Golf Archives - SportsNewsIreland https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/category/other_sports/golf Sports News, Live GAA scores, GAA fixtures Fri, 12 Sep 2025 19:10:59 +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 Trump International at Doonbeg to host 2026 Amgen Irish Open https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/other_sports/trump-international-at-doonbeg-to-host-2026-amgen-irish-open https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/other_sports/trump-international-at-doonbeg-to-host-2026-amgen-irish-open#respond Wed, 10 Sep 2025 20:29:05 +0000 https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/?p=34436 The DP World Tour has announced that Trump International Golf Links Ireland, Doonbeg, Co Clare, will host the 2026 Amgen Irish Open. The tournament will take place from September 10-13, and will again form part of the ‘Back 9’. The 2026 DP World Tour global schedule features a minimum of 42 Race to Dubai tournaments […]

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The DP World Tour has announced that Trump International Golf Links Ireland, Doonbeg, Co Clare, will host the 2026 Amgen Irish Open. The tournament will take place from September 10-13, and will again form part of the ‘Back 9’.

The 2026 DP World Tour global schedule features a minimum of 42 Race to Dubai tournaments in 25 different countries.

Three Distinct Phases

The schedule, announced on Wednesday, will once again comprise three distinct phases, beginning with five ‘Global Swings’ followed by the ‘Back 9’, with the season then culminating with the ‘DP World Tour Play-Offs’ in November 2026.

Members will compete for a record total prize fund of $157.5 million (outside the Major Championships) on golf’s global Tour next season.

The Estrella Damm Catalunya Championship, will be the first tournament on the European Swing, and will take place from May 7-10 at Real Club de Golf El Prat in Barcelona.

In addition to the ISCO Championship from July 9-12, DP World Tour members will also have access to the PGA TOUR’s Corales Puntacana Championship in the Dominican Republic, which features as part of the Race to Dubai for the first time from July 16-19.

Five Rolex Events

The Genesis Scottish Open, at the Renaissance Club from July 9-12, will once again be co-sanctioned with the PGA TOUR and is one of five Rolex Series events on the 2026 global schedule, along with: the Hero Dubai Desert Classic (January 22-25), the BMW PGA Championship (September 17-20) and the two Play-Off events, the Abu Dhabi Championship (November 5-8) and DP World Tour Championship (November 12-15), where the 2026 Race to Dubai Champion will be crowned.

In total, the DP World Tour will play three times in Dubai in 2026, with the Dubai Invitational (January 15-18) returning to the schedule after alternating with the Team Cup during the current 2025 season.

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Happy Homecoming for Rory as he claims second Amgen Irish Open https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/other_sports/happy-homecoming-for-rory-as-he-claims-second-amgen-irish-open https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/other_sports/happy-homecoming-for-rory-as-he-claims-second-amgen-irish-open#respond Sun, 07 Sep 2025 18:56:07 +0000 https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/?p=34458 Rory McIlroy won his second Amgen Irish Open title after a play-off with Joakim Lagergren at the Palmer North Course, the K Club, on Sunday evening. The Irish golfer birdied the third extra hole to delight the home crowds and claim his first victory on European soil since becoming Europe’s first player to complete the […]

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Rory McIlroy won his second Amgen Irish Open title after a play-off with Joakim Lagergren at the Palmer North Course, the K Club, on Sunday evening.

The Irish golfer birdied the third extra hole to delight the home crowds and claim his first victory on European soil since becoming Europe’s first player to complete the career grand slam at the Masters in April.

Eagle Putt Forces Play-Off

Five-time Major winner McIlroy holed a 28-foot eagle putt on his 72nd hole to finish on 17 under par alongside Lagergren and force a play-off in the third of the DP World Tour’s Back 9 tournaments.

Both players went close to eagles at the first time of asking before tidying up for matching birdies in the $6 million event.

McIlroy’s approach on the second extra hole only just cleared the water. Both players achieved the same result as they both claimed a birdie four.

At the third extra hole, Lagergren found the water hazard, allowing McIlroy to win it with two putts and emulate his 2016 Amgen Irish Open victory at the Co Kildare venue.

Delight for McIlroy

McIlroy was full of praise for the home supporters, admitting:

“I feel just so lucky that I get to do this, I get to do this in front of these people. The support has been absolutely amazing all week.

“I thought it was going to be a nice homecoming, obviously coming home with the Green Jacket and all that, but this has been absolutely incredible. This has exceeded all of my expectations. Just so, so happy I could play the way I did this week for all of them and get the win.”

The Co Down golfer continued:

“Hopefully we get a bit of it in a few weeks’ time at the Ryder Cup. But this is absolutely incredible. I love coming home. I love playing in this atmosphere. Moments like this, these are the things you’re going to remember well after your career is over. This is a really special day.

“To do what I did earlier in the year and then to come home and win my National Open, no matter what happens for the rest of the year, that’s a pretty cool year. 2025 is going to go down as one of the best, if not the best of my career.

“I’ve got a big week next week at Wentworth and then obviously everyone’s looking forward to the Ryder Cup. I’m just so happy my game’s in good shape. I feel like I’m playing well and I’m so excited for what’s coming up.”

Final round 66 for Lagergren

Joakim Lagergren emerged from a five-way tie for the lead on Sunday’s back nine at The K Club with a superb round of 66 to finish runner-up in Straffan.

Spaniard Rafa Cabrera Bello made a hole-in-one at the par-three third as he joined countryman Angel Hidalgo in a share of third on 15 under par, while another Spaniard Angel Ayora was two shots further back in fifth alongside overnight leader Adrian Saddier.

McIlroy bogeyed the first, his first dropped shot in 38 holes, but bounced back with a 38-foot putt for birdie at the second and saved par with a good up-and-down at the next.

The now 20-time DP World Tour winner birdied the fourth and then holed from 43 feet at the fifth to move two under for the day and 13 under for the week. He birdied the ninth to join a five-way tie on 14 under as he made the turn.

McIlroy holed a steely par-saver at the 12th and to the delight of the home crowd, before his six-foot putt at the 13th made a full circuit of the hole to drop back in the front edge.

Cabrera Bello joined him at the top with a birdie at the par-five 16th as Hidalgo dropped a shot at the 14th and Ayora set a clubhouse target of 13 under after a 67.

Lagergren eagle on 16th

Lagergren made a spectacular eagle at the 16th to go 16 under as Cabrera Bello’s 67 lowered the clubhouse lead to 15 under and Hidalgo, with a birdie at the 16th, and McIlroy, who parred the 17th, were also on that mark.

Lagergren’s birdie at the last left McIlroy needing an eagle to force a play-off – and after two blows onto the green, he delivered exactly what was required.

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Strong Irish challenge for Amgen Irish Open at The K Club https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/other_sports/strong-irish-challenge-for-amgen-irish-open-at-the-k-club https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/other_sports/strong-irish-challenge-for-amgen-irish-open-at-the-k-club#respond Wed, 03 Sep 2025 20:07:59 +0000 https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/?p=34367 Ryder Cup 2025 teammates Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry lead the Irish challenge at this week’s Amgen Irish Open at The K Club from Thursday, 4th to Sunday, 7th September. McIlroy, the career Grand Slam winner, claimed his first Irish professional title when winning the Irish Open by three strokes at the venue back in […]

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Ryder Cup 2025 teammates Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry lead the Irish challenge at this week’s Amgen Irish Open at The K Club from Thursday, 4th to Sunday, 7th September.

McIlroy, the career Grand Slam winner, claimed his first Irish professional title when winning the Irish Open by three strokes at the venue back in 2016.

Tee off times for round 1

McIlroy happy to be back

Remembering that victory, the County Down-native admitted:

“It’s lovely to be back. I’ve got some great memories of the K Club. I came here to watch the Ryder Cup in 2006 with my dad and to win my only Irish Open here nine years ago. It’s got a lot of great memories for me, and hopefully I can add to them this week.”

The five-time Major Champion will join fellow Irish golfers Shane Lowry, Pádraig Harrington and Séamus Power at the Palmer North Course as action gets underway on Thursday morning.

The former winner will start at 8am on the tenth hole as part of group 17.

Amgen Irish Open Ticket Information

Easy for Lowry to motivate himself

Lowry, like McIlroy, will attempt to win the Irish Open for a second time, having taken the title as an amateur at Baltray 16 years ago.

Speaking ahead of the start of this year’s Amgen Irish Open, the Offaly man, who tees off at the 10th hole at 7.50am Thursday morning with American Brooks Koepka and Frenchman Martin Couvra, said:

“I’m very excited. It’s good to be back here at a place I know pretty well. I get to stay in my own bed for a few days, which is nice. Things have been going pretty well and the week has been going very nice so far.

“I’ve got an exciting few weeks ahead, starting with this week. I think, as a golfer, as an Irish golfer, as a European golfer, if I can’t get myself motivated and ready and up for what’s to come over the next month, starting with Thursday at the Amgen Irish Open, I should pack it in.”

30 not out for Harrington

Three-time Major winner Pádraig Harrington will make his 30th consecutive appearance in the Irish Open.

Thinking ahead to the tournament, Harrington, who tees off at 7.40am on Thursday morning on the 10th hole, stated:

“I kind of now know that if I go out there tomorrow and I smile and don’t get too stressed, don’t get angry or anything like that, I pretty much can hit any shot, and they’ll still like me out there and still give me a few claps. I’m a little bit more relaxed about it. I’d love to play well and compete, but if that doesn’t happen, I will wave to the crowd, smile and wave at the crowds and enjoy it.”

To win would mean everything to Power

Waterford golfer, Séamus Power, spoke today of his delight at playing in front of a home crowd.

The US-based golfer said:

“I don’t get to play in front of Irish fans that often but when I do it’s always great. They’re cheering you on every step of the way. Seeing friendly faces and stuff in the crowd, it goes a long way. In the afternoon with a rough stretch or something like that, it will keep me going. I suppose it’s rare for me, so that makes it even more special.

“It would mean everything to win this week. We were talking last night and going through Shane Lowry’s win at this event in 2009, and winning that, it would mean everything for me. I feel like in Ireland we really, really appreciate our own sports people. Golf is actually a sport that’s so popular now, and just to be part of the heritage of the tournament would be amazing. It would be a dream come true.”

Ryder Cup Captain Donald competing

Europe’s Ryder Cup Captain Luke Donald is also in this week’s field. The Englishman made his Captain’s Picks at the beginning of the week, and will be joined by three of the 12 players who will make up his team in New York later this month – McIlroy, Lowry and Englishman Tyrrell Hatton.

Birdies for Wishes Campaign

Title Sponsor Amgen have once again partnered with the DP World Tour for the Birdies for Wishes campaign, with Amgen and the DP World Tour donating €300 combined to Make a Wish Ireland for every birdie or better carded by the field on the first hole during the four tournament rounds.

The three Amgen ambassadors – Harrington, Lowry and Power – have committed to the fundraising effort, pledging to donate €500 for every birdie and €1,000 for every eagle they card during the week.

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McIlroy backs Donald’s Ryder Cup picks: “The right 12 players” https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/other_sports/mcilroy-backs-donalds-ryder-cup-picks-the-right-12-players https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/other_sports/mcilroy-backs-donalds-ryder-cup-picks-the-right-12-players#respond Wed, 03 Sep 2025 14:06:46 +0000 https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/?p=34365 McIlroy backs Donald’s Ryder Cup picks: “The right 12 players” Rory McIlroy insists Europe head to New York with a stronger, more versatile Ryder Cup team than two years ago, while playing down Sergio Garcia’s disappointment at missing out on a wildcard. No sympathy for Garcia The Spaniard had been entered for the Amgen Irish […]

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McIlroy backs Donald’s Ryder Cup picks: “The right 12 players”

Rory McIlroy insists Europe head to New York with a stronger, more versatile Ryder Cup team than two years ago, while playing down Sergio Garcia’s disappointment at missing out on a wildcard.

No sympathy for Garcia

The Spaniard had been entered for the Amgen Irish Open at The K Club but withdrew before Luke Donald confirmed his captain’s picks. McIlroy was blunt when asked if he could understand Garcia’s frustration.

“No, I don’t. I mean, it would have been great for the tournament if Sergio played, but obviously, he was trying to keep himself sharp, I guess, if he did get a pick. Luke has assembled a very strong 12 players, and I think the right 12 players.”

McIlroy added that while Garcia may feel disappointed, “I’m sure he wishes Europe well and wants us to win.”

“A lot more flexibility than Rome”

Only one change has been made from the victorious side in Rome, with Rasmus Højgaard replacing his twin brother Nicolai. McIlroy believes every member has taken a step forward since 2023.

“The entire team has played some very good golf between Rome and now. You could argue that pretty much every player in the team is more accomplished than what they were two years ago.”

He also highlighted the strategic depth available to Donald: “When we went to Rome, you had some guys that were purely foursomes players, some guys that were purely fourball players. I think now we have a lot of flexibility within that 12 to change the dynamics around a little bit.”

Facing the Bethpage cauldron

Bethpage Black promises to provide one of the most partisan atmospheres in Ryder Cup history. McIlroy, however, relishes the prospect of an away win.

“I’ve said this repeatedly, but I think winning an away Ryder Cup is up there with one of the biggest achievements in the game. There’s a reason that every Ryder Cup for the last 10 years has went to the home team.”

With US President Donald Trump expected to attend, McIlroy drew inspiration from tennis. “I watched a little bit of Novak Djokovic… He’s been the best at handling that sort

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Shane Lowry among Luke Donald’s 6 Ryder Cup picks https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/other_sports/shane-lowry-among-luke-donalds-6-ryder-cup-picks https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/other_sports/shane-lowry-among-luke-donalds-6-ryder-cup-picks#respond Mon, 01 Sep 2025 19:27:25 +0000 https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/?p=34341 Offaly’s Shane Lowry was today named as one of European Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald’s picks for the competition against the USA in New York later this month. Along with the Irish golfer, for whom it will be a third appearance in the competition, Donald named Ludvig Åberg, Matt Fitzpatrick, Viktor Hovland, Jon Rahm and Sepp Straka as his […]

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Offaly’s Shane Lowry was today named as one of European Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald’s picks for the competition against the USA in New York later this month.

Along with the Irish golfer, for whom it will be a third appearance in the competition, Donald named Ludvig Åberg, Matt Fitzpatrick, Viktor Hovland, Jon Rahm and Sepp Straka as his six Captain’s Picks.

They join the six automatic qualifiers – Tommy Fleetwood, Tyrrell Hatton, Rasmus Højgaard, Robert MacIntyre, Rory McIlroy and Justin Rose – to compete the 12-man European team for the 2025 Ryder Cup in New York.

McIlroy will be the most experienced player on the team with seven previous appearance in the biennial competition.

The contest against the United States, will take place at Bethpage Black, Farmington, New York, from September 26-28.

First away Ryder Cup

Sweden’s Åberg and Straka of Austria will each be playing in their first away Ryder Cup, having made their debuts in the 16 ½ – 11 ½ victory in Rome two years ago.

Norwegian Hovland, who paired up with fellow Scandinavian Åberg in a record-breaking foursomes win in Rome, will be making his third consecutive appearance.

Fourth Ryder Cup for Fitzpatrick and Rahm

Englishman Fitzpatrick and Spain’s Rahm are the most experienced of the Captain’s Picks, with three previous appearances apiece. Fitzpatrick teed it up in 2016, 2021 and 2023, with Rahm now making it four in a row, following his debut in Paris in 2018.

11 of the 12 players from Rome return

European Ryder Cup captain, Luke Donald, said of his side:

“We are a settled and united team with a strong culture, with 11 of the 12 players from the victory in Rome returning, and an exciting, talented rookie in Rasmus Højgaard, who was around our team environment in Rome.

“We also have a lot of experience and that is going to be important going to Bethpage because we know the challenge that awaits us.

“Although the team itself is similar to Rome, I have approached this captaincy from a very different angle. A different challenge requires different thinking and strategies.

“I’m excited that we now have our 12 players in place, and together we are all fully focused on trying to retain the Ryder Cup in New York and trying to create history.”

EUROPEAN TEAM FOR THE 2025 RYDER CUP

Ludvig Åberg (Sweden). Age 25. Previous Ryder Cup appearances: 1 (2023)

Matt Fitzpatrick (England). Age 31. Previous Ryder Cup appearances: 3 (2016, 2021, 2023)

Tommy Fleetwood (England) Age 34. Previous Ryder Cup appearances: 3 (2018, 2021, 2023)

Tyrrell Hatton (England). Age 33. Previous Ryder Cup appearances: 3 (2018, 2021, 2023)

Rasmus Højgaard (Denmark) Age 24. Previous Ryder Cup appearances: 0 (Rookie)

Viktor Hovland (Norway). Age 27. Previous Ryder Cup appearances: 2 (2021, 2023)

Shane Lowry. Age 38. Previous Ryder Cup appearances: 2 (2021, 2023)

Robert MacIntyre (Scotland). Age 29. Previous Ryder Cup appearances: 1 (2023)

Rory McIlroy. Age 36. Previous Ryder Cup appearances: 7 (2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2021, 2023)

Jon Rahm (Spain). Age 30. Previous Ryder Cup appearances: 3 (2018, 2021, 2023)

Justin Rose (England) Age 45. Previous Ryder Cup appearances: 6 (2008, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2023)

Sepp Straka (Austria). Age 32. Previous Ryder Cup appearances: 1 (2023)

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First-ever Women’s Irish Challenge at Malahide Golf Club 27–29 August https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/other_sports/first-ever-womens-irish-challenge-at-malahide-golf-club-27-29-august https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/other_sports/first-ever-womens-irish-challenge-at-malahide-golf-club-27-29-august#respond Fri, 22 Aug 2025 10:55:53 +0000 https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/?p=34304 An exciting line-up of Irish golfers will join an international field for the first-ever Women’s Irish Challenge to Malahide Golf Club from 27–29 August 2025. The 54-hole stroke play tournament is part of the Ladies European Tour Access Series (LETAS), will see 126 players from across Europe competing for a €45,000 prize fund. Representing Ireland will be Olivia […]

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An exciting line-up of Irish golfers will join an international field for the first-ever Women’s Irish Challenge to Malahide Golf Club from 27–29 August 2025.

The 54-hole stroke play tournament is part of the Ladies European Tour Access Series (LETAS), will see 126 players from across Europe competing for a €45,000 prize fund.

Representing Ireland will be Olivia Mehaffey, Áine Donegan (a), Emma Fleming (a), Roisín Scanlon (a), Anna Abom (a), Olivia Hunt, Olivia Costello (a), Anna Dawson (a) and Aideen Walsh (a).

The inclusion if a number of Irish golfers will offer fans the chance to watch our homegrown talent compete against international superstars right here on Irish soil.

First Women’s Irish Challenge

The Women’s Irish Challenge marks the first time Ireland has hosted a LET Access Series event, placing it alongside the Hotel Planner Tour’s Men’s Irish Challenge as an important fixture in the sport’s development pathway.

LET Access Series

The LET Access Series serves as the official feeder tour to the Ladies European Tour (LET), providing players with vital opportunities to gain experience, earn ranking points, and secure promotion to the LET. For some of these Irish golfers, the chance to take this step is a significant milestone for fans, it’s an opportunity to see future stars in action.
Tickets for the event can be purchased on this link.

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Dermot McElroy leads The Dutch Futures after first round 66 https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/other_sports/dermot-mcelroy-leads-the-dutch-futures-after-first-round-66 https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/other_sports/dermot-mcelroy-leads-the-dutch-futures-after-first-round-66#respond Thu, 21 Aug 2025 21:22:45 +0000 https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/?p=34301 Dermot McElroy posted an impressive bogey-free five under par 66 to set the pace after round one of The Dutch Futures at The Dutch, Spijk, The Netherlands on Thursday. The Irish golfer, starting on the first, made three birdies on the front nine to turn in 32. Seven straight pars followed on the back before […]

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Dermot McElroy posted an impressive bogey-free five under par 66 to set the pace after round one of The Dutch Futures at The Dutch, Spijk, The Netherlands on Thursday.

The Irish golfer, starting on the first, made three birdies on the front nine to turn in 32. Seven straight pars followed on the back before he closed out his round with back-to-back gains, which included a hole out on the par five 18th.

The 32-year-old, who sits one shot clear at the top of the leaderboard, was pleased with his first round effort in testing conditions at The Dutch.

Tricky conditions

“It was very tricky out there today,” he said. “I think there were only two holes, one into the wind and one downwind, the rest were crosswind, so it was quite tricky.

“The front nine was reasonably calm but, as I say, there were a lot of crosswinds, and it was quite gusty.

“It was hard to tell if it was slightly into or slightly down, which caught me out a couple of times, especially with the wedge shots.”

McElory has missed three consecutive cuts on the Road to Mallorca and currently sits 94th in the Rankings with six events to play before the Rolex Grand Final supported by The R&A.

McElroy hoping for good week

However, after starting the week positively in the Netherlands, the Irishman is optimistic about his changes heading into the latter stages of the season.

“A good week here would be huge,” he added.

“To be honest, I’ve played terrible all year barring one good result. I’ve been practicing really hard all season, and I’m really pleased with how I am starting to hit the ball.”

“I think I did everything well out there today. I drove the ball well and my iron play was good. I only missed a couple of greens and managed to get up and down.”

Frenchman Nathan Legendre and Scot Euan Walker sit one shot back on four under par. Spanish duo Lucas Vacarisas and Santiago Tarrio, French pair Maxence Giboudot and Andoni Etchenique, New Zealander Sam Jones, German Tiger Christensen, the UAE’s Joshua Grenville-Wood and South African Daniel van Tonder all sit at three under par.

Select scores after round one (Irish players in bold):

 66 D MCELROY, 
67 N LEGENDRE (FRA), E WALKER (SCO),
68 S TARRIO (ESP), A ETCHENIQUE (FRA), J GRENVILLE-WOOD (UAE), T CHRISTENSEN (GER), L VACARISAS (ESP), M GIBOUDOT (FRA), D VAN TONDER (RSA), S JONES (NZL),
 71 J MADDEN, J AXELSEN (DEN), Q VIDAL (ESP), V VAN VEEN (NED), L NOLAN, T LEWIS (ENG), G BLOOR (ENG), B KEWALRAMANI (USA), B KEDOCHIM (FRA), B SKOGEN (NOR), A SETTEMSDAL (NOR), K KIM (AM) (ENG), T SCHMIDT (AM) (GER), J QUESNE (FRA), H HOPEWELL (AUS), F CELLI (ITA), M KENNEDY, C JACOBSEN (DEN), A MAGUIRE, N INFANTI (USA),
72 D MULLIGAN, A KLEEN (SWE), S MANLEY (WAL), A ZEMMER (ITA), J PERICO (PER), O HUGGINS (ENG), B BROWN (ENG), S LOCKE (SCO), R EVANS (ENG), S MULLANE (AM) (UAE), O WILSON (ENG), J G?TH-RASMUSSEN (DEN), W NIENABER (RSA), J RUTHERFORD (ENG), J CALDWELL, A HERNANDEZ CABEZUELA (ESP), M BESARD (BEL), B BAWDEN (ENG), J MURPHY,
74 P MCBRIDE,
75  J GALBRAITH, R MORAN 

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McIlroy Skips FedEx Opener, PGA Tour Eyes Rule Change https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/other_sports/mcilroy-skips-fedex-opener-pga-tour-eyes-rule-change https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/other_sports/mcilroy-skips-fedex-opener-pga-tour-eyes-rule-change#respond Wed, 06 Aug 2025 07:14:44 +0000 https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/?p=34224 ⛳ McIlroy Skips FedEx Opener, PGA Tour Eyes Rule Change Rory McIlroy’s decision to skip the opening round of the FedEx Cup Playoffs has sparked fresh debate on the PGA Tour — and may trigger changes to the rules surrounding player participation in its season-ending series. The Northern Irishman, who sits second in the FedEx […]

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⛳ McIlroy Skips FedEx Opener, PGA Tour Eyes Rule Change Rory McIlroy’s decision to skip the opening round of the FedEx Cup Playoffs has sparked fresh debate on the PGA Tour — and may trigger changes to the rules surrounding player participation in its season-ending series. The Northern Irishman, who sits second in the FedEx Cup standings, has opted out of this week’s St. Jude Championship in Memphis, choosing rest over reps with his spot in the next playoff event already secure. McIlroy is the only player in the top 70 of the rankings to skip the tournament — a move that has not gone unnoticed at Tour headquarters. It’s understood that officials are now actively considering a policy change to prevent similar no-shows in future editions of the three-event playoff structure.

📊 FedEx Cup Structure

  • Top 70: Qualify for St. Jude Championship (Week 1)
  • Top 50: Advance to BMW Championship (Week 2)
  • Top 30: Reach Tour Championship at East Lake (21–24 August)
McIlroy has more than enough points to guarantee his spot in next week’s BMW Championship, making the Memphis event effectively optional. Scottie Scheffler currently tops the standings with 4,806 points, followed by McIlroy on 3,444.

🗣 Policy Board Reaction

Peter Malnati, a PGA Tour player-director on the policy board, told Golf Week there are already discussions underway about rule changes — though he declined to elaborate. “I think there is stuff in the works, and I’ll leave it at that,” he said. Potential changes could include fines for skipping playoff events, or even ineligibility from further rounds. No formal proposal has yet been made public.
Rory McIlroy PGA Tour FedEx Playoffs
Rory McIlroy during the 2025 Open Championship – Getty Images

⏳ McIlroy’s Long-Stated Plan

The move doesn’t come as a shock to those who’ve followed McIlroy’s thinking. The four-time major winner hinted as early as last year that he would skip the FedEx opener if his ranking allowed. His underwhelming finish at St. Jude in 2024 failed to hinder his playoff run, reinforcing his stance. McIlroy has also openly discussed the need to scale back his schedule, citing a demanding travel year that has included events in Australia, India, Ireland, and the UAE. With the Ryder Cup on the horizon, energy conservation appears to be part of a bigger plan.

🎯 Current Standings Snapshot

  • 1st: Scottie Scheffler – 4,806 pts
  • 2nd: Rory McIlroy – 3,444 pts
  • 30th: Daniel Berger – 1,167 pts
  • 50th: Min Woo Lee – 851 pts
Whether or not his absence impacts the outcome of the playoffs remains to be seen. But McIlroy’s decision may well shape how the PGA Tour handles its biggest stars going forward.

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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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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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