Written by Rob McGarr on Tuesday 28 June 2016
It seems to be peak season for withdrawing from the Olympics. Every player that withdraws is bad news for the game of golf as it makes its return to the Olympics after a 104-year hiatus, but when it’s the world number one, it’s an even bigger – if unexpected – blow. “It is with deep regret I announce that I will...
Written by Rob McGarr on Monday 27 June 2016
Tiger Woods is currently 40/1 to win The Open at Royal Troon, which starts in under three weeks’ time. We wouldn’t advocate betting your life savings on it, especially as Tiger has just admitted he’s not sure if he’ll even be able to play competitive golf in 2016. “I don’t know,” said Woods, when asked if there’s a chance he won’t...
Written by Rob McGarr on Monday 27 June 2016
Henrik Stenson had to play 36 holes in one day after rain delays affected the BMW International Open in Germany, but the experienced Swede wasn’t fazed, shooting a 67 in the morning and following it with an afternoon 71 to win by three shots. 40-year-old Stenson’s performance was even more impressive considering it came just a week after injury forced him...
Written by Rob McGarr on Saturday 25 June 2016
The list of players withdrawing from the Olympics continues to grow. World number four Rory McIlroy is the highest ranked player to announce his withdrawal, but we wouldn’t be at all surprised to see world number one Jason Day follow suit in the very near future. “I’m going to make my decision when it comes time to, but I really haven’t...
Written by Rob McGarr on Friday 24 June 2016
The list of golfers withdrawing from the Olympics continues to grow. After the quickfire double of Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell, world number 11 Branden Grace has also released a statement saying that he won’t be making the trip to Rio. “After serious consideration, it is with regret that I have decided to withdraw myself from the Olympic competition due to the...
Written by Rob McGarr on Thursday 23 June 2016
Thanks to greedy bankers and dodgy government, most people in their twenties today won’t retire until they’re about 119. When you’re a multi-millionaire golfer, however, you can decide to hang up your clubs whenever you want. Jason Day, world number one since March, says he’ll consider packing up when he hits 40. “When I get to 40, I’m going to re-evaluate everything...
Written by Rob McGarr on Thursday 23 June 2016
Rory McIlroy’s announcement that he would not be traveling to Rio to compete in the Olympic Games meant Team Ireland would consist of world number 12 Shane Lowry and world number 73 Graeme McDowell. It didn’t take long for McDowell to follow McIlroy’s announcement with a similar one of his own, however. “I woke yesterday morning to the news that Rory McIlroy had...
Written by Michael Catling on Thursday 23 June 2016
Amateur golfers are being offered the chance to compete alongside several legends of the game when the Willow Senior Golf Classic begins on August 26 at Hanbury Manor, a Marriott Golf and Country Club, in Ware, Hertfordshire. The alliance-formatted event – the first of its kind on the European Senior Tour – allows club golfers to put their skills to the test alongside several...
Written by Michael Catling on Wednesday 22 June 2016
No sooner has the world of golf come to terms with the farcial ending at the US Open, the action now splits across both Tours once again as the countdown to the Open Championship begins at the Quicken Loans National and BMW International Open. Sadly, there are no bonus points on offer this week, but there’s still plenty to play for if...
Written by Rob McGarr on Wednesday 22 June 2016
Rory McIlroy has announced that he will not be competing in the Olympics in Rio this year, due to concerns about the Zika virus. “After much thought and deliberation, I have decided to withdraw my name from consideration for this summer’s Olympic Games in Rio de Janiero,” said McIlroy. “After speaking with those closest to me, I’ve come to realise that my...
Written by Rob McGarr on Tuesday 21 June 2016
Golf can be a cruel mistress sometimes. It’s tough at the top, where one mistake can cost you a major championship, but at least those players are fit and well to fight another day. 31-year-old Jason Palmer is not so fortunate. Palmer came to our attention a couple of years ago when he won The Foshan Open and followed it with a second-place...
Written by Rob McGarr on Tuesday 21 June 2016
Dustin Johnson’s U.S. Open victory will unfortunately be remembered as much for a rules debacle that marred the final round as much as it will for DJ’s fantastic golf and first major title. The USGA have come under substantial criticism from fans and players alike, and have now released the following statement: “The USGA wishes to congratulate Dustin Johnson on his victory...
Written by Rob McGarr on Monday 20 June 2016
Dustin Johnson is arguably the most athletic golfer on the planet. At 6ft 4in and a lean 14 stone, Johnson is able to launch drives that can bring most courses to their knees. But even someone like DJ can’t do it without a proper warm-up. If you want to play your best golf – including hitting powerful drives – you need...
Written by Rob McGarr on Monday 20 June 2016
In the end, Dustin Johnson won the U.S. Open by three clear shots. His final round 1-under par 69 contained three birdies and two bogeys. It all sounds straightforward and free from drama, doesn’t it? Unfortunately, as is often the way with DJ, it was anything but. On Oakmont’s fifth green, as Johnson prepared to address his ball, it moved slightly. Johnson...
Monday 20 June 2016
Dustin Johnson won his first major championship at the US Open with a stunning display of precision power at Oakmont. He was regularly booming tee shots well over 350 yards using his TaylorMade M1 driver, tearing up the 7,255 yard par 70 track and winning by three shots over Shane Lowry. But Johnson played his last seven holes knowing he had to...
Written by Rob Jerram on Friday 17 June 2016
Three-time major winner and Ryder Cup captain Padraig Harrington shares his favourite golf hole, favourite golf club, favourite holiday location and the best golf shot he’s ever hit… When did you first shoot under par? I was probably 15 years old, but I can’t remember where. RELATED: Best drivers for beginners and high-handicappers What has been your career highlight? Winning my first Major has got...
Written by Michael Catling on Wednesday 15 June 2016
Forget the Euros. The 116th US Open starts tomorrow which means you’ve got a great excuse to put your feet up, rekindle your on-off relationship with the local takeaway and send your electricity bill rocketing skywards. There’s plenty at stake this week as well, and we’re not just referring to your livelihood if you don’t show your partner a bit of...
Monday 13 June 2016
Bryson DeChambeau, the self-proclaimed ‘golfing scientist’, is as wacky as they come. His one-plane swing is unconventional, and he’s already fascinated Rory McIlroy with his same-length clubs. He lists Albert Einstein among his idols, sports Ben Hogan-style flat caps on the course and ensures his golf balls are perfectly balanced by floating them in Epsom salts. The 22-year-old American’s radical...
Monday 13 June 2016
The U.S. Open starts this Thursday at Oakmont Country Club in Pennsylvania. The course has been described my many of the world’s leading players as the toughest in the world. 22-year-old Jordan Spieth will be making his first visit as he attempts to defend the U.S. Open crown he won at Chambers Bay last year. We examine what he and the rest...
Written by Rob McGarr on Monday 13 June 2016
Most players crowned Rookie of the Year pick up at least one win on their way to that award. Daniel Berger, Rookie of the Year for the 2014-2015 season, took the crown for a series of accomplished performances that saw him finish 25th on the PGA Tour money list, but didn’t have a tour title to his name until yesterday. Berger’s...