Joe Greiner has barely had time to bed in as the caddy for two-time major champion Collin Morikawa. Yet, after just five tournaments, it was announced that he has been let go. Morikawa brought in a temporary caddy for the Rocket Classic, the veteran KK Limbhasut. The split was announced after the last Travelers Championship. In this, Morikawa ended in a disappointing tie for 42nd place.  

The tournament at the Detroit Golf Club did have him down as the favourite. This was eventually won by Aldrich Potgieter in his maiden outing. Despite his patchy form, and some issues putting at the Rocket, he remains in the top contenders for many of the upcoming events he is in. This includes his odds for the US Open where he is currently 25/1. This is against some stiff competition.

Morikawa’s Previous Caddies


Source: Pexels

J Jakovac had been Morikawa’s original caddy. He had taken him through his switch to a professional game in 2019. This led the pair to pick up the 2020 PGA Championship and the subsequent year 2021 Open Championship. Undoubtedly, this will have made his five-year tenure hard to follow, although many had assumed this partnership would have run at least a little longer.

At the time, Morikawa had said that something had just felt off when he dismissed Jakovac. At May’s Truist Championship, he had hoped that making a change for Greiner would have allowed him more ownership of his game.

Upcoming Tournaments

This crisis of faith has had a marked impact on Morikawa’s outlook for tournaments further afield than the Rocket Classic. The 2025 British Open has Scottie Scheffler at the head of the pack with golf odds of 9/2. While the Open has provided some of his worst results so far, he is still the world number one and on his game.

Rory McIlroy is second in contention at 15/2. He is a golfer on a run at the moment, but a home crowd could put the pressure on him. He has buckled under it before and may do it again.

Following this, a host of other golfers are ahead of Morikawa in the betting, who trails at odds of around 25/1. This will be the next of the Majors before it turns into the 2026 tournaments. The only golfer other than Scheffler and McIlroy who has better sports betting 20/1 odds on the futures markets for these is Jon Rahm.

With a third caddy in place, the open will be the real test for Morikawa. If this does not work, then he must look at his game and realise that this may not be the issue. Alternatively, it could break the crisis of confidence and see him become one of the best turnaround stars of the year.

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]]> https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/other_sports/collin-morikawa-splits-with-caddy-after-only-five-tournaments/feed 0 34160 Lottie Woad leads KPMG Women’s Irish Open by seven shots https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/other_sports/lottie-woad-leads-kpmg-womens-irish-open-by-seven-shots https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/other_sports/lottie-woad-leads-kpmg-womens-irish-open-by-seven-shots#respond Sat, 05 Jul 2025 22:00:32 +0000 https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/?p=34088 English amateur Lottie Woad will take a seven-shot lead into the final round of the KPMG Women’s Irish Open at Carton House on Sunday. A second round of 67 puts Woad on 17 under par, with Anna Foster best of the home players on seven under. “I want to win it, I’m going to keep […]

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]]> English amateur Lottie Woad will take a seven-shot lead into the final round of the KPMG Women’s Irish Open at Carton House on Sunday.

A second round of 67 puts Woad on 17 under par, with Anna Foster best of the home players on seven under.

“I want to win it, I’m going to keep playing my game and see where it puts me,” the tournament leader stated after her third round.

Sweden’s Madelene Sagstroem, who shot a round of 70 this afternoon, sits on her own in second place, seven shots behind the leader.

Australia’s Kirsten Rudgeley is next best on 9 under par, following her 71 on Saturday.

Five players are then bunched on 8 under par: Amelia Garvey (72), Anne-Charlotte Mora (70), Blanca Fernandez (70), Charley Hall (72), and Chiara Tamburlini (73).

Leaderboard

Foster leading Irish player

Ireland’s Anna Foster had nine birdies during her third round, as her six under par round of 67, places her in tied ninth position on the leaderboard.

Leona Maguire shot a 70 on Saturday, Emma Fleming carded a 73, while Canice Screene signed for a 76.

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]]> https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/other_sports/lottie-woad-leads-kpmg-womens-irish-open-by-seven-shots/feed 0 34088 KPMG Women’s Irish Open underway at Carton House, Fairmont https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/other_sports/kpmg-womens-irish-open-underway-at-carton-house-fairmont https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/other_sports/kpmg-womens-irish-open-underway-at-carton-house-fairmont#respond Thu, 03 Jul 2025 06:00:07 +0000 https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/?p=34070 The 2025 KPMG Women’s Irish Open gets underway at Carton House, Fairmont, this morning. A record number of Irish players, both professionals and amateurs, will compete in the competition which runs from Thursday to Sunday. Updated leaderboard This marks the largest Irish field in the event’s history, a significant milestone that highlights the growing depth […]

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]]> The 2025 KPMG Women’s Irish Open gets underway at Carton House, Fairmont, this morning.

A record number of Irish players, both professionals and amateurs, will compete in the competition which runs from Thursday to Sunday.

Updated leaderboard

This marks the largest Irish field in the event’s history, a significant milestone that highlights the growing depth and strength of women’s golf in Ireland.

Irish professionals & amateurs competing

The historic field includes top professionals Leona Maguire, Olivia Mehaffey, Sara Byrne, Lauren Walsh, Annabel Wilson, Anna Foster, and Canice Screene, all of whom have represented Ireland on the world stage.

They will be joined by an exciting group of elite Irish amateurs, who are making waves both domestically and internationally: Beth Coulter, Áine Donegan, Olivia Costello, Anna Dawson, Emma Fleming, Rebekah Gardner, Roisin Scanlon, Anna Abom, and Marina Joyce Moreno.

International players

The Irish stars will line up against some of the biggest international names in women’s golf, including Charley Hull, Georgia Hall, Anna Nordqvist, and Madelene Sagström, all multiple-time winners and Solheim Cup stalwarts.

Tickets and a full schedule are available at KPMG Women’s Irish Open

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]]> https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/other_sports/kpmg-womens-irish-open-underway-at-carton-house-fairmont/feed 0 34070 2025 Masters Preview – Can McIlroy Complete the Grand Slam at Augusta? https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/other_sports/2025-masters-preview-can-mcilroy-complete-the-grand-slam-at-augusta https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/other_sports/2025-masters-preview-can-mcilroy-complete-the-grand-slam-at-augusta#respond Wed, 09 Apr 2025 07:16:17 +0000 https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/?p=33587 2025 Masters Preview – Can McIlroy Complete the Grand Slam at Augusta? Click here to play US masters comp  The world’s best golfers have gathered once more in Georgia for The Masters, as the chase for the iconic Green Jacket and golfing immortality gets underway at Augusta National.Scottie Scheffler returns as defending champion following a […]

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]]>

2025 Masters Preview – Can McIlroy Complete the Grand Slam at Augusta?

Click here to play US masters comp 

The world’s best golfers have gathered once more in Georgia for The Masters, as the chase for the iconic Green Jacket and golfing immortality gets underway at Augusta National.Scottie Scheffler returns as defending champion following a commanding four-shot victory last year. The world number one is aiming to become the first back-to-back Masters winner since Tiger Woods and add a third major title to his résumé within four seasons.Hot on his heels is Rory McIlroy, fresh from victories at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and The Players Championship. McIlroy is bidding to complete the career Grand Slam and finally conquer the only major to elude him.

Contenders to Watch

Also in contention is Xander Schauffele, with two major wins last year and a strong Augusta record. Collin Morikawa and Ludvig Åberg arrive in good form, while Hideki Matsuyama, Russell Henley, and Viktor Hovland have all won on the PGA Tour in 2025.

Tommy Fleetwood and Shane Lowry also bring consistency and experience as they chase their first majors.

McIlroy’s Grand Slam Bid

Golf legend Dame Laura Davies believes McIlroy’s time has come: “His form this year is great and it’s hard to see him not cross the finish line at Augusta.”

Butch Harmon added: “If he can relax and just play golf, this could be the week he gets over the hump.”

Morikawa’s Augusta Record

Morikawa has posted finishes of 5th, T-10th, and T-3rd in his last three Masters starts. Analysts highlight his current iron play as the best in the world—perfect for Augusta’s second-shot demands.

English Hopes at Augusta

Tommy Fleetwood is tipped for success if he can putt well, while Tyrrell Hatton, Matt Fitzpatrick, and Justin Rose also aim to end England’s Masters drought.

Former pro Ewen Murray believes Hatton could surprise: “If he can stay mentally calm, he absolutely has the tools to challenge.”

Expert Predictions

  • Rich Beem: Winner – Rory McIlroy | Dark Horse – Brian Harman
  • Andrew Coltart: Winner – Collin Morikawa | Dark Horse – Russell Henley
  • Dame Laura Davies: Winner – Rory McIlroy | Dark Horse – Akshay Bhatia
  • Nick Dougherty: Winner – Collin Morikawa | Dark Horse – Tommy Fleetwood
  • Butch Harmon: Winner – Rory McIlroy | Dark Horse – Tommy Fleetwood

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]]> https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/other_sports/2025-masters-preview-can-mcilroy-complete-the-grand-slam-at-augusta/feed 0 33587 Arnold Palmer Invitational 2024: Expert Betting Tips & Predictions https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/other_sports/arnold-palmer-invitational-2024-expert-betting-tips-predictions https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/other_sports/arnold-palmer-invitational-2024-expert-betting-tips-predictions#respond Wed, 05 Mar 2025 08:13:17 +0000 https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/?p=33282 Arnold Palmer Invitational 2024: Expert Betting Tips & Predictions The Arnold Palmer Invitational 2024 at Bay Hill Club & Lodge is set to deliver another thrilling PGA Tour showdown. With Scottie Scheffler aiming for a third consecutive title and Rory McIlroy seeking redemption, smart bettors will be looking for value beyond the favorites. 🏌 Best […]

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]]> Arnold Palmer Invitational 2024: Expert Betting Tips & Predictions

The Arnold Palmer Invitational 2024 at Bay Hill Club & Lodge is set to deliver another thrilling PGA Tour showdown. With Scottie Scheffler aiming for a third consecutive title and Rory McIlroy seeking redemption, smart bettors will be looking for value beyond the favorites.

🏌 Best Bets Based on Course History

✅ Scottie Scheffler (4/1) – Defending Champion & Top Favorite

Recent Finishes: 1st (2024), 4th (2023), 1st (2022), 15th (2020)

With two wins in the last three years, Scheffler dominates Bay Hill. His elite ball-striking and consistency make him a strong pick, but at 4/1, the value is limited.

✅ Rory McIlroy (9/1) – Each-Way Option

Recent Finishes: 21st (2024), 2nd (2023), 13th (2022), 10th (2021), 5th (2020)

McIlroy’s four top-10 finishes in the last five years make him an excellent each-way bet at 9/1.

✅ Max Homa (22/1) – Value Pick

Recent Finishes: 8th (2024), 14th (2023), 17th (2022), 10th (2021), 24th (2020)

Steady improvement at Bay Hill and strong recent form make Homa a great mid-range betting option.

📈 Trending Upwards – Potential Value Bets

🔹 Sungjae Im (30/1) – Safe Each-Way Play

Recent Finishes: 18th (2024), 21st (2023), 20th (2022), 21st (2021)

Four consecutive top-25 finishes prove his consistency at Bay Hill.

🔹 Russell Henley (50/1) – Long-Shot Sleeper

Recent Finishes: 4th (2024), 53rd (2023), 13th (2022)

After a 4th-place finish in 2024, Henley is a major long-shot contender at 50/1.

❌ Golfers to Avoid – Poor Course History

  • 🚩 Matt Fitzpatrick (24.40 Avg. Finish) – Missed cut in 2024, overpriced at 20/1.
  • 🚩 Chris Kirk (24.00 Avg. Finish) – Inconsistent finishes, not worth a bet.
  • 🚩 Viktor Hovland (27.80 Avg. Finish) – Only one top-10 finish, lacks consistency.

🎯 Final Betting Picks for Arnold Palmer Invitational 2024

🏆 Best Outright Bets

  • ✔ **Scottie Scheffler – 4/1** (Defending champ, elite form)
  • ✔ **Rory McIlroy – 9/1 Each-Way** (Strong track record, solid bet)

🎯 Each-Way & Value Picks

  • ✔ **Max Homa – 22/1** (Consistently improving at Bay Hill)
  • ✔ **Sungjae Im – 30/1** (Four straight top-25 finishes)
  • ✔ **Harris English – 40/1** (Runner-up in 2023, great long shot)

💰 Long-Shot Sleeper Bets

  • ✔ **Russell Henley – 50/1** (Finished 4th in 2024, trending up)
  • ✔ **Sam Burns – 45/1** (Elite putter on Bermuda greens, great upside)

🔎 Key Betting Trends for Arnold Palmer Invitational 2024

  • ✅ 7 of the last 8 winners ranked inside the top 10 for greens in regulation.
  • ✅ Elite ball-strikers dominate at Bay Hill.
  • ✅ Players with strong Florida form perform well.

With Scheffler and McIlroy leading the market, Homa, Im, and Henley offer solid value. For **big returns, sleeper picks like Henley and Burns could surprise**.

For the latest PGA Tour betting insights, predictions, and expert picks, stay tuned for more analysis!

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]]> https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/other_sports/arnold-palmer-invitational-2024-expert-betting-tips-predictions/feed 0 33282 Video – Joe Highsmith Charges to Victory at Cognizant Classic https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/other_sports/video-joe-highsmith-charges-to-victory-at-cognizant-classic https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/other_sports/video-joe-highsmith-charges-to-victory-at-cognizant-classic#respond Mon, 03 Mar 2025 08:29:42 +0000 https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/?p=33243 Joe Highsmith Charges to Victory at Cognizant Classic with Record-Breaking Finish Historic Win Secures Masters Invitation 24 year old Joe Highsmith, made the cut on the number at the Cognizant Classic, then shot back to back 64s to take home the trophy, a 2 year PGA Tour exemption, an invite to The Masters and more […]

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]]> Joe Highsmith Charges to Victory at Cognizant Classic with Record-Breaking Finish

Historic Win Secures Masters Invitation

Joe Highsmith delivered a stunning final round at the Cognizant Classic, carding a 7-under 64 to overturn a four-shot deficit and claim his maiden PGA Tour victory in dramatic fashion.

His 64-64 weekend set a tournament record for the lowest closing 36-hole score since the event moved to PGA National in 2007. The two-shot win not only cements his breakthrough on the PGA Tour but also earns him a coveted place at the Masters, along with entry into the remaining five signature events of the season.

Highsmith’s triumph was all the more remarkable given the pressure he faced just to make the cut. A crucial par putt on Friday kept him in the tournament, and he never looked back.

Knapp’s Collapse Opens the Door

Overnight leader Jake Knapp, who made history with an opening-round 59, saw his hopes of a wire-to-wire victory unravel on the back nine.

Leading by one on the 11th, Knapp found the water, took two shots to escape, and walked away with a devastating triple bogey. The setback saw him tumble down the leaderboard, eventually settling for a tie for sixth.

Junior Bridgeman (64) and J.J. Spaun (68) finished as joint runners-up, while Ireland’s Shane Lowry closed with a 67 to secure a tie for 11th.

Lydia Ko Dominates in Singapore for 23rd LPGA Title

Fast Start Seals HSBC Women’s World Championship

Lydia Ko showcased her class with a flawless final round to capture her first HSBC Women’s World Championship title in Singapore.

The New Zealander, playing in the tournament for the 11th time, began the day with a one-shot lead and wasted no time in extending it, reeling off three consecutive birdies from the sixth hole to take control.

A composed 3-under 69 saw her finish four shots clear of Jeeno Thitikul (70) and Ayaka Furue (68), marking her 23rd career LPGA victory.

Hull’s Challenge Fades

Charley Hull, who started just one shot behind Ko, saw her chances slip away with a disappointing 74, finishing in a tie for fourth alongside Im Jin Hee, who posted the best round of the day with a 67, and Gaby Lopez (70).

Ko’s victory adds to an already glittering career that includes an Olympic gold medal and LPGA Hall of Fame status, reaffirming her place among the game’s elite.

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]]> https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/other_sports/video-joe-highsmith-charges-to-victory-at-cognizant-classic/feed 0 33243 Cognizant Classic 2024 Betting Preview: Course Guide, Stats & Best Bets https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/other_sports/cognizant-classic-2024-betting-preview-course-guide-stats-best-bets https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/other_sports/cognizant-classic-2024-betting-preview-course-guide-stats-best-bets#respond Wed, 26 Feb 2025 08:07:59 +0000 https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/?p=33153   Cognizant Classic 2024 Betting Preview: Key Stats, Trends & Best Bets Date: 29th Feb – 3rd March, 2024 | Location: PGA National, Florida | TV Coverage: Sky Sports Table of Contents Tournament History & Course Breakdown Key Stats for Success Recent Winners & Betting Trends Best Bets, Expert Picks & Longshots Final Thoughts & […]

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Cognizant Classic 2024 Betting Preview: Key Stats, Trends & Best Bets

Date: 29th Feb – 3rd March, 2024 | Location: PGA National, Florida | TV Coverage: Sky Sports

🏆 Tournament History & Course Breakdown

The Cognizant Classic, originally known as the Jackie Gleason Inverrary Classic, has been a part of the PGA Tour since 1972. The PGA National Champion Course in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, has hosted the event since 2007, featuring the infamous “Bear Trap” (holes 15-17).

🏌 Course Details:

  • Par: 71
  • Length: 7,147 yards
  • Greens: Bermuda
  • Stroke Index (2024): 70.08
  • Key Challenge: Wind-affected fairways, 13 water hazards, and heavily bunkered greens.

📊 Key Stats for Success

  • ✅ **SG: Tee to Green (SG:T2G)** – Last 7 winners ranked inside the Top 5.
  • ✅ **Greens in Regulation (GIR)** – 12 of last 18 winners ranked Top 10.
  • ✅ **Driving Accuracy over Distance** – Fairway accuracy is more crucial.
  • ✅ **Wind Performance** – Proven links players thrive here.
Year Winner Score Odds
2024 Austin Eckroat -17 220.0
2023 Chris Kirk -14 44.0
2022 Sepp Straka -10 200.0
2019 Keith Mitchell -9 300.0

💰 Best Bets, Expert Picks & Longshots

🔥 Top Contenders

  • ✅ **Shane Lowry (23.0)** – Excellent wind player, strong course form.
  • ✅ **Russell Henley (25.0)** – Former winner, elite iron player.
  • ✅ **Sepp Straka (28.0)** – Defending champion, trending well.

🎯 Longshot Value Picks

  • ✅ **Alex Smalley (80.0)** – Tied 5th here last year, elite ball-striking.
  • ✅ **Kurt Kitayama (100.0)** – Strong wind player, top-5 potential.
  • ✅ **Brian Harman (110.0)** – Links-style player, suits tough courses.

📊 Final Thoughts & Betting Strategy

  • ✅ Bet on **accurate ball-strikers** with good SG:T2G & GIR.
  • ✅ Monitor **wind conditions** for potential surprises.
  • ✅ **Longshots have a great record here** – consider high-value picks.

🚀 Recommended Bets

  • ✅ Shane Lowry (23.0) – 1pt EW
  • ✅ Sepp Straka (28.0) – 1pt EW
  • ✅ Alex Smalley (80.0) – 0.5pt EW
  • ✅ Kurt Kitayama (100.0) – 0.5pt EW
  • ✅ Brian Harman (110.0) – 0.5pt EW

Stay tuned for **daily betting updates & live odds tracking**!

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