Gurugram’s Veer Ahlawat lived up to his first name ‘Veer’ which means ‘Brave’ in Hindi, as he put up a brave display in the final round of the IndianOil Servo Masters Golf 2019 to earn his maiden title.

The 23-year-old Ahlawat (69-64-68-72), the overnight leader by three shots, struck an eventful even-par-72 on the last day to come through in a humdinger of a contest by one shot at 15-under-273 after seeing off a tough challenge from veteran Mukesh Kumar of Mhow at the Rs.60 lakh event played at the Digboi Golf Links.

Veer, in his fourth season as a professional, thus ended a long wait for his breakthrough win. Ahlawat, fresh from his career-best Asian Tour finish of tied eighth at the Panasonic Open India last week, also continued his hot streak as a result of his sensational triumph. The victory lifted Veer from seventh to third place in the 2019 TATA Steel PGTI Order of Merit.

Mukesh Kumar (74-67-65-68) and Bengaluru’s M Dharma (67-67-70-70) finished tied second at 14-under-274. Mukesh’s dramatic last round 68 brought him within sniffing distance of a record seventh title at Digboi.

Veer Ahlawat, the runner-up in 2017, had a slow start like his previous rounds when he bogeyed the first after missing a short putt. However, the six-foot four-inch-tall golfer from the DLF Golf &amp;amp; Country Club, then capitalized with birdies on the first three par-5s, the seventh, ninth and 11th, at the cost of a bogey on the 10th.

Meanwhile, Mukesh Kumar came up with some great iron shots to land it close and set up birdie conversions within four feet on six of the first 11 holes. Mukesh had tied Veer for the lead after 11 holes.

The 54-year-old Mukesh’s title prospects became bright when Ahlawat conceded a two-shot lead to him after making a double-bogey on the 14th where he had an ordinary second shot and a three-putt. But the long-hitting Veer kept his nerve and came right back into the contest with a 17-feet eagle conversion on the par-5 15th to draw level with Mukesh once again.

The drama continued with Mukesh, a former Asian Tour winner, struggling with his putting on the final stretch as he made three-putt bogeys on the 17th and 18th to hand Ahlawat, playing one group behind him, a precious two-shot lead.

Ahlawat, who lost out in a playoff to Shamim Khan at the 2017 edition, was not to be denied this time around as he made a brilliant recovery on the 17th with a chip-in for par after finding the hazard with his tee shot. Veer finally sealed the title despite a bogey on the last hole.

Veer, who proved his mettle by neutralizing the threat from Mukesh’s final day charge, said, “I just played in my natural attacking style. I missed some short putts early on in the round but more than made up by capitalizing on all the four par-5s. I was five-under on the par-5s in round four with an eagle and three birdies.

“The 17th was the crucial hole for me as I knew that I had to at least make a par there in order to have a comfortable two-shot lead going into the last hole which would almost seal my win. I was in trouble with my first two shots on that hole but luckily I got relief with a free drop after my second shot. Thereafter, the chip-in came just at the right time for me and gave me that two-shot cushion going into the last hole which helped me relax and raised my confidence.

“It’s a big relief to finally get a title under my belt as I had come close to winning on a few occasions in the past. I struck the ball really well this week and also chipped and putted well. I made the par-5s count through the tournament and my driving distance was a big positive. I averaged about 310 yards with my drives.

“My good form continues as I had a terrific outing at the Asian Tour event last week as well. I would now look to carry this form to the last few events of the season. I’m looking at making a huge improvement on my previous best finish on the PGTI Order of Merit which was 11th in 2018,” added the lanky Ahlawat, the son of an Army officer.

Veer collected a prize purse of Rs. 9,69,900 and five valuable Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points for his victory in Digboi. He is now set to make major gains from his current world ranking of 1094 when the updated world rankings are released on Monday.

M Dharma’s short-game was not up to his expectations on the final day as he picked up four birdies but also conceded two bogeys during his 70 and never really seemed to be in a position to take the lead.

Bengaluru’s Abhishek Jha (71) took fourth place at 13-under-275.

Shamim Khan of Delhi, the winner of the last two editions, finished tied 24th at four-under-284.

Gurugram’s Veer Ahlawat lived up to his first name ‘Veer’ which means ‘Brave’ in Hindi, as he put up a brave display in the final round of the IndianOil Servo Masters Golf 2019 to earn his maiden title.

Gurugram’s Veer Ahlawat lived up to his first name ‘Veer’ which means ‘Brave’ in Hindi, as he put up a brave display in the final round of the IndianOil Servo Masters Golf 2019 to earn his maiden title. The 23-year-old Ahlawat (69-64-68-72), the overnight leader by three shots, struck an eventful even-par-72 on the last day to come through in a humdinger of a contest by one shot at 15-under-273 after seeing off a tough challenge from veteran Mukesh Kumar of Mhow at the Rs.60 lakh event played at the Digboi Golf Links. Veer, in his fourth season as a professional, thus ended a long wait for his breakthrough win. Ahlawat, fresh from his career-best Asian Tour finish of tied eighth at the Panasonic Open India last week, also continued his hot streak as a result of his sensational triumph. The victory lifted Veer from seventh to third place in the 2019 TATA Steel PGTI Order of Merit. Mukesh Kumar (74-67-65-68) and Bengaluru’s M Dharma (67-67-70-70) finished tied second at 14-under-274. Mukesh’s dramatic last round 68 brought him within sniffing distance of a record seventh title at Digboi. Veer Ahlawat, the runner-up in 2017, had a slow start like his previous rounds when he bogeyed the first after missing a short putt. However, the six-foot four-inch-tall golfer from the DLF Golf &amp; Country Club, then capitalized with birdies on the first three par-5s, the seventh, ninth and 11th, at the cost of a bogey on the 10th. Meanwhile, Mukesh Kumar came up with some great iron shots to land it close and set up birdie conversions within four feet on six of the first 11 holes. Mukesh had tied Veer for the lead after 11 holes. The 54-year-old Mukesh’s title prospects became bright when Ahlawat conceded a two-shot lead to him after making a double-bogey on the 14th where he had an ordinary second shot and a three-putt. But the long-hitting Veer kept his nerve and came right back into the contest with a 17-feet eagle conversion on the par-5 15th to draw level with Mukesh once again. The drama continued with Mukesh, a former Asian Tour winner, struggling with his putting on the final stretch as he made three-putt bogeys on the 17th and 18th to hand Ahlawat, playing one group behind him, a precious two-shot lead. Ahlawat, who lost out in a playoff to Shamim Khan at the 2017 edition, was not to be denied this time around as he made a brilliant recovery on the 17th with a chip-in for par after finding the hazard with his tee shot. Veer finally sealed the title despite a bogey on the last hole. Veer, who proved his mettle by neutralizing the threat from Mukesh’s final day charge, said, “I just played in my natural attacking style. I missed some short putts early on in the round but more than made up by capitalizing on all the four par-5s. I was five-under on the par-5s in round four with an eagle and three birdies. “The 17th was the crucial hole for me as I knew that I had to at least make a par there in order to have a comfortable two-shot lead going into the last hole which would almost seal my win. I was in trouble with my first two shots on that hole but luckily I got relief with a free drop after my second shot. Thereafter, the chip-in came just at the right time for me and gave me that two-shot cushion going into the last hole which helped me relax and raised my confidence. “It’s a big relief to finally get a title under my belt as I had come close to winning on a few occasions in the past. I struck the ball really well this week and also chipped and putted well. I made the par-5s count through the tournament and my driving distance was a big positive. I averaged about 310 yards with my drives. “My good form continues as I had a terrific outing at the Asian Tour event last week as well. I would now look to carry this form to the last few events of the season. I’m looking at making a huge improvement on my previous best finish on the PGTI Order of Merit which was 11th in 2018,” added the lanky Ahlawat, the son of an Army officer. Veer collected a prize purse of Rs. 9,69,900 and five valuable Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points for his victory in Digboi. He is now set to make major gains from his current world ranking of 1094 when the updated world rankings are released on Monday. M Dharma’s short-game was not up to his expectations on the final day as he picked up four birdies but also conceded two bogeys during his 70 and never really seemed to be in a position to take the lead. Bengaluru’s Abhishek Jha (71) took fourth place at 13-under-275. Shamim Khan of Delhi, the winner of the last two editions, finished tied 24th at four-under-284.

Ahlawat jumps from seventh to third in the TATA Steel PGTI Order of Merit

The Hong Kong Open golf tournament, which was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/golf-hong-kong-open-postponed-due-to-protest-violence-organizers-263401">postponed last month</a> amid violence from escalating anti-government protests, will go ahead in January but without sanctioning by the European Tour, organisers said on Friday.

The former British colony has been racked by six months of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-gives-protesters-green-light-for-big-march-on-sunday-266462">pro-democracy protests</a>, sparked by a now-withdrawn China extradition bill, but which widened into calls for greater democratic freedoms.

The tournament, which had been scheduled to be played from November&nbsp;28 to December&nbsp;1, would now be held at Hong Kong Golf Club from January&nbsp;9 -&nbsp;January&nbsp;12.

"While we are unable to sanction this edition of the Hong Kong Open due to other tournament commitments, we are delighted to retain an integral role in staging one of Hong Kong's best-loved sporting events," European Tour Chief Executive Keith Pelley said in a statement.

"We very much look forward to returning next November when the 62nd Hong Kong Open will kick off our 2021 European Tour season."

The 120-player field event will be sanctioned by the Asian Tour and Hong Kong Golf Association.

"We are pleased to announce the 61st Hong Kong Open will now be the curtain raiser for our 2020 season," Cho&nbsp;Minn&nbsp;Thant, the chief executive of the Asian Tour, said.

"As our season opening event, there will be an undoubtedly strong Asian Tour field with players eager to get their seasons off to a fast start."

Several other sporting events, including the Hong Kong Tennis Open and the Hong Kong Open squash championships, were cancelled due to the civil unrest in the region.

The Hong Kong Open golf tournament, which was postponed last month amid violence from escalating anti-government protests, will go ahead in January but without sanctioning by the European Tour, organisers said on Friday.

The Hong Kong Open golf tournament, which was postponed last month amid violence from escalating anti-government protests, will go ahead in January but without sanctioning by the European Tour, organisers said on Friday. The former British colony has been racked by six months of pro-democracy protests, sparked by a now-withdrawn China extradition bill, but which widened into calls for greater democratic freedoms. The tournament, which had been scheduled to be played from November 28 to December 1, would now be held at Hong Kong Golf Club from January 9 - January 12. "While we are unable to sanction this edition of the Hong Kong Open due to other tournament commitments, we are delighted to retain an integral role in staging one of Hong Kong's best-loved sporting events," European Tour Chief Executive Keith Pelley said in a statement. "We very much look forward to returning next November when the 62nd Hong Kong Open will kick off our 2021 European Tour season." The 120-player field event will be sanctioned by the Asian Tour and Hong Kong Golf Association. "We are pleased to announce the 61st Hong Kong Open will now be the curtain raiser for our 2020 season," Cho Minn Thant, the chief executive of the Asian Tour, said. "As our season opening event, there will be an undoubtedly strong Asian Tour field with players eager to get their seasons off to a fast start." Several other sporting events, including the Hong Kong Tennis Open and the Hong Kong Open squash championships, were cancelled due to the civil unrest in the region.

Golf: Postponed Hong Kong Open to be held next month - Organisers

The Hong Kong Open&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/golf-hatton-wins-six-man-playoff-under-floodlights-to-lift-turkish-open-title-261284">golf&nbsp;</a>tournament has been postponed after violence from anti-government protests escalated this week, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-us-defence-chiefs-reaffirm-commitment-to-defend-against-north-korea-262239">Asian Tour</a> and European Tour said on Wednesday.

The 60th-anniversary edition of the tournament had been scheduled to be played from November&nbsp;28 to December&nbsp;1.

"An attempt will be made to reschedule the tournament too early 2020," the European Tour and its co-sanctioning partner at the Asian Tour said in a joint statement.

"The decision has been taken due to the ongoing level of social unrest in Hong Kong," European Tour chief executive Keith Pelley said.

"As the safety of our players, staff, stakeholders and everyone involved in each and every one of our tournaments around the world is our top priority, we feel this is the correct, but unfortunate, course of action."

Several other sporting events, including last month's Hong Kong Tennis Open and the Hong Kong Open squash championships, have been cancelled due to the civil unrest.

An extended, violent siege at Polytechnic University, where police have encircled students and activists, have raised tensions in the city to a new high over the past week.

Pelley had said earlier this month that the tournament would not be affected as the Hong Kong&nbsp;Golf&nbsp;Club in Fanling was far from the city centre where most of the clashes between protesters and the police took place.

The Asian Tour's CEO Cho Minn Thant said they were "optimistic" of organising the event when the situation in Hong Kong stabilises.

The Hong Kong Open golf tournament has been postponed after violence from anti-government protests escalated this week, the Asian Tour and European Tour said on Wednesday.

The Hong Kong Open golf tournament has been postponed after violence from anti-government protests escalated this week, the Asian Tour and European Tour said on Wednesday. The 60th-anniversary edition of the tournament had been scheduled to be played from November 28 to December 1. "An attempt will be made to reschedule the tournament too early 2020," the European Tour and its co-sanctioning partner at the Asian Tour said in a joint statement. "The decision has been taken due to the ongoing level of social unrest in Hong Kong," European Tour chief executive Keith Pelley said. "As the safety of our players, staff, stakeholders and everyone involved in each and every one of our tournaments around the world is our top priority, we feel this is the correct, but unfortunate, course of action." Several other sporting events, including last month's Hong Kong Tennis Open and the Hong Kong Open squash championships, have been cancelled due to the civil unrest. An extended, violent siege at Polytechnic University, where police have encircled students and activists, have raised tensions in the city to a new high over the past week. Pelley had said earlier this month that the tournament would not be affected as the Hong Kong Golf Club in Fanling was far from the city centre where most of the clashes between protesters and the police took place. The Asian Tour's CEO Cho Minn Thant said they were "optimistic" of organising the event when the situation in Hong Kong stabilises.

Golf: Hong Kong Open postponed due to protest violence - Organizers

Patrick Reed's fiery, competitive spirit has ruffled feathers in the past but the golfer nicknamed 'Captain America' says he has no plans to dial down the intensity when he tees off for the United States at next month's Presidents Cup.

The last time Reed wore American colours it ended in acrimony at the 2018 Ryder Cup, where he lost both his matches playing with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/natural-selection-tiger-woods-picks-himself-for-presidents-cup-260726">Tiger Woods</a> as the United States suffered a 17.5-10.5 thrashing by Europe in Paris.

His disappointment spilled over into a now-infamous interview with the New York Times in which he castigated the American team for having ego problems and criticised captain Jim Furyk's selections.

Reed said he had long since smoothed things over with teammates and that US&nbsp;captain Woods expected him to be his natural, passionate self against the International team at Royal Melbourne.

"Tiger has always just told me and told all of our guys, 'be who you are, go out and play golf, and at the end of the day, go out and do your job,'" the 29-year-old told reporters on a conference call on Wednesday.

"It's something that I've always done. I mean, if I go out there and I try to be someone else or do something differently on the golf course, now all of a sudden I'm playing away from my strengths and my golf game.

"That's something Tiger doesn't want from any of our guys. He wants us to go out there, feel relaxed, go out and do what we do and play golf."

His pairing with Woods at the Ryder Cup was a major misfire and prompted Reed to complain that he had wanted to be paired with Jordan Spieth but that Spieth had nixed the idea.

Playing at Royal Melbourne as one of Woods's four captain's picks, Reed was reluctant to say who he would like to pair up with until seeing how the famed sandbelt course was set up.

"Honestly, it would be unfair for me to say whether I want to, that I should play with Tiger or play with this guy or that guy because we haven't seen the golf course," he said.

"I would go to battle with any one of the guys on the team and feel confident that we could go and do our job, but at the end of the day, it all comes down to who we feel like the best match-up is for each golf course."

The former Masters champion carries a folded American flag with him whenever he plays a round and said he could not wait to wear the red, white and blue again.

"My job is easy. I get to go play golf rather than our veterans out there and our military (who are) out there keeping us safe," he said.

"Any time I can help represent our country, try to bring some joy to our country, means a lot to me."

Patrick Reed's fiery, competitive spirit has ruffled feathers in the past but the golfer nicknamed 'Captain America' says he has no plans to dial down the intensity when he tees off for the United States at next month's Presidents Cup.

Patrick Reed's fiery, competitive spirit has ruffled feathers in the past but the golfer nicknamed 'Captain America' says he has no plans to dial down the intensity when he tees off for the United States at next month's Presidents Cup. The last time Reed wore American colours it ended in acrimony at the 2018 Ryder Cup, where he lost both his matches playing with Tiger Woods as the United States suffered a 17.5-10.5 thrashing by Europe in Paris. His disappointment spilled over into a now-infamous interview with the New York Times in which he castigated the American team for having ego problems and criticised captain Jim Furyk's selections. Reed said he had long since smoothed things over with teammates and that US captain Woods expected him to be his natural, passionate self against the International team at Royal Melbourne. "Tiger has always just told me and told all of our guys, 'be who you are, go out and play golf, and at the end of the day, go out and do your job,'" the 29-year-old told reporters on a conference call on Wednesday. "It's something that I've always done. I mean, if I go out there and I try to be someone else or do something differently on the golf course, now all of a sudden I'm playing away from my strengths and my golf game. "That's something Tiger doesn't want from any of our guys. He wants us to go out there, feel relaxed, go out and do what we do and play golf." His pairing with Woods at the Ryder Cup was a major misfire and prompted Reed to complain that he had wanted to be paired with Jordan Spieth but that Spieth had nixed the idea. Playing at Royal Melbourne as one of Woods's four captain's picks, Reed was reluctant to say who he would like to pair up with until seeing how the famed sandbelt course was set up. "Honestly, it would be unfair for me to say whether I want to, that I should play with Tiger or play with this guy or that guy because we haven't seen the golf course," he said. "I would go to battle with any one of the guys on the team and feel confident that we could go and do our job, but at the end of the day, it all comes down to who we feel like the best match-up is for each golf course." The former Masters champion carries a folded American flag with him whenever he plays a round and said he could not wait to wear the red, white and blue again. "My job is easy. I get to go play golf rather than our veterans out there and our military (who are) out there keeping us safe," he said. "Any time I can help represent our country, try to bring some joy to our country, means a lot to me."

Reed won't dial down the passion at Presidents Cup

England's Tyrrell Hatton beat Austria's Matthias Schwab on the fourth playoff hole to clinch his second Rolex Series title at the Turkish Airlines Open in Antalya on Sunday after a dramatic six-man playoff.

For the first time at a professional golf tournament, the floodlights were switched on at the Montgomerie Maxx Royal golf course for the playoff as the six golfers battled for the $2 million prize money.

Hatton, overnight leader Schwab, American Kurt Kitayama, South Africa's Erik van Rooyen and Frenchmen Victor Perez and Benjamin Hebert entered the playoff after they all finished with a 20-under overall score after 72 holes.

"It's so surreal, I actually can't believe that I've won," Hatton said. "It's been quite a difficult year in terms of things happening off course. The last month I feel like I've really found my game again.

"I said to my team that if I was lucky enough to win again, I'd definitely savour the moment because it's quite easy to take it for granted. Sport's great when it's going well and when it's not going well, it hits home."

Overnight leader Schwab, who led the field on each of the first three days, had the chance to clinch the title on the 18th with a birdie but finished with a par score on the hole to set up the six-way playoff -- only the third in European Tour history.

Six became three when Perez, Van Rooyen and Hebert were eliminated on the first playoff hole while Hatton's sensational birdie chip from the edge of the green saw him remain in contention.

As the floodlights came on in the Turkish twilight, it was Schwab's turn to impress on the third extra hole with a 20-footer from the edge of the green to stay alive along with Hatton while Kitayama bowed out after missing his shot.

Hatton finished the fourth extra hole on par after missing a birdie putt before Schwab agonisingly missed his putt for par from a few feet out, with the bogey handing Hatton,&nbsp;who looked on in disbelief,&nbsp;his fourth win on the European Tour.

England's Tyrrell Hatton beat Austria's Matthias Schwab on the fourth playoff hole to clinch his second Rolex Series title at the Turkish Airlines Open in Antalya on Sunday after a dramatic six-man playoff.

England's Tyrrell Hatton beat Austria's Matthias Schwab on the fourth playoff hole to clinch his second Rolex Series title at the Turkish Airlines Open in Antalya on Sunday after a dramatic six-man playoff. For the first time at a professional golf tournament, the floodlights were switched on at the Montgomerie Maxx Royal golf course for the playoff as the six golfers battled for the $2 million prize money. Hatton, overnight leader Schwab, American Kurt Kitayama, South Africa's Erik van Rooyen and Frenchmen Victor Perez and Benjamin Hebert entered the playoff after they all finished with a 20-under overall score after 72 holes. "It's so surreal, I actually can't believe that I've won," Hatton said. "It's been quite a difficult year in terms of things happening off course. The last month I feel like I've really found my game again. "I said to my team that if I was lucky enough to win again, I'd definitely savour the moment because it's quite easy to take it for granted. Sport's great when it's going well and when it's not going well, it hits home." Overnight leader Schwab, who led the field on each of the first three days, had the chance to clinch the title on the 18th with a birdie but finished with a par score on the hole to set up the six-way playoff -- only the third in European Tour history. Six became three when Perez, Van Rooyen and Hebert were eliminated on the first playoff hole while Hatton's sensational birdie chip from the edge of the green saw him remain in contention. As the floodlights came on in the Turkish twilight, it was Schwab's turn to impress on the third extra hole with a 20-footer from the edge of the green to stay alive along with Hatton while Kitayama bowed out after missing his shot. Hatton finished the fourth extra hole on par after missing a birdie putt before Schwab agonisingly missed his putt for par from a few feet out, with the bogey handing Hatton, who looked on in disbelief, his fourth win on the European Tour.

Golf: Hatton wins six-man playoff under floodlights to lift Turkish Open title

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/just-crazy-it-was-definitely-stressful-tiger-woods-after-winning-us-pga-event-in-japan-258403">Tiger Woods</a> selected himself as one of his four captain's picks to play for the United States in the next month's Presidents Cup against the International team and said he was confident his creaky knee could stand up to the strain.

The 15-times major champion also named Tony Finau, Patrick Reed and Gary Woodland for the biennial tournament which pits the United States against a team representing the rest of the world minus Europe.

Woods will be the first playing captain since Hale Irwin led the Americans to a 20-12 win in the inaugural event in Virginia in 1994 and recently issued a timely reminder of his class by winning the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/golf-zozo-championship-second-round-washed-out-on-friday-258052">Zozo Championship</a> in Japan.

That victory saw him tie Sam Snead's record of 82 PGA Tour wins and also gave him confidence in his left knee two months after having undergone arthroscopic surgery.

"The long haul to Australia is very much like the one to Japan, and seeing how my body felt and how I reacted in Japan and how I was able to play, it certainly gives me a lot of confidence that it will hold up over the long haul down to Australia," he told reporters on a conference call on Friday.

"It's going to be difficult, but also I have three amazing assistants with Fred (Couples), Strick (Steve Stricker) and Zach (Johnson), and that helps a lot."

Woods overlooked Ryder and Presidents Cup mainstay Rickie Fowler, who has not played since the Tour Championship .

Former world number one Jordan Spieth was also omitted for the Dec. 12-15 tournament at Royal Melbourne after struggling through a difficult season.

There may yet be another addition to the team, pending the fitness of world number one Brooks Koepka, who aggravated a knee problem when he slipped on wet concrete during the CJ Cup in South Korea three weeks ago.

"I did have coffee with 'Brooksy' this morning," said Woods.

"All I can tell you is he's rehabbing and he's trying to get better, trying to get ready and let him focus on that. Just let him do that and put energy into that."

Woods has a Presidents Cup record of 24 wins, 15 losses and one halved match and knows Royal Melbourne well having played there in the 1998 event and rolling in the winning putt at the same venue in 2011.

Woods was cautious about how much he would play, however, noting that he would only need to meet a two-match minimum according to the competition's rules.

Featuring seven players in the top 10, the United States play an International team with none, and so will be heavily favoured to continue a winning record dating back to 2005.

"Yeah, on paper, we certainly have the advantage in the world rankings," said Woods.

"When it comes right down to it, like I told the guys, when you start out on Thursday, it's 0-0. We have to go out and win this Cup."

Tiger Woods selected himself as one of his four captain's picks to play for the United States in the next month's Presidents Cup against the International team and said he was confident his creaky knee could stand up to the strain.

Tiger Woods selected himself as one of his four captain's picks to play for the United States in the next month's Presidents Cup against the International team and said he was confident his creaky knee could stand up to the strain. The 15-times major champion also named Tony Finau, Patrick Reed and Gary Woodland for the biennial tournament which pits the United States against a team representing the rest of the world minus Europe. Woods will be the first playing captain since Hale Irwin led the Americans to a 20-12 win in the inaugural event in Virginia in 1994 and recently issued a timely reminder of his class by winning the Zozo Championship in Japan. That victory saw him tie Sam Snead's record of 82 PGA Tour wins and also gave him confidence in his left knee two months after having undergone arthroscopic surgery. "The long haul to Australia is very much like the one to Japan, and seeing how my body felt and how I reacted in Japan and how I was able to play, it certainly gives me a lot of confidence that it will hold up over the long haul down to Australia," he told reporters on a conference call on Friday. "It's going to be difficult, but also I have three amazing assistants with Fred (Couples), Strick (Steve Stricker) and Zach (Johnson), and that helps a lot." Woods overlooked Ryder and Presidents Cup mainstay Rickie Fowler, who has not played since the Tour Championship . Former world number one Jordan Spieth was also omitted for the Dec. 12-15 tournament at Royal Melbourne after struggling through a difficult season. There may yet be another addition to the team, pending the fitness of world number one Brooks Koepka, who aggravated a knee problem when he slipped on wet concrete during the CJ Cup in South Korea three weeks ago. "I did have coffee with 'Brooksy' this morning," said Woods. "All I can tell you is he's rehabbing and he's trying to get better, trying to get ready and let him focus on that. Just let him do that and put energy into that." Woods has a Presidents Cup record of 24 wins, 15 losses and one halved match and knows Royal Melbourne well having played there in the 1998 event and rolling in the winning putt at the same venue in 2011. Woods was cautious about how much he would play, however, noting that he would only need to meet a two-match minimum according to the competition's rules. Featuring seven players in the top 10, the United States play an International team with none, and so will be heavily favoured to continue a winning record dating back to 2005. "Yeah, on paper, we certainly have the advantage in the world rankings," said Woods. "When it comes right down to it, like I told the guys, when you start out on Thursday, it's 0-0. We have to go out and win this Cup."

Natural selection: Tiger Woods picks himself for Presidents Cup

The second round of the Zozo Championship in Japan was washed out on Friday because of persistent rain, tournament organisers announced.

The round is now scheduled to start on Saturday at 6.30 a.m. local time, weather permitting.

Tiger Woods posted his best score in over a year with a six-under-par 64 in Thursday's opening round and shares the lead with fellow American Gary Woodland to stand one shot in front of home favourite Hideki Matsuyama.

Officials hope to squeeze in as much play as possible on Saturday, including at least half of the third round.

All being well, the round will resume early on Sunday, and finish in time for the final round to begin mid-morning.

Officials still hope for a Sunday afternoon finish, although that will only be possible if there are no further delays. That remained an open question given the rain that continued to fall throughout Friday morning.

"The golf course has already reached the point of saturation and it's become unplayable," said rules official Gary Young.

"With more rain in the forecast and three to five inches of rain for the day (75-125mm), we thought the right decision was to call play for the day."

Young said play would be extended into Monday if that became necessary to complete 72 holes.

The Zozo Championship is the first official-money PGA Tour event in Japan.

Thursday's first-round was played in front of sellout galleries starved of a chance to see Woods and other top players on a regular basis.

The second round of the Zozo Championship in Japan was washed out on Friday because of persistent rain, tournament organisers announced. The round is now scheduled to start on Saturday at 6.

The second round of the Zozo Championship in Japan was washed out on Friday because of persistent rain, tournament organisers announced. The round is now scheduled to start on Saturday at 6.30 a.m. local time, weather permitting. Tiger Woods posted his best score in over a year with a six-under-par 64 in Thursday's opening round and shares the lead with fellow American Gary Woodland to stand one shot in front of home favourite Hideki Matsuyama. Officials hope to squeeze in as much play as possible on Saturday, including at least half of the third round. All being well, the round will resume early on Sunday, and finish in time for the final round to begin mid-morning. Officials still hope for a Sunday afternoon finish, although that will only be possible if there are no further delays. That remained an open question given the rain that continued to fall throughout Friday morning. "The golf course has already reached the point of saturation and it's become unplayable," said rules official Gary Young. "With more rain in the forecast and three to five inches of rain for the day (75-125mm), we thought the right decision was to call play for the day." Young said play would be extended into Monday if that became necessary to complete 72 holes. The Zozo Championship is the first official-money PGA Tour event in Japan. Thursday's first-round was played in front of sellout galleries starved of a chance to see Woods and other top players on a regular basis.

Golf: Zozo Championship second round washed out on Friday

English 15-year-old Josh Hill on Wednesday became the youngest player ever to win an Official World Golf Ranking event with a two-stroke triumph at the Al Ain Open.

Hill shot a final-round eight-under-par 62 to finish on 17-under par 193 in the tournament which forms part of the MENA Tour.

At 15 years, six months and 27 days old, Hill broke the existing record of Ryo Ishikawa as the youngest winner of an official OWGR event.&nbsp;

The Japanese player was 15 years and eight months when he won the KSB Cup in May 2007.

"I am shocked. If you had told me during the summer that I will be winning a MENA Tour title against professionals and become the youngest ever winner of an OWGR event, I would have laughed at the notion. I guess hard work pays," said Hill.

English 15-year-old Josh Hill on Wednesday became the youngest player ever to win an Official World Golf Ranking event with a two-stroke triumph at the Al Ain Open.

English 15-year-old Josh Hill on Wednesday became the youngest player ever to win an Official World Golf Ranking event with a two-stroke triumph at the Al Ain Open. Hill shot a final-round eight-under-par 62 to finish on 17-under par 193 in the tournament which forms part of the MENA Tour. At 15 years, six months and 27 days old, Hill broke the existing record of Ryo Ishikawa as the youngest winner of an official OWGR event. The Japanese player was 15 years and eight months when he won the KSB Cup in May 2007. "I am shocked. If you had told me during the summer that I will be winning a MENA Tour title against professionals and become the youngest ever winner of an OWGR event, I would have laughed at the notion. I guess hard work pays," said Hill.

British teenage golfer Josh Hill, 15, makes golf history as youngest winner

Tiger Woods on Monday declared himself "right on schedule" after recent knee surgery as he prepares to return to competition at this week's Zozo Championship following two months on the sidelines.

Speaking at his first press conference since an arthroscopic procedure on his left knee on August&nbsp;21, Woods left no doubt that he would be ready for Thursday's first-round when the US-based PGA Tour plays its first official-money event in Japan.

But he also revealed the knee had bothered him throughout his 2019 campaign, which famously included his Masters triumph, and that he had originally planned to have the surgery at the end of last year, before postponing it.

"I've been battling through this entire year trying to piece it together," said the 15-times major champion, whose season petered out after his Augusta National victory in April.

"It progressively got worse, to where it started affecting my back and the way I was walking and trying to play, trying to read putts and all of the above.

"So I'm excited about having this end-of-the-year run where I'm feeling much more fit and I don't have the achiness that I've been dealing with for the last couple of years."

The famously private Woods was typically vague about when he had started practising again after the procedure, the fifth on his banged-up left knee.

This week's tournament at Narashino Country Club will be 43-year-old American's final chance to assess his form and fitness before deciding whether to include himself as a player on the United States team that he will captain at the Presidents Cup.

He said that getting the surgery done had improved the chances he can justify picking himself for the December&nbsp;12-15 event against an International team at Royal Melbourne in Australia.

Woods has two more weeks before naming four wild card selections to complete his 12-man line-up.

"It made me more hopeful," he said of his thoughts post-surgery. "It's been nice to finally get over the hump and start feeling good again and start going at it full speed."

Woods, wearing a dark blue sleeveless sweater, flashed his famous smile multiple times for the cameras during the 19-minute interview. He was speaking before a Monday afternoon Japan Skins made-for-TV exhibition with Rory McIlroy, Hideki Matsuyama and Jason Day.

Woods is making his first appearance in Japan in 13 years, after being a regular visitor for the first decade of his professional career.

Tiger Woods on Monday declared himself "right on schedule" after recent knee surgery as he prepares to return to competition at this week's Zozo Championship following two months on the sidelines.

Tiger Woods on Monday declared himself "right on schedule" after recent knee surgery as he prepares to return to competition at this week's Zozo Championship following two months on the sidelines. Speaking at his first press conference since an arthroscopic procedure on his left knee on August 21, Woods left no doubt that he would be ready for Thursday's first-round when the US-based PGA Tour plays its first official-money event in Japan. But he also revealed the knee had bothered him throughout his 2019 campaign, which famously included his Masters triumph, and that he had originally planned to have the surgery at the end of last year, before postponing it. "I've been battling through this entire year trying to piece it together," said the 15-times major champion, whose season petered out after his Augusta National victory in April. "It progressively got worse, to where it started affecting my back and the way I was walking and trying to play, trying to read putts and all of the above. "So I'm excited about having this end-of-the-year run where I'm feeling much more fit and I don't have the achiness that I've been dealing with for the last couple of years." The famously private Woods was typically vague about when he had started practising again after the procedure, the fifth on his banged-up left knee. This week's tournament at Narashino Country Club will be 43-year-old American's final chance to assess his form and fitness before deciding whether to include himself as a player on the United States team that he will captain at the Presidents Cup. He said that getting the surgery done had improved the chances he can justify picking himself for the December 12-15 event against an International team at Royal Melbourne in Australia. Woods has two more weeks before naming four wild card selections to complete his 12-man line-up. "It made me more hopeful," he said of his thoughts post-surgery. "It's been nice to finally get over the hump and start feeling good again and start going at it full speed." Woods, wearing a dark blue sleeveless sweater, flashed his famous smile multiple times for the cameras during the 19-minute interview. He was speaking before a Monday afternoon Japan Skins made-for-TV exhibition with Rory McIlroy, Hideki Matsuyama and Jason Day. Woods is making his first appearance in Japan in 13 years, after being a regular visitor for the first decade of his professional career.

Tiger Woods declares himself ready for action after knee surgery

Golfing great&nbsp;Tiger&nbsp;Woods&nbsp;is&nbsp;targeting&nbsp;the&nbsp;Tokyo&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;as he seeks to add another glittering chapter to his storied career.

Golf returned to the Games in 2016 after a 112-year absence but&nbsp;Woods, who dominated the sport in the first decade of the 21st century, missed its return through injury.

"Making the Olympic team is a big goal," the 15-times major winner told Reuters in an emailed interview. "I don't see myself having too many opportunities other than next year.

"Four years from now, at the next Olympic Games, I’ll be 48-years-old. To be one of the top Americans at that age is going to be tough.

"I went to my first Olympic Games when it was in Los Angeles (1984). So now to have the opportunity to be a part of the&nbsp;Olympics, because golf in my lifetime wasn't a part of the&nbsp;Olympics, is an important aspect for us and the growth of the game.

"The game has become so global, and so reaching, that I think the Olympic Games is a great extension of that and I'd like to be a part of it."

Woods&nbsp;will get a taste of golf-crazy Japan when he competes in 'The Challenge: Japan Skins' on October 21.

Woods&nbsp;will take part in a high-stakes challenge at the Accordia Golf Narashino Country Club in Chiba alongside Rory McIlroy, Jason Day and Hideki Matsuyama.

The extravaganza, which will in part be floodlit, is being televised globally by GOLFTV and will be played under the 'skins' format.

The format, designed to encourage aggressive play from start to finish, forces players to win a hole outright to take a “skin”, with tied holes resulting in a “push” of the skin to the next hole.

Woods,<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tiger-woods-victory-in-masters-a-win-for-golf-business-210868"> who won the Masters</a> earlier this year to end an 11-year wait for his 15th Major, says he is thrilled to be back at the top of the sport after injuries caused four back surgeries between 2014 and 2017.

"To be able to have played the last couple of years after where I was (with injury)... and to have two wins in my last two years – I definitely would not have foreseen that at the time, pre-surgery.

"So I’m just excited and ecstatic to be able to participate in golf at this level again. I missed it. I missed competing against these guys.

"The interesting thing about now is that when I was out, there was a whole generation of guys that I didn’t really compete against.

"Whether it was Jordan (Spieth), JT (Justin Thomas), Bryson (Dechambeau) or Patrick (Reed) these guys were just coming out and I missed that. Now they’re established and I’m coming back into the game, so it’s been fun to compete against those guys, not to mention some of the older guys."

If he is to realise his Olympic dreams it seems likely&nbsp;Woods&nbsp;will be competing against players from this new generation to earn a spot at&nbsp;Tokyo.

Golfing great Tiger Woods is targeting the Tokyo Olympics as he seeks to add another glittering chapter to his storied career. Golf returned to the Games in 2016 after a 112-year absence but Woods, who dominated the sport in the first decade of the 21st century, missed its return through injury.

Golfing great Tiger Woods is targeting the Tokyo Olympics as he seeks to add another glittering chapter to his storied career. Golf returned to the Games in 2016 after a 112-year absence but Woods, who dominated the sport in the first decade of the 21st century, missed its return through injury. "Making the Olympic team is a big goal," the 15-times major winner told Reuters in an emailed interview. "I don't see myself having too many opportunities other than next year. "Four years from now, at the next Olympic Games, I’ll be 48-years-old. To be one of the top Americans at that age is going to be tough. "I went to my first Olympic Games when it was in Los Angeles (1984). So now to have the opportunity to be a part of the Olympics, because golf in my lifetime wasn't a part of the Olympics, is an important aspect for us and the growth of the game. "The game has become so global, and so reaching, that I think the Olympic Games is a great extension of that and I'd like to be a part of it." Woods will get a taste of golf-crazy Japan when he competes in 'The Challenge: Japan Skins' on October 21. Woods will take part in a high-stakes challenge at the Accordia Golf Narashino Country Club in Chiba alongside Rory McIlroy, Jason Day and Hideki Matsuyama. The extravaganza, which will in part be floodlit, is being televised globally by GOLFTV and will be played under the 'skins' format. The format, designed to encourage aggressive play from start to finish, forces players to win a hole outright to take a “skin”, with tied holes resulting in a “push” of the skin to the next hole. Woods, who won the Masters earlier this year to end an 11-year wait for his 15th Major, says he is thrilled to be back at the top of the sport after injuries caused four back surgeries between 2014 and 2017. "To be able to have played the last couple of years after where I was (with injury)... and to have two wins in my last two years – I definitely would not have foreseen that at the time, pre-surgery. "So I’m just excited and ecstatic to be able to participate in golf at this level again. I missed it. I missed competing against these guys. "The interesting thing about now is that when I was out, there was a whole generation of guys that I didn’t really compete against. "Whether it was Jordan (Spieth), JT (Justin Thomas), Bryson (Dechambeau) or Patrick (Reed) these guys were just coming out and I missed that. Now they’re established and I’m coming back into the game, so it’s been fun to compete against those guys, not to mention some of the older guys." If he is to realise his Olympic dreams it seems likely Woods will be competing against players from this new generation to earn a spot at Tokyo.

Tiger Woods targeting Tokyo Olympics

Rory McIlroy fired a four-under-par 66 to win the PGA Tour Championship and claim the $15 million FedEx Cup jackpot on Sunday.

Northern Ireland star McIlroy won the two titles for the second time following his win in 2016 after world number one Brooks Koepka suffered a final-round collapse at Atlanta's East Lake Golf Course.

McIlroy finished the tournament on 18 under, four shots clear of Xander Schauffele, who posted a closing 70 to finish on 14 under.

McIlroy joins Tiger Woods as the only player to win the FedEx Cup playoff series twice.

For McIlroy it was sweet redemption following a disappointing showing in last year's Tour Championship, when he faded from contention with an error-strewn four-over-par 74 in the final round as Woods clinched a memorable victory.

"I didn't enjoy the walk up 18 last year. I played terribly, got myself into the final group, but I never took the fight to Tiger," McIlroy said.&nbsp;

"Going up against the No. 1 player in the world today (Koepka), he got one over on me in Memphis and I wanted to get some revenge today.&nbsp;

"To play like that alongside Brooks and get the win and win the FedEx Cup, it's awesome. It's amazing how different things can be in a year."

McIlroy, playing alongside Koepka in the final pairing, had started the final round one shot behind his partner.

Koepka had taken the lead earlier Sunday after the players returned to the course to complete the third round, which had been abandoned on Saturday after an electrical storm that injured six spectators.

Koepka finished the third round with a closing birdie for a two-under-par 68, edging one shot clear of McIlroy and Xander Schauffele at 15 under.

But Koepka's third round momentum didn't extend to the final.

After matching McIlroy with an early birdie on the sixth, the American's form deserted him with a double-bogey on the seventh while McIlroy snared his second birdie.

Although Koepka picked up a shot with a birdie on the eighth, a trio of bogeys on the 12th, 13th and 14th holes effectively ended his challenge.

McIlroy, who had birdied the 12th and 13th holes to move to four under for the day, gave the chasing pack hope after wobbling with bogeys on the 14th and 15th holes.

However, McIlroy gathered himself brilliantly on the 17th, rolling in a 15ft birdie putt before going on to reach the greenside bunker in two on the par-five 18th.

He made no mistake with his birdie putt to finish with a flourish.

Koepka meanwhile had to settle for a share of third place, his two-over-par 72 leaving him alongside Justin Thomas on 13 under.

England's Paul Casey was fifth on nine under after his final round 72, while Australia's Adam Scott took sixth place on eight under after his four-under-par 66.

This year's PGA Tour Championship was played under a revamped "staggered start" format in which players had been spotted strokes based on their position in the playoff standings.

Thomas had started the tournament with a score of 10 under, two ahead of Patrick Cantlay on eight under and three clear of Koepka, who began on seven under.

McIlroy meanwhile started five shots off the lead on five under.

Rory McIlroy fired a four-under-par 66 to win the PGA Tour Championship and claim the $15 million FedEx Cup jackpot on Sunday. Northern Ireland star McIlroy won the two titles for the second time following his win in 2016 after world number one Brooks Koepka suffered a final-round collapse at Atlanta's East Lake Golf Course.

Rory McIlroy fired a four-under-par 66 to win the PGA Tour Championship and claim the $15 million FedEx Cup jackpot on Sunday. Northern Ireland star McIlroy won the two titles for the second time following his win in 2016 after world number one Brooks Koepka suffered a final-round collapse at Atlanta's East Lake Golf Course. McIlroy finished the tournament on 18 under, four shots clear of Xander Schauffele, who posted a closing 70 to finish on 14 under. McIlroy joins Tiger Woods as the only player to win the FedEx Cup playoff series twice. For McIlroy it was sweet redemption following a disappointing showing in last year's Tour Championship, when he faded from contention with an error-strewn four-over-par 74 in the final round as Woods clinched a memorable victory. "I didn't enjoy the walk up 18 last year. I played terribly, got myself into the final group, but I never took the fight to Tiger," McIlroy said. "Going up against the No. 1 player in the world today (Koepka), he got one over on me in Memphis and I wanted to get some revenge today. "To play like that alongside Brooks and get the win and win the FedEx Cup, it's awesome. It's amazing how different things can be in a year." McIlroy, playing alongside Koepka in the final pairing, had started the final round one shot behind his partner. Koepka had taken the lead earlier Sunday after the players returned to the course to complete the third round, which had been abandoned on Saturday after an electrical storm that injured six spectators. Koepka finished the third round with a closing birdie for a two-under-par 68, edging one shot clear of McIlroy and Xander Schauffele at 15 under. But Koepka's third round momentum didn't extend to the final. After matching McIlroy with an early birdie on the sixth, the American's form deserted him with a double-bogey on the seventh while McIlroy snared his second birdie. Although Koepka picked up a shot with a birdie on the eighth, a trio of bogeys on the 12th, 13th and 14th holes effectively ended his challenge. McIlroy, who had birdied the 12th and 13th holes to move to four under for the day, gave the chasing pack hope after wobbling with bogeys on the 14th and 15th holes. However, McIlroy gathered himself brilliantly on the 17th, rolling in a 15ft birdie putt before going on to reach the greenside bunker in two on the par-five 18th. He made no mistake with his birdie putt to finish with a flourish. Koepka meanwhile had to settle for a share of third place, his two-over-par 72 leaving him alongside Justin Thomas on 13 under. England's Paul Casey was fifth on nine under after his final round 72, while Australia's Adam Scott took sixth place on eight under after his four-under-par 66. This year's PGA Tour Championship was played under a revamped "staggered start" format in which players had been spotted strokes based on their position in the playoff standings. Thomas had started the tournament with a score of 10 under, two ahead of Patrick Cantlay on eight under and three clear of Koepka, who began on seven under. McIlroy meanwhile started five shots off the lead on five under.

Rory McIlroy wins PGA Tour Championship to claim FedEx Cup

World number one Brooks Koepka birdied the 18th hole Friday, capping a three-under-par 67 to take a one-shot lead over Justin Thomas and Rory McIlroy in the US PGA Tour Championship.

Koepka posted his second straight 67 at East Lake in Atlanta, Georgia.

Under the "staggered start" format by which players were spotted strokes based on their position in the playoff standings, that put him on 13-under par — one stroke in front of American Thomas and Northern Ireland star McIlroy.

McIlroy capped his 67 with back-to-back birdies, including a bravura finish at 18 where he was in the trees off the tee.

He used a five-wood to fire out and ended up with a good lie in the rough between two bunkers near the green.

"I felt comfortable doing it," Mcilroy said. "I made a four off a bad tee shot, so I'm not complaining."

Thomas — who went into the tournament as the top seed, awarded a two-stroke edge after his win in the BMW Championship — was alone atop the leaderboard at 13- under through 16 holes but slipped back with a bogey at 17 and finished with a two-under 68.

Koepka who started the week three shots off the lead, couldn't get his eight-foot eagle putt to drop at the last, but he tapped in for his fourth birdie of the day.

"I mean, the lead's always nice, so I'll take that," Koepka said. "I played good today. I putted really good. Short game was pretty solid."

Koepka had three straight birdies at the sixth, seventh and eighth, but like most he struggled on a tough back nine after a weather delay.

"The rain delay kind of killed any momentum I had," he said. "I didn't feel like I had any good golf shots after the rain delay, but that's part of golf. Everybody's got to deal with the same thing. I just didn't execute."

Thomas also had three front-nine birdies, but he was one-over on the back. He, too, said he "kind of had a hard time getting back into it" after the delay.

"But if I continue to drive it like I did today, I feel like I can really do some damage this weekend," Thomas said. "I just have to realize that I played really well today."

American Xander Schauffele was alone in fourth, his eagle at 18 giving him a 69 that put him two shots off the lead.

Thomas said the day "felt more normal" after the oddity of arriving at the first tee of the tournament on Thursday already credited with a two-shot lead.

The new format is designed to ensure that whoever wins the season finale will also claim the cumulative FedEx Cup playoff title and its $15 million top prize.

World number one Brooks Koepka birdied the 18th hole Friday, capping a three-under-par 67 to take a one-shot lead over Justin Thomas and Rory McIlroy in the US PGA Tour Championship.

World number one Brooks Koepka birdied the 18th hole Friday, capping a three-under-par 67 to take a one-shot lead over Justin Thomas and Rory McIlroy in the US PGA Tour Championship. Koepka posted his second straight 67 at East Lake in Atlanta, Georgia. Under the "staggered start" format by which players were spotted strokes based on their position in the playoff standings, that put him on 13-under par — one stroke in front of American Thomas and Northern Ireland star McIlroy. McIlroy capped his 67 with back-to-back birdies, including a bravura finish at 18 where he was in the trees off the tee. He used a five-wood to fire out and ended up with a good lie in the rough between two bunkers near the green. "I felt comfortable doing it," Mcilroy said. "I made a four off a bad tee shot, so I'm not complaining." Thomas — who went into the tournament as the top seed, awarded a two-stroke edge after his win in the BMW Championship — was alone atop the leaderboard at 13- under through 16 holes but slipped back with a bogey at 17 and finished with a two-under 68. Koepka who started the week three shots off the lead, couldn't get his eight-foot eagle putt to drop at the last, but he tapped in for his fourth birdie of the day. "I mean, the lead's always nice, so I'll take that," Koepka said. "I played good today. I putted really good. Short game was pretty solid." Koepka had three straight birdies at the sixth, seventh and eighth, but like most he struggled on a tough back nine after a weather delay. "The rain delay kind of killed any momentum I had," he said. "I didn't feel like I had any good golf shots after the rain delay, but that's part of golf. Everybody's got to deal with the same thing. I just didn't execute." Thomas also had three front-nine birdies, but he was one-over on the back. He, too, said he "kind of had a hard time getting back into it" after the delay. "But if I continue to drive it like I did today, I feel like I can really do some damage this weekend," Thomas said. "I just have to realize that I played really well today." American Xander Schauffele was alone in fourth, his eagle at 18 giving him a 69 that put him two shots off the lead. Thomas said the day "felt more normal" after the oddity of arriving at the first tee of the tournament on Thursday already credited with a two-shot lead. The new format is designed to ensure that whoever wins the season finale will also claim the cumulative FedEx Cup playoff title and its $15 million top prize.

Late birdie lifts Brooks Koepka to Tour Championship lead

Justin Thomas faltered in the final round at the BMW Championship on Sunday but held on for an ultimately comfortable three-stroke victory at Medinah in suburban Chicago.

He carded a closing four-under 68 to finish on a 25-under-par total of 263, while fellow American Patrick Cantlay shot a 65 for second place on 22-under.

Thomas started the day with a six-shot advantage but when he bogeyed the 10th hole, after almost hitting his second out of bounds, the lead over Cantlay was down to two.

But Thomas steadied with clutch play over the next three holes, twice holing putts of around 12 feet to re-establish his authority.

"Patrick made that very interesting," a relieved Thomas said.

"I hit the ball so bad to start the day. I made it hard on myself because usually I'm pretty good at hitting fairways and greens and I couldn't hit a fairway ... but I stayed patient and that birdie on 11 was huge.

"I was really nervous today. It's hard to play with the lead. I was enjoying it, though."

The victory was the 10th of his PGA Tour career but the first this year in what has been an injury-interrupted season. Thomas hurt his wrist in March and took six weeks off to rest.

"I'd forgotten how hard it was to win," said the 26-year-old former world number one.

"This game is so hard, you don't know how often things like this are going to happen.

"It's not like I've been playing bad. I would argue I've played just as well this year as any other year. It's a very humbling and tough game and I learned to respect it and be patient."

The result means Thomas is the number one seed at next week's season-ending Tour Championship in Atlanta.

The top 30 players on the PGA Tour's FedEx Cup points list qualified for the event, where the winner at East Lake will collect $15 million.

For the first time the tournament will use a staggered start based on players' position in the points race, with Thomas starting at 10-under-par.

The qualifiers ranked 26th to 30th will begin at even par.

Three players who started the BMW Championship outside the top 30 in the standings snuck into the Tour Championship -- Japan's Hideki Matsuyama and Americans Lucas Glover and Jason Kokrak.

Matsuyama has never missed a Tour Championship since joining the tour in 2014.

Missing out was Ireland's British Open champion Shane Lowry, along with Americans Andrew Putnam and Harold Varner III.

There will be no defending champion at East Lake, as Tiger Woods did not qualify after finishing equal 37th on Sunday.

Justin Thomas faltered in the final round at the BMW Championship on Sunday but held on for an ultimately comfortable three-stroke victory at Medinah in suburban Chicago.

Justin Thomas faltered in the final round at the BMW Championship on Sunday but held on for an ultimately comfortable three-stroke victory at Medinah in suburban Chicago. He carded a closing four-under 68 to finish on a 25-under-par total of 263, while fellow American Patrick Cantlay shot a 65 for second place on 22-under. Thomas started the day with a six-shot advantage but when he bogeyed the 10th hole, after almost hitting his second out of bounds, the lead over Cantlay was down to two. But Thomas steadied with clutch play over the next three holes, twice holing putts of around 12 feet to re-establish his authority. "Patrick made that very interesting," a relieved Thomas said. "I hit the ball so bad to start the day. I made it hard on myself because usually I'm pretty good at hitting fairways and greens and I couldn't hit a fairway ... but I stayed patient and that birdie on 11 was huge. "I was really nervous today. It's hard to play with the lead. I was enjoying it, though." The victory was the 10th of his PGA Tour career but the first this year in what has been an injury-interrupted season. Thomas hurt his wrist in March and took six weeks off to rest. "I'd forgotten how hard it was to win," said the 26-year-old former world number one. "This game is so hard, you don't know how often things like this are going to happen. "It's not like I've been playing bad. I would argue I've played just as well this year as any other year. It's a very humbling and tough game and I learned to respect it and be patient." The result means Thomas is the number one seed at next week's season-ending Tour Championship in Atlanta. The top 30 players on the PGA Tour's FedEx Cup points list qualified for the event, where the winner at East Lake will collect $15 million. For the first time the tournament will use a staggered start based on players' position in the points race, with Thomas starting at 10-under-par. The qualifiers ranked 26th to 30th will begin at even par. Three players who started the BMW Championship outside the top 30 in the standings snuck into the Tour Championship -- Japan's Hideki Matsuyama and Americans Lucas Glover and Jason Kokrak. Matsuyama has never missed a Tour Championship since joining the tour in 2014. Missing out was Ireland's British Open champion Shane Lowry, along with Americans Andrew Putnam and Harold Varner III. There will be no defending champion at East Lake, as Tiger Woods did not qualify after finishing equal 37th on Sunday.

Justin Thomas wins BMW Championship by three strokes over Cantlay

Irishman <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tommy-fleetwood-braced-for-wall-of-noise-in-british-open-battle-with-shane-lowry-237501">Shane Lowry</a> staved off the biggest nerves of his golfing life, handling the wind and the rain to win the British Open by six strokes amid emotional scenes at Royal Portrush on Sunday.

Fervently cheered on every shot by the sellout crowd, the 32-year-old from Clara, who began the day with a four stroke lead, was never seriously troubled in the final round with England's Tommy Fleetwood unable to take his chances to put him under pressure.

Lowry carded one-over-par 72 in strong winds and at times driving rain, but he was rewarded with wild celebrations as the fans charged on to the fairway behind him as he approached the 18th green.

"It's like an out of body experience. I was so calm coming down the last, I cannot believe it. The weather was awful but I had a look around, and everyone was struggling," said Lowry who was greeted by his family on the green.

"It became a two horse race with Tommy, and I just tried to focus on staying ahead."

Lowry finished at 15-under 269, while Fleetwood, shot 74 for second place.

"To lead by four at the start of the day and to keep that and to just control, he literally controlled the tournament from the start of today until the end, that's a very, very impressive thing to do," said Fleetwood, who was left to rue the early birdie opportunities he failed to convert.

With the weather making it hard for anyone to make a run from down the leaderboard it quickly turned into a head-to-head duel between Lowry and Fleetwood.

"I got off to a very shaky start," said Lowry, who had to sink a six-foot putt to salvage bogey at the first.

"I didn't feel great out there. It's probably the most uncomfortable I've ever felt on a golf course. You're trying to win an Open in your home country, it's incredibly difficult."

But once he settled down and looked at a leaderboard he noticed that nobody was making a run at him.

He needed to avoid any big numbers on his card and duly did so, making nothing worse than bogey.

Even three straight bogeys around the turn hardly dented his lead, and a six-foot birdie at the 15th hole that extended his margin to six strokes allowed him to almost enjoy a processional victory march up the final three holes.

"It was just so difficult," he said. "I kept telling myself bogeys are not going to hurt you, let's just keep the ball in play and if I make the odd par it will be pretty good.

Lowry savoured the walk up the 18th, greeted with delight by the singing gallery who packed the stands, with some Irish tricolours in the crowd.

After hitting his final approach shot he held his arms aloft in celebration and hugged his caddie, assured finally that there would be no late disaster.

Greeted by Harrington

He became the second player from the Republic of Ireland, after Padraig Harrington in 2007 and 2008, to lift the Claret Jug, a fitting end to the first Open played in Northern Ireland since 1951.

Players from Ireland and Northern Ireland have won five of the past 13 Opens, with Darren Clarke (2011) and Rory McIlroy (2014) also hoisting the Claret Jug.

Harrington and 2010 U.S. Open champion Graeme McDowell were among those who greeted Lowry next to the 18th green, while McIlroy, the local favourite who missed the cut, was no doubt cheering from afar, Irish eyes smiling all over.

"We're all one country when it comes to golf," Lowry said.

"I said to my caddie walking down the last, 'I can't believe this is me, this is mine'.

"I've watched the Open since I was a little kid and to be named champion golfer of the year is just incredible."

The win ended American hopes of a clean sweep of the year's majors -- Tony Finau was the best finishing American with his even-par 71 securing third place, eight strokes behind Lowry.

It was a strong showing from British golfers, who secured five of the top ten spots. Scotsman Robert MacIntyre finished sixth in his maiden major after shooting an impressive final round 68.

Lee Westwood finished tied for fourth with Brooks Koepka, a result which means the 46-year-old Englishman will return to the Masters after missing out on Augusta in the past two years.

Irishman Shane Lowry staved off the biggest nerves of his golfing life, handling the wind and the rain to win the British Open by six strokes amid emotional scenes at Royal Portrush on Sunday.

Irishman Shane Lowry staved off the biggest nerves of his golfing life, handling the wind and the rain to win the British Open by six strokes amid emotional scenes at Royal Portrush on Sunday. Fervently cheered on every shot by the sellout crowd, the 32-year-old from Clara, who began the day with a four stroke lead, was never seriously troubled in the final round with England's Tommy Fleetwood unable to take his chances to put him under pressure. Lowry carded one-over-par 72 in strong winds and at times driving rain, but he was rewarded with wild celebrations as the fans charged on to the fairway behind him as he approached the 18th green. "It's like an out of body experience. I was so calm coming down the last, I cannot believe it. The weather was awful but I had a look around, and everyone was struggling," said Lowry who was greeted by his family on the green. "It became a two horse race with Tommy, and I just tried to focus on staying ahead." Lowry finished at 15-under 269, while Fleetwood, shot 74 for second place. "To lead by four at the start of the day and to keep that and to just control, he literally controlled the tournament from the start of today until the end, that's a very, very impressive thing to do," said Fleetwood, who was left to rue the early birdie opportunities he failed to convert. With the weather making it hard for anyone to make a run from down the leaderboard it quickly turned into a head-to-head duel between Lowry and Fleetwood. "I got off to a very shaky start," said Lowry, who had to sink a six-foot putt to salvage bogey at the first. "I didn't feel great out there. It's probably the most uncomfortable I've ever felt on a golf course. You're trying to win an Open in your home country, it's incredibly difficult." But once he settled down and looked at a leaderboard he noticed that nobody was making a run at him. He needed to avoid any big numbers on his card and duly did so, making nothing worse than bogey. Even three straight bogeys around the turn hardly dented his lead, and a six-foot birdie at the 15th hole that extended his margin to six strokes allowed him to almost enjoy a processional victory march up the final three holes. "It was just so difficult," he said. "I kept telling myself bogeys are not going to hurt you, let's just keep the ball in play and if I make the odd par it will be pretty good. Lowry savoured the walk up the 18th, greeted with delight by the singing gallery who packed the stands, with some Irish tricolours in the crowd. After hitting his final approach shot he held his arms aloft in celebration and hugged his caddie, assured finally that there would be no late disaster. Greeted by Harrington He became the second player from the Republic of Ireland, after Padraig Harrington in 2007 and 2008, to lift the Claret Jug, a fitting end to the first Open played in Northern Ireland since 1951. Players from Ireland and Northern Ireland have won five of the past 13 Opens, with Darren Clarke (2011) and Rory McIlroy (2014) also hoisting the Claret Jug. Harrington and 2010 U.S. Open champion Graeme McDowell were among those who greeted Lowry next to the 18th green, while McIlroy, the local favourite who missed the cut, was no doubt cheering from afar, Irish eyes smiling all over. "We're all one country when it comes to golf," Lowry said. "I said to my caddie walking down the last, 'I can't believe this is me, this is mine'. "I've watched the Open since I was a little kid and to be named champion golfer of the year is just incredible." The win ended American hopes of a clean sweep of the year's majors -- Tony Finau was the best finishing American with his even-par 71 securing third place, eight strokes behind Lowry. It was a strong showing from British golfers, who secured five of the top ten spots. Scotsman Robert MacIntyre finished sixth in his maiden major after shooting an impressive final round 68. Lee Westwood finished tied for fourth with Brooks Koepka, a result which means the 46-year-old Englishman will return to the Masters after missing out on Augusta in the past two years.

Irishman Shane Lowry wins British Open at Royal Portrush

Englishman Tommy Fleetwood is preparing himself for a wall of noise at Royal Portrush on Sunday when he attempts to reel in fan favourite Shane Lowry and win the British Open.

Fleetwood was magnificent on Saturday as his five-under 66 lifted him to second in the leaderboard but Ireland's Lowry, roared on by the massive galleries, put everyone in the shade during the third round.

Lowry, who comes from across the border in County Offaly, has become the darling of the fans who have flocked to the Northern Ireland coast and was imperious as he put together a stunning course-record 63 to open a four-shot lead.

Bad weather is predicted on Sunday and Lowry, whose best previous major was second at the 2016 U.S. Open, will have some anxious moments over the next 24 hours.

Thousands of Irish fans will have his back, though, and Fleetwood, who will play with him, knows he might not be getting too much support -- a far cry from last year's Ryder Cup when he starred in Europe's victory over the U.S. in Paris.

"The atmosphere for us as golfers was just great. I loved it. For or against you, you can't help appreciate and love what today was and what tomorrow will be," Fleetwood said of the vibe at the first Open held in Northern Ireland for 68 years.

"Tomorrow is not going to be any quieter. And for sure tomorrow playing with Shane, last day, it's going to be more challenging to control yourself in the atmosphere and being in the middle of that. But that's what we're here for.

"I know what it's going to be like. I've had my fair share of support for the first three days. Hopefully there will still be some people out there rooting for me. But it's going to be harder than for the rest of the field, for sure."

Fleetwood grew up playing links golf in Southport and will be undaunted even if the weather closes in.

"I personally don't mind the conditions, whatever they are," the long-haired Fleetwood, still to win a major, said.

"I feel like I've had some of my best rounds in terrible, terrible conditions, where I've enjoyed grinding it out. Shane's not played in sunshine and no wind all his life. So it's not going to be a problem for him, either.

"I'm looking forward to it, to be honest with you. It's going to be another chapter in my career, no matter what happens. And it's going to be a very special day."

Englishman Tommy Fleetwood is preparing himself for a wall of noise at Royal Portrush on Sunday when he attempts to reel in fan favourite Shane Lowry and win the British Open.

Englishman Tommy Fleetwood is preparing himself for a wall of noise at Royal Portrush on Sunday when he attempts to reel in fan favourite Shane Lowry and win the British Open. Fleetwood was magnificent on Saturday as his five-under 66 lifted him to second in the leaderboard but Ireland's Lowry, roared on by the massive galleries, put everyone in the shade during the third round. Lowry, who comes from across the border in County Offaly, has become the darling of the fans who have flocked to the Northern Ireland coast and was imperious as he put together a stunning course-record 63 to open a four-shot lead. Bad weather is predicted on Sunday and Lowry, whose best previous major was second at the 2016 U.S. Open, will have some anxious moments over the next 24 hours. Thousands of Irish fans will have his back, though, and Fleetwood, who will play with him, knows he might not be getting too much support -- a far cry from last year's Ryder Cup when he starred in Europe's victory over the U.S. in Paris. "The atmosphere for us as golfers was just great. I loved it. For or against you, you can't help appreciate and love what today was and what tomorrow will be," Fleetwood said of the vibe at the first Open held in Northern Ireland for 68 years. "Tomorrow is not going to be any quieter. And for sure tomorrow playing with Shane, last day, it's going to be more challenging to control yourself in the atmosphere and being in the middle of that. But that's what we're here for. "I know what it's going to be like. I've had my fair share of support for the first three days. Hopefully there will still be some people out there rooting for me. But it's going to be harder than for the rest of the field, for sure." Fleetwood grew up playing links golf in Southport and will be undaunted even if the weather closes in. "I personally don't mind the conditions, whatever they are," the long-haired Fleetwood, still to win a major, said. "I feel like I've had some of my best rounds in terrible, terrible conditions, where I've enjoyed grinding it out. Shane's not played in sunshine and no wind all his life. So it's not going to be a problem for him, either. "I'm looking forward to it, to be honest with you. It's going to be another chapter in my career, no matter what happens. And it's going to be a very special day."

Tommy Fleetwood braced for wall of noise in British Open battle with Shane Lowry

Indian Shubhankar Sharma was serenaded with a chorus of "happy birthday" by the spectators at the 18th green at the British Open on Sunday, before proceeding to pour in a 45-foot birdie putt.

The 23-year-old finished his tournament with an excellent three-under-par 68 to finish three-over for the championship, currently enough for tied-52nd.

"I'm not used to doing much on my birthday, but the last two birthdays have been very special," said Sharma.

"Last year I was in the Open as well. I was in a restaurant and the whole restaurant got up and sang "Happy Birthday" for me. Now to see the grandstand singing it, it's very, very special.

"It's always special playing the Open. And this is just -- I couldn't ask for a better thing."

The world number 196 said he thinks that India, with its population of over 1.3 billion, will soon see more youngsters follow in his footsteps and become professional golfers.

"I feel like this is definitely changing now. We have so many more players now on the international stage," added Sharma, who played with world number one Brooks Koepka for the first two rounds at Royal Portrush.

"I definitely feel like we're headed in the right direction. Exposure is not a problem. I think kids have enough exposure."

Indian Shubhankar Sharma was serenaded with a chorus of "happy birthday" by the spectators at the 18th green at the British Open on Sunday, before proceeding to pour in a 45-foot birdie putt.

Indian Shubhankar Sharma was serenaded with a chorus of "happy birthday" by the spectators at the 18th green at the British Open on Sunday, before proceeding to pour in a 45-foot birdie putt. The 23-year-old finished his tournament with an excellent three-under-par 68 to finish three-over for the championship, currently enough for tied-52nd. "I'm not used to doing much on my birthday, but the last two birthdays have been very special," said Sharma. "Last year I was in the Open as well. I was in a restaurant and the whole restaurant got up and sang "Happy Birthday" for me. Now to see the grandstand singing it, it's very, very special. "It's always special playing the Open. And this is just -- I couldn't ask for a better thing." The world number 196 said he thinks that India, with its population of over 1.3 billion, will soon see more youngsters follow in his footsteps and become professional golfers. "I feel like this is definitely changing now. We have so many more players now on the international stage," added Sharma, who played with world number one Brooks Koepka for the first two rounds at Royal Portrush. "I definitely feel like we're headed in the right direction. Exposure is not a problem. I think kids have enough exposure."

India's golfer Shubhankar Sharma celebrates birthday with monster putt at British Open

Rory McIlroy was clearly moved by the support he received from the gallery at Royal Portrush and was "unbelievably proud" after fighting back to come within a shot of making the halfway cut at the British Open on Friday.

It was always going to be tough after his opening 79 for McIlroy, but he rode a wave of emotion that swept across the links, and almost did enough to advance to the weekend with a six-under-par 65 that matched the best round of the tournament.

"To play in front of those crowds today and to feel that momentum and really dig in, it's going to be a tough one to get over," he said after his two-over 144 score.

"I'll probably rue the finish yesterday, dropping five shots on the last three holes, but I felt like I gave a good account of myself today and I can leave here with my head held high.

"Unbelievably proud of how I handled myself today coming back after what was a very challenging day yesterday.

"And just full of gratitude towards every single one of the people that followed me to the very end and was willing me on."

McIlroy arrived at the tournament, which is being held in Northern Ireland for the first time since 1951, seemingly conflicted about how to approach the championship, whether to embrace the occasion or to treat it as just another major.

The galleries provided an easy answer.

"As much as I came here at the start of the week saying I wanted to do it for me, you know, by the end of the round there today I was doing it just as much for them as I was for me," he said.

"I wanted to be here for the weekend. Selfishly I wanted to feel that support for two more days, but today was probably one of the most fun rounds of golf I've ever played.

"I don't get back home as often as I used to (and) it's hard to feel that support from your home people, I guess, but to have that many people out there following me, supporting me, cheering my name, it meant the world to me."

At 30, McIlroy is young enough to have one more good chance to win the tournament on home soil, with the R&amp;A expected to bring the event back to Portrush in the next decade or so.

"I wasn't coming here to try and produce any sort of symbolism or anything like that, but to see everyone out there sort of cheering for the same thing was pretty special," he said.

"I wish the ending for me would have been written a little bit differently but it's been an awesome experience and I can't wait to come back here in a few years and play another Open.

"I'm so proud of everyone involved in this tournament, bringing it to Northern Ireland."

Rory McIlroy was clearly moved by the support he received from the gallery at Royal Portrush and was "unbelievably proud" after fighting back to come within a shot of making the halfway cut at the British Open on Friday.

Rory McIlroy was clearly moved by the support he received from the gallery at Royal Portrush and was "unbelievably proud" after fighting back to come within a shot of making the halfway cut at the British Open on Friday. It was always going to be tough after his opening 79 for McIlroy, but he rode a wave of emotion that swept across the links, and almost did enough to advance to the weekend with a six-under-par 65 that matched the best round of the tournament. "To play in front of those crowds today and to feel that momentum and really dig in, it's going to be a tough one to get over," he said after his two-over 144 score. "I'll probably rue the finish yesterday, dropping five shots on the last three holes, but I felt like I gave a good account of myself today and I can leave here with my head held high. "Unbelievably proud of how I handled myself today coming back after what was a very challenging day yesterday. "And just full of gratitude towards every single one of the people that followed me to the very end and was willing me on." McIlroy arrived at the tournament, which is being held in Northern Ireland for the first time since 1951, seemingly conflicted about how to approach the championship, whether to embrace the occasion or to treat it as just another major. The galleries provided an easy answer. "As much as I came here at the start of the week saying I wanted to do it for me, you know, by the end of the round there today I was doing it just as much for them as I was for me," he said. "I wanted to be here for the weekend. Selfishly I wanted to feel that support for two more days, but today was probably one of the most fun rounds of golf I've ever played. "I don't get back home as often as I used to (and) it's hard to feel that support from your home people, I guess, but to have that many people out there following me, supporting me, cheering my name, it meant the world to me." At 30, McIlroy is young enough to have one more good chance to win the tournament on home soil, with the R&A expected to bring the event back to Portrush in the next decade or so. "I wasn't coming here to try and produce any sort of symbolism or anything like that, but to see everyone out there sort of cheering for the same thing was pretty special," he said. "I wish the ending for me would have been written a little bit differently but it's been an awesome experience and I can't wait to come back here in a few years and play another Open. "I'm so proud of everyone involved in this tournament, bringing it to Northern Ireland."

Emotional McIlroy proud of Open fightback, despite missing cut

Overnight leader JB&nbsp;Holmes maintained a slender one-shot lead from England's Tommy Fleetwood on the second day of the British Open as world number one Brooks Koepka also moved into contention.

However, Tiger Woods seems set to miss the cut as he picked up just one shot on the front nine to move to five over par after a disastrous opening round of 78.

The highlight of Fleetwood's career so far was his starring role in Europe's victory at the&nbsp;Ryder Cup&nbsp;last year, but the world number 20 has a chance for his first major heading into the weekend as he birdied the last for a round of 67 to take the clubhouse lead on seven under.

Holmes moved from five under after his first round to eight under with birdies at the second, fifth and sixth and 12th.

Koepka has not finished outside the top two in all three majors so far this season and the American is dangerously poised after moving to five under with another solid round of 69.

Three-time major winner Jordan Speith is also in the hunt after storming up the leaderboard by picking up five shots in four holes between five and eight.

The 2017 Open champion's charge was halted by a bogey on 14 to drop back to five under in a tie for fourth.

Woods raised hopes that he could recover from a difficult opening round with his troublesome back restricting his movement in cold conditions.

The 15-time major champion was two under for the day after six holes, but a bogey at the seventh means he was still five shots off the projected cut after the front nine.

Home favourite Rory McIlroy also has a huge task to make the cut when he tees off at 1410 GMT after shooting eight over in his first round.

Overnight leader JB Holmes maintained a slender one-shot lead from England's Tommy Fleetwood on the second day of the British Open as world number one Brooks Koepka also moved into contention.

Overnight leader JB Holmes maintained a slender one-shot lead from England's Tommy Fleetwood on the second day of the British Open as world number one Brooks Koepka also moved into contention. However, Tiger Woods seems set to miss the cut as he picked up just one shot on the front nine to move to five over par after a disastrous opening round of 78. The highlight of Fleetwood's career so far was his starring role in Europe's victory at the Ryder Cup last year, but the world number 20 has a chance for his first major heading into the weekend as he birdied the last for a round of 67 to take the clubhouse lead on seven under. Holmes moved from five under after his first round to eight under with birdies at the second, fifth and sixth and 12th. Koepka has not finished outside the top two in all three majors so far this season and the American is dangerously poised after moving to five under with another solid round of 69. Three-time major winner Jordan Speith is also in the hunt after storming up the leaderboard by picking up five shots in four holes between five and eight. The 2017 Open champion's charge was halted by a bogey on 14 to drop back to five under in a tie for fourth. Woods raised hopes that he could recover from a difficult opening round with his troublesome back restricting his movement in cold conditions. The 15-time major champion was two under for the day after six holes, but a bogey at the seventh means he was still five shots off the projected cut after the front nine. Home favourite Rory McIlroy also has a huge task to make the cut when he tees off at 1410 GMT after shooting eight over in his first round.

JB Holmes keeps the lead as Tommy Fleetwood, Brooks Koepka make their move

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-awards-presidential-medal-of-freedom-to-tiger-woods-216532&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwitrcCWvrvjAhVr_XMBHYjnDiMQFjACegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0MKAOgFWxJb4JzOKatxMgS">Tiger Woods</a> has shrugged off concerns about his lack of golf heading into this week's British Open, saying he needs to carefully manage the remaining years of his career.

Woods has played only 10 competitive rounds since winning the Masters in April and his last tournament start was at the US Open.

By the time the 43-year-old tees up on Thursday he will have gone 32 days without playing competitively.

"Last year, I played too much. I played 17 events," Woods told a news conference on Tuesday. "And a lot of it was trying to qualify for certain events.''

"So this year I made a conscious effort to cut back on my schedule to make sure that I don't play too much. I want to play here as long as I possibly can. And you have to understand, if I play a lot, I won't be out here that long," the American former world number one said.

"So it's understanding how much I can play, prepping how much I do at home and getting ready. And that's the tricky part is trying to determine how much tournament play I need to get the feel for the shots and also understanding where my body is," <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/tiger-woods-wins-15th-major-title-with-spectacular-masters-victory-210438&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwitrcCWvrvjAhVr_XMBHYjnDiMQFjADegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3WYOtzf9mN0EZ12lrfohH7">Woods </a>added.

"I'm trying to figure it out and trying to play enough golf to where that I can compete and win events," he said.

Woods said his Masters victory took a lot out of him and he went on a two-week family vacation in Thailand after finishing tied for 21st at the US Open last month.

"It's not quite as sharp as I'd like to have it right now," he said. "My touch around the greens is right where I need to have it. I still need to get the ball - the shape of the golf ball a little bit better than I am right now, especially with the weather coming in and the winds are going to be changing.''

"I'm going to have to be able to cut the ball, draw the ball, hit at different heights and move it all around. Today it was a good range session. I need another one tomorrow. And hopefully, that will be enough to be ready," he said.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/tiger-woods-takes-a-stroll-down-memory-lane-of-15-stroke-victory-at-2000-us-open-226558&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwitrcCWvrvjAhVr_XMBHYjnDiMQFjAJegQIBhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3bSwi31DW6yXZGXlEhPWdJ">Woods</a>, who has 15 major titles to his name, reiterated his view that the British Open offers one of the best chances of adding to that tally.

"It allows the players that don't hit the ball very far or carry the ball as far to run the golf ball out there," he said.

"And plus, there is an art to playing links golf. It's not - okay, I have 152 yards, bring out the automatic 9-iron and hit it 152. Here, 152 could be a little bump-and-run pitching wedge. It could be a chip 6-iron. It could be a lot of different things.''

"Being able to control it as best you possibly can in the air to control it on the ground allows the older players to have a chance to do well in The Open Championship," said Woods.

Tiger Woods has shrugged off concerns about his lack of golf heading into this week's British Open, saying he needs to carefully manage the remaining years of his career.

Tiger Woods has shrugged off concerns about his lack of golf heading into this week's British Open, saying he needs to carefully manage the remaining years of his career. Woods has played only 10 competitive rounds since winning the Masters in April and his last tournament start was at the US Open. By the time the 43-year-old tees up on Thursday he will have gone 32 days without playing competitively. "Last year, I played too much. I played 17 events," Woods told a news conference on Tuesday. "And a lot of it was trying to qualify for certain events.'' "So this year I made a conscious effort to cut back on my schedule to make sure that I don't play too much. I want to play here as long as I possibly can. And you have to understand, if I play a lot, I won't be out here that long," the American former world number one said. "So it's understanding how much I can play, prepping how much I do at home and getting ready. And that's the tricky part is trying to determine how much tournament play I need to get the feel for the shots and also understanding where my body is," Woods added. "I'm trying to figure it out and trying to play enough golf to where that I can compete and win events," he said. Woods said his Masters victory took a lot out of him and he went on a two-week family vacation in Thailand after finishing tied for 21st at the US Open last month. "It's not quite as sharp as I'd like to have it right now," he said. "My touch around the greens is right where I need to have it. I still need to get the ball - the shape of the golf ball a little bit better than I am right now, especially with the weather coming in and the winds are going to be changing.'' "I'm going to have to be able to cut the ball, draw the ball, hit at different heights and move it all around. Today it was a good range session. I need another one tomorrow. And hopefully, that will be enough to be ready," he said. Woods, who has 15 major titles to his name, reiterated his view that the British Open offers one of the best chances of adding to that tally. "It allows the players that don't hit the ball very far or carry the ball as far to run the golf ball out there," he said. "And plus, there is an art to playing links golf. It's not - okay, I have 152 yards, bring out the automatic 9-iron and hit it 152. Here, 152 could be a little bump-and-run pitching wedge. It could be a chip 6-iron. It could be a lot of different things.'' "Being able to control it as best you possibly can in the air to control it on the ground allows the older players to have a chance to do well in The Open Championship," said Woods.

Tiger Woods defends his lack of competitive golf ahead of British Open

Gary Woodland held his nerve to claim his first major with a three-shot victory at the US&nbsp;Open on Sunday, bringing Brooks Koepka's two-year reign to an end.

Woodland had not managed a top-10 finish in his first 27 majors before last year's PGA Championship, where he tied for sixth, but he handled the final round with the composure of someone who had been playing for golf's biggest prizes his entire career.

Ending his round in style with a birdie at the last, Woodland carded a two-under 69 to keep Koepka from becoming the first man in more than a century to sweep three straight US&nbsp;Opens.

"Just glad it was over," smiled Woodland. "I didn't let myself get ahead at all today.

"Didn't ever let myself think the tournament was over.

"So I just stayed in it."

World number one Koepka went down fighting, finishing with a three-under 68 to leave him three short of Woodland's winning total of 13-under 271.

Justin Rose began the day one shot back of Woodland but the Englishman crumbled on the back nine with three bogeys for a three-over 74 and a tie for third at seven-under with Xander Schauffele, Chez Reavie and Spain's Jon Rahm.

It was a remarkable display of determination and guts by the 35-year-old Woodland, who seven times before had held a 54-hole lead in a PGA Tour event and seven times could not close the deal.

As Woodland made the turn with a two-shot lead, faint cracks in his composure began to show as Koepka trimmed the advantage to one with a birdie at 11.

With tension building with each shot, Woodland kept his cool and collected his first birdie of the back nine at the par five 14th to reclaim a two-stroke advantage and turn the US&nbsp;Open into a two horse race.

Rose, who saw the red-hot putter that had come to his rescue so often during the week suddenly turn cold, had his bid for a second US&nbsp;Open title seriously wounded with back-to-back bogeys at 12 and 13 and then killed off completely with another at 15 that dropped him five off the pace with three to play.

Down to the closing two holes and a relentless Koepka had one last opportunity to put pressure on Woodland with a birdie at the 18th that would have left his opponent clinging to a one-shot lead coming home.

But Koepka watched his nine-foot putt slip by the cup, settling for a par to give Woodland some breathing room.

"I hit a good putt, it just dove right across the front," said Koepka. "Sometimes there's just nothing you can do.

"I thought it would be nice to put some pressure on him, one shot going into the last hole.

"Nothing I could do. I gave it my all. I give it my all every time and sometimes it's not meant to be."

A maiden major now within his grasp, a relaxed Woodland capped off his round in spectacular style, rolling in a 30-foot birdie at the last to trigger a standing ovation and chants of "Gary, Gary".

Tiger Woods, a three-time US&nbsp;Open winner, had ended the third round 11 shots back of the leader but still gave himself a chance of winning a 16th major on Sunday.

Those slim hopes disappeared quickly when he bogeyed four of his opening five holes.

Woods hit back with six birdies, including one at the 18th, for a two-under round, his lowest final round at a US&nbsp;Open in a decade but still 11 back of winner.

Gary Woodland held his nerve to claim his first major with a three-shot victory at the US Open on Sunday, bringing Brooks Koepka's two-year reign to an end. Woodland had not managed a top-10 finish in his first 27 majors before last year's PGA Championship, where he tied for sixth, but he handled the final round with the composure of someone who had been playing for golf's biggest prizes his entire career.

Gary Woodland held his nerve to claim his first major with a three-shot victory at the US Open on Sunday, bringing Brooks Koepka's two-year reign to an end. Woodland had not managed a top-10 finish in his first 27 majors before last year's PGA Championship, where he tied for sixth, but he handled the final round with the composure of someone who had been playing for golf's biggest prizes his entire career. Ending his round in style with a birdie at the last, Woodland carded a two-under 69 to keep Koepka from becoming the first man in more than a century to sweep three straight US Opens. "Just glad it was over," smiled Woodland. "I didn't let myself get ahead at all today. "Didn't ever let myself think the tournament was over. "So I just stayed in it." World number one Koepka went down fighting, finishing with a three-under 68 to leave him three short of Woodland's winning total of 13-under 271. Justin Rose began the day one shot back of Woodland but the Englishman crumbled on the back nine with three bogeys for a three-over 74 and a tie for third at seven-under with Xander Schauffele, Chez Reavie and Spain's Jon Rahm. It was a remarkable display of determination and guts by the 35-year-old Woodland, who seven times before had held a 54-hole lead in a PGA Tour event and seven times could not close the deal. As Woodland made the turn with a two-shot lead, faint cracks in his composure began to show as Koepka trimmed the advantage to one with a birdie at 11. With tension building with each shot, Woodland kept his cool and collected his first birdie of the back nine at the par five 14th to reclaim a two-stroke advantage and turn the US Open into a two horse race. Rose, who saw the red-hot putter that had come to his rescue so often during the week suddenly turn cold, had his bid for a second US Open title seriously wounded with back-to-back bogeys at 12 and 13 and then killed off completely with another at 15 that dropped him five off the pace with three to play. Down to the closing two holes and a relentless Koepka had one last opportunity to put pressure on Woodland with a birdie at the 18th that would have left his opponent clinging to a one-shot lead coming home. But Koepka watched his nine-foot putt slip by the cup, settling for a par to give Woodland some breathing room. "I hit a good putt, it just dove right across the front," said Koepka. "Sometimes there's just nothing you can do. "I thought it would be nice to put some pressure on him, one shot going into the last hole. "Nothing I could do. I gave it my all. I give it my all every time and sometimes it's not meant to be." A maiden major now within his grasp, a relaxed Woodland capped off his round in spectacular style, rolling in a 30-foot birdie at the last to trigger a standing ovation and chants of "Gary, Gary". Tiger Woods, a three-time US Open winner, had ended the third round 11 shots back of the leader but still gave himself a chance of winning a 16th major on Sunday. Those slim hopes disappeared quickly when he bogeyed four of his opening five holes. Woods hit back with six birdies, including one at the 18th, for a two-under round, his lowest final round at a US Open in a decade but still 11 back of winner.

Gary Woodland fends off Brooks Koepka to claim US Open

Brooks Koepka launches his bid for a historic US Open treble on Thursday at Pebble Beach, where Tiger Woods once separated himself from all rivals and now returns chasing a 16th major.

Pebble Beach, where <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tiger-woods-takes-a-stroll-down-memory-lane-of-15-stroke-victory-at-2000-us-open-226558">Woods won the first of his three US Opens in 2000 </a>with a breathtaking 12-under par total and a crushing 15-stroke margin, is a vastly different player now at 43 and with spinal fusion surgery behind him.

But he cemented his return to golf's elite with his 15th major win at the US Masters in April.

He has risen to fifth in the world rankings led by Koepka, who has won four majors in less than two years -&nbsp;back-to-back US Opens in 2017 and 2018 and back-to-back PGA Championships in 2018 and last month at Bethpage Black.

With his win at Shinnecock Hills, last year Koepka became the first player since Curtis Strange in 1988-89 to win the conecutive US Opens.

Willie Anderson, from 1903-05, is the only player to have won three straight.

"I'm not thinking about it," Koepka said of his treble chance. "I know the odds are stacked up probably even more against me now. It's hard to win the same event three times in a row."

But he likes the idea of pursuing history at Pebble, where prior editions have produced champions such as Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson and, of course, Woods.

The beauty of Pebble Beach's coastal views can distract from the challenge it presents, especially with the pinched fairways and deep rough of a US Open.

"The rough is definitely going to be a factor this week. Very juicy. You need to put the ball in the fairways," Koepka said.

"These greens are so small, you can almost put it in the centre of every green and have 20 feet, no matter where the flagstick is. It really comes down to who's going to make putts,"&nbsp;Koepka said.

Woods said the 7,075-yard, par-71 course is playing similarly to the last time it hosted the US Open in 2010 when Northern Ireland's Graeme McDowell won.

"We're all going to be playing from virtually the same spots, and especially if it dries out," Woods said.

"How you put the ball in the correct position is key... We don't have greens like this, this small and steep, so it puts a premium on iron play."

'What's not to like?' 
 
Koepka is scheduled to tee off at 1:47 pm (2047 GMT) alongside British Open champion Francesco Molinari of Italy and US Amateur champion Viktor Hovland of Norway.

Woods tees off at 2:09 pm alongside former US Open winners Jordan Spieth and Justin Rose.

Early starters include Rory McIlroy, Dustin Johnson, and Phil Mickelson.

McIlroy, who goes off the 10th tee with Spain's Jon Rahm and Australian Marc Leishman at 7:51 am, is seeking to add to his tally of four majors for the first time since 2014.

The Northern Ireland star is riding high after a seven-shot victory romp at the Canadian Open on Sunday, his second win of the season after the Players Championship.

Johnson, who was leading at Pebble in 2010 when he ballooned to a final-round 82, tees it up alongside that year's winner McDowell and Mickelson -&nbsp;a five-time major winner still seeking to complete the career grand slam with a first US Open title.

Johnson has won the US PGA Tour's Pebble Beach National Pro-am twice and finished runner-up twice. Despite his disappointment in the 2010 US Open, he remains a fan of the course and a favourite to contend.

"What's not to like. The golf course is fantastic from start to finish," Johnson said.

Brooks Koepka launches his bid for a historic US Open treble on Thursday at Pebble Beach, where Tiger Woods once separated himself from all rivals and now returns chasing a 16th major.

Brooks Koepka launches his bid for a historic US Open treble on Thursday at Pebble Beach, where Tiger Woods once separated himself from all rivals and now returns chasing a 16th major. Pebble Beach, where Woods won the first of his three US Opens in 2000 with a breathtaking 12-under par total and a crushing 15-stroke margin, is a vastly different player now at 43 and with spinal fusion surgery behind him. But he cemented his return to golf's elite with his 15th major win at the US Masters in April. He has risen to fifth in the world rankings led by Koepka, who has won four majors in less than two years - back-to-back US Opens in 2017 and 2018 and back-to-back PGA Championships in 2018 and last month at Bethpage Black. With his win at Shinnecock Hills, last year Koepka became the first player since Curtis Strange in 1988-89 to win the conecutive US Opens. Willie Anderson, from 1903-05, is the only player to have won three straight. "I'm not thinking about it," Koepka said of his treble chance. "I know the odds are stacked up probably even more against me now. It's hard to win the same event three times in a row." But he likes the idea of pursuing history at Pebble, where prior editions have produced champions such as Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson and, of course, Woods. The beauty of Pebble Beach's coastal views can distract from the challenge it presents, especially with the pinched fairways and deep rough of a US Open. "The rough is definitely going to be a factor this week. Very juicy. You need to put the ball in the fairways," Koepka said. "These greens are so small, you can almost put it in the centre of every green and have 20 feet, no matter where the flagstick is. It really comes down to who's going to make putts," Koepka said. Woods said the 7,075-yard, par-71 course is playing similarly to the last time it hosted the US Open in 2010 when Northern Ireland's Graeme McDowell won. "We're all going to be playing from virtually the same spots, and especially if it dries out," Woods said. "How you put the ball in the correct position is key... We don't have greens like this, this small and steep, so it puts a premium on iron play." 'What's not to like?' Koepka is scheduled to tee off at 1:47 pm (2047 GMT) alongside British Open champion Francesco Molinari of Italy and US Amateur champion Viktor Hovland of Norway. Woods tees off at 2:09 pm alongside former US Open winners Jordan Spieth and Justin Rose. Early starters include Rory McIlroy, Dustin Johnson, and Phil Mickelson. McIlroy, who goes off the 10th tee with Spain's Jon Rahm and Australian Marc Leishman at 7:51 am, is seeking to add to his tally of four majors for the first time since 2014. The Northern Ireland star is riding high after a seven-shot victory romp at the Canadian Open on Sunday, his second win of the season after the Players Championship. Johnson, who was leading at Pebble in 2010 when he ballooned to a final-round 82, tees it up alongside that year's winner McDowell and Mickelson - a five-time major winner still seeking to complete the career grand slam with a first US Open title. Johnson has won the US PGA Tour's Pebble Beach National Pro-am twice and finished runner-up twice. Despite his disappointment in the 2010 US Open, he remains a fan of the course and a favourite to contend. "What's not to like. The golf course is fantastic from start to finish," Johnson said.

Brooks Koepka, Tiger Woods chase history at US Open

Much has changed since <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-awards-presidential-medal-of-freedom-to-tiger-woods-216532&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjX0fGI9uPiAhUGf30KHQI_BggQFjABegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1P-DbD8H2wHkPwrHPiCMiH">Tiger Woods</a> romped to a record 15-stroke victory at the 2000 US&nbsp;Open at scenic Pebble Beach.

In the ensuing 19 years, Woods' body has been battered and surgically repaired, the equipment has improved and his hairline is receding.

However, the Pebble Beach Golf Links has remained pretty much unchanged and so has Woods' strategy as the US&nbsp;Open returns to the breath-taking coastal California course.

"That part really hasn't changed that much," said Woods during his pre-tournament press conference on Tuesday. Because of the golf ball is going further than it did back in 2000, I'm slower than I was in 2000. I am about the same distance, so the golf course really doesn't play that much differently for me,'' Woods said.

"It's just a matter of putting the ball in the right spots," Woods added.

Before things turn serious with start of first-round play on Thursday, Woods allowed himself a pleasant stroll down memory lane as he recalled what is arguably the greatest performance in the game's history.

At the height of his powers, a then 24-year-old <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/tiger-woods-to-play-memorial-ahead-of-us-open-221390&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjX0fGI9uPiAhUGf30KHQI_BggQFjADegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0DzAVedIRFPS3vHi2gznAm">Woods </a>demolished the field with a tournament for the ages.

He won his first US&nbsp;Open by what remains the biggest winning margin in major championship golf.

"It's crazy. It's been 19 years. I still remember most of the shots I hit that week. It was just one of those weeks where I don't know how I pulled it off, but on seaside poa annua, I never missed a putt inside 10 feet for a week. It happened to be a very special week. I made everything. And not only that, I was hitting it well. And when I did miss it, I missed it in all the correct spots," reminisced Woods.

Now 43, Woods has reached the stage of his career where each victory carries more significance.

In April, the former world number one completed one of the sport's great all-time comebacks when he ended an 11-year major title drought with an inspiring win at the Masters.

A win on Sunday would give <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/tiger-woods-primed-for-us-open-after-solid-finish-at-memorial-223819&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjX0fGI9uPiAhUGf30KHQI_BggQFjAFegQIDBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0ivFoQm2f890DkOhkETBjT">Woods </a>his 82nd PGA Tour title and leave him two shy of Jack Nicklaus's major record of 18.

Even if he fails to achieve either of those milestones this week, a buoyant Woods reckons time is still on his side with 10 years and 40 majors left to achieve his Holy Grail.

"If I keep progressing how I am physically and how I'm getting better and better physically the last couple of years, I just need to give myself chances. Hypothetically, let's say I give myself 10 years," said Woods.

"That's 40 major championships. That's a lot of majors," added Woods.

Much has changed since Tiger Woods romped to a record 15-stroke victory at the 2000 US Open at scenic Pebble Beach. In the ensuing 19 years, Woods' body has been battered and surgically repaired, the equipment has improved and his hairline is receding.

Much has changed since Tiger Woods romped to a record 15-stroke victory at the 2000 US Open at scenic Pebble Beach. In the ensuing 19 years, Woods' body has been battered and surgically repaired, the equipment has improved and his hairline is receding. However, the Pebble Beach Golf Links has remained pretty much unchanged and so has Woods' strategy as the US Open returns to the breath-taking coastal California course. "That part really hasn't changed that much," said Woods during his pre-tournament press conference on Tuesday. Because of the golf ball is going further than it did back in 2000, I'm slower than I was in 2000. I am about the same distance, so the golf course really doesn't play that much differently for me,'' Woods said. "It's just a matter of putting the ball in the right spots," Woods added. Before things turn serious with start of first-round play on Thursday, Woods allowed himself a pleasant stroll down memory lane as he recalled what is arguably the greatest performance in the game's history. At the height of his powers, a then 24-year-old Woods demolished the field with a tournament for the ages. He won his first US Open by what remains the biggest winning margin in major championship golf. "It's crazy. It's been 19 years. I still remember most of the shots I hit that week. It was just one of those weeks where I don't know how I pulled it off, but on seaside poa annua, I never missed a putt inside 10 feet for a week. It happened to be a very special week. I made everything. And not only that, I was hitting it well. And when I did miss it, I missed it in all the correct spots," reminisced Woods. Now 43, Woods has reached the stage of his career where each victory carries more significance. In April, the former world number one completed one of the sport's great all-time comebacks when he ended an 11-year major title drought with an inspiring win at the Masters. A win on Sunday would give Woods his 82nd PGA Tour title and leave him two shy of Jack Nicklaus's major record of 18. Even if he fails to achieve either of those milestones this week, a buoyant Woods reckons time is still on his side with 10 years and 40 majors left to achieve his Holy Grail. "If I keep progressing how I am physically and how I'm getting better and better physically the last couple of years, I just need to give myself chances. Hypothetically, let's say I give myself 10 years," said Woods. "That's 40 major championships. That's a lot of majors," added Woods.

Tiger Woods takes a stroll down memory lane of 15-stroke victory at 2000 US Open

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=Tiger+Woods">Tiger Woods</a> lit up the Memorial tournament on Sunday with an early feast of birdies during his final round 67 to dispel any doubts about his preparations for next week's US&nbsp;Open.

Woods rolled in seven birdies in 11 holes at Muirfield Village, a venue where he has won a record five times, before a couple of late bogeys had him finish equal ninth at nine-under 279, 10 strokes behind winner Patrick Cantlay.

His momentum was halted by his first bogey at the 14th, where his approach nestled in deep greenside rough, but he was a picture of contentment afterwards.

"I played really well today," Woods told CBS television.

"I hit the ball so crisp and so solid and made some nice putts there on the front nine and had things rolling for a little bit."

Woods will have a week off before heading to Pebble Beach, the seaside California course where he won the 2000 US&nbsp;Open by an astonishing 15 strokes.

Woods won the Masters in April, his 15th major title, but missed the cut at the PGA Championship at Bethpage two weeks ago.

He was feeling under the weather at Bethpage and was clearly a little rusty after not having played a tournament in more than a month.

The 43-year-old was determined to go into the US&nbsp;Open prepared and his trip to the Jack Nicklaus-hosted Memorial served its purpose.

Woods is second on the all-time major championship victory list, three behind Nicklaus.

"I wanted to have something positive going into the Open and kind of sneak up there with a nice little top 10 possibly," Woods said of his goal on Sunday.

"I was never going to win the tournament with where I was at. I wanted to get to double digits (under par) today and I did. I just didn't stay there."

Tiger Woods lit up the Memorial tournament on Sunday with an early feast of birdies during his final round 67 to dispel any doubts about his preparations for next week's US Open.

Tiger Woods lit up the Memorial tournament on Sunday with an early feast of birdies during his final round 67 to dispel any doubts about his preparations for next week's US Open. Woods rolled in seven birdies in 11 holes at Muirfield Village, a venue where he has won a record five times, before a couple of late bogeys had him finish equal ninth at nine-under 279, 10 strokes behind winner Patrick Cantlay. His momentum was halted by his first bogey at the 14th, where his approach nestled in deep greenside rough, but he was a picture of contentment afterwards. "I played really well today," Woods told CBS television. "I hit the ball so crisp and so solid and made some nice putts there on the front nine and had things rolling for a little bit." Woods will have a week off before heading to Pebble Beach, the seaside California course where he won the 2000 US Open by an astonishing 15 strokes. Woods won the Masters in April, his 15th major title, but missed the cut at the PGA Championship at Bethpage two weeks ago. He was feeling under the weather at Bethpage and was clearly a little rusty after not having played a tournament in more than a month. The 43-year-old was determined to go into the US Open prepared and his trip to the Jack Nicklaus-hosted Memorial served its purpose. Woods is second on the all-time major championship victory list, three behind Nicklaus. "I wanted to have something positive going into the Open and kind of sneak up there with a nice little top 10 possibly," Woods said of his goal on Sunday. "I was never going to win the tournament with where I was at. I wanted to get to double digits (under par) today and I did. I just didn't stay there."

Tiger Woods primed for US Open after solid finish at Memorial

US President Donald Trump kicked off the second day of a Japan visit on Sunday with a round of golf with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, engaging in personal diplomacy aimed at smoothing tough discussions over differences on trade.

Trump, dressed in a red pullover, and Abe, wearing a blue blazer and white pants, met on a lawn and smiled for photographers before taking off for their game.

Abe's office later posted a "selfie" picture on the course with Trump and Abe smiling together. Abe said in the post he hoped to make the Japan-US alliance "even more unshakeable."

The president's state visit is meant to showcase the strength of the Japan-US relationship, but tensions over trade have provided a backdrop of uncertainty.

Trump is unhappy with Japan's large trade surplus and is considering putting high tariffs on its auto exports if a bilateral trade agreement is not reached. The United States and China are engaged in an expensive trade war that has pounded financial markets worldwide.

During remarks to business leaders on Saturday night, Trump ribbed Japan over its trading "edge" while saying progress had been made.

"With this deal, we hope to address the trade imbalance, remove barriers to United States exports, and ensure fairness and reciprocity in our relationship. And we're getting closer," he said.

"Just last week, US beef exports gained full access to Japan and to the markets in Japan for the first time since the year 2000. We welcome your support in these efforts, and we hope to have several further announcements soon, and some very big ones over the next few months."

Fox News reported on Sunday that Trump planned to wait until after Japanese elections in July to push for a trade deal, and officials have played down prospects of any major progress on the president's trip.

The two leaders are also likely to discuss North Korea's nuclear and missile programs. Trump said on Sunday he was not concerned about recent missile launches from North Korea and was confident that the country's leader, Kim Jong Un, would keep his promises.

After their golf game, Abe and Trump will attend a sumo tournament.

"I've always found that fascinating," Trump said about Japan's national sport during a meeting with Abe in Washington last month. "So, in fact, we're having a trophy made in this country. We're going to give the trophy to the winner of the championship."

That trophy, now finished, weighs 60-70 pounds and is being called the "President’s Cup," according to a White House official.

Trump will be the first US president to attend such a tournament, according to another US official, and the first to present a cup in the ring.

He is attending the final day of a 15-day tournament.

US President Donald Trump kicked off the second day of a Japan visit on Sunday with a round of golf with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, engaging in personal diplomacy aimed at smoothing tough discussions over differences on trade.

US President Donald Trump kicked off the second day of a Japan visit on Sunday with a round of golf with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, engaging in personal diplomacy aimed at smoothing tough discussions over differences on trade. Trump, dressed in a red pullover, and Abe, wearing a blue blazer and white pants, met on a lawn and smiled for photographers before taking off for their game. Abe's office later posted a "selfie" picture on the course with Trump and Abe smiling together. Abe said in the post he hoped to make the Japan-US alliance "even more unshakeable." The president's state visit is meant to showcase the strength of the Japan-US relationship, but tensions over trade have provided a backdrop of uncertainty. Trump is unhappy with Japan's large trade surplus and is considering putting high tariffs on its auto exports if a bilateral trade agreement is not reached. The United States and China are engaged in an expensive trade war that has pounded financial markets worldwide. During remarks to business leaders on Saturday night, Trump ribbed Japan over its trading "edge" while saying progress had been made. "With this deal, we hope to address the trade imbalance, remove barriers to United States exports, and ensure fairness and reciprocity in our relationship. And we're getting closer," he said. "Just last week, US beef exports gained full access to Japan and to the markets in Japan for the first time since the year 2000. We welcome your support in these efforts, and we hope to have several further announcements soon, and some very big ones over the next few months." Fox News reported on Sunday that Trump planned to wait until after Japanese elections in July to push for a trade deal, and officials have played down prospects of any major progress on the president's trip. The two leaders are also likely to discuss North Korea's nuclear and missile programs. Trump said on Sunday he was not concerned about recent missile launches from North Korea and was confident that the country's leader, Kim Jong Un, would keep his promises. After their golf game, Abe and Trump will attend a sumo tournament. "I've always found that fascinating," Trump said about Japan's national sport during a meeting with Abe in Washington last month. "So, in fact, we're having a trophy made in this country. We're going to give the trophy to the winner of the championship." That trophy, now finished, weighs 60-70 pounds and is being called the "President’s Cup," according to a White House official. Trump will be the first US president to attend such a tournament, according to another US official, and the first to present a cup in the ring. He is attending the final day of a 15-day tournament.

With trade differences in the background, Trump and Abe do diplomacy over golf and sumo

Tiger Woods confirmed Thursday that he will play next week's Memorial Tournament as he aims to rediscover his best form ahead of next month's US Open, tournament organisers said.

Woods, who bagged a dramatic 15th major title at the Masters last month, was brought back down to earth with a bump last week after missing the cut at the US PGA Championship.

The tournament at Bethpage Black was the first competitive golf Woods had played since his emotional victory at Augusta -- his first major title in 11 years -- and the American said he had not practised enough leading into the tournament.

"Just don't feel well and just not able to do it. But resting would be better, so I would have energy to play," he said.

However, he expressed optimism that he could rediscover his best form.

"There's no reason why I can't get up to speed again and crank it back up," he added.&nbsp;

"I've got to start feeling a little bit better first before that happens. We'll do that first and then start cranking it back up again."

Woods has added the Memorial in Dublin, Ohio to his schedule in order to get more rounds in ahead of the US Open, which is being held between June 13-16 at Pebble Beach in California.

The 43 -year-old will be making his 17th appearance the invitational tournament hosted by golf legend Jack Nicklaus at Muirfield Village Golf Club.

He most recently won the event in 2012, when he chipped in for birdie on the event's 70th hole to claim his 73rd PGA Tour victory.

Tiger Woods confirmed Thursday that he will play next week's Memorial Tournament as he aims to rediscover his best form ahead of next month's US Open, tournament organisers said.

Tiger Woods confirmed Thursday that he will play next week's Memorial Tournament as he aims to rediscover his best form ahead of next month's US Open, tournament organisers said. Woods, who bagged a dramatic 15th major title at the Masters last month, was brought back down to earth with a bump last week after missing the cut at the US PGA Championship. The tournament at Bethpage Black was the first competitive golf Woods had played since his emotional victory at Augusta -- his first major title in 11 years -- and the American said he had not practised enough leading into the tournament. "Just don't feel well and just not able to do it. But resting would be better, so I would have energy to play," he said. However, he expressed optimism that he could rediscover his best form. "There's no reason why I can't get up to speed again and crank it back up," he added. "I've got to start feeling a little bit better first before that happens. We'll do that first and then start cranking it back up again." Woods has added the Memorial in Dublin, Ohio to his schedule in order to get more rounds in ahead of the US Open, which is being held between June 13-16 at Pebble Beach in California. The 43 -year-old will be making his 17th appearance the invitational tournament hosted by golf legend Jack Nicklaus at Muirfield Village Golf Club. He most recently won the event in 2012, when he chipped in for birdie on the event's 70th hole to claim his 73rd PGA Tour victory.

Tiger Woods to play Memorial ahead of US Open

Brooks Koepka returned to the top of the world rankings on Monday after his nerve-jangling second straight US PGA Championship victory at Bethpage Black

The Brooks Koepka era underway in Golf

A coronation almost turned into a calamity but Brooks Koepka survived to win the PGA Championship for a second consecutive year on Sunday and establish himself as golf's new top dog.

The American, who had held a seven-stroke lead at the start of the final round, almost lost control of the title when he made four successive bogeys from the 11th hole before staving off Dustin Johnson for a two-stroke victory at Bethpage Black.

Koepka shot a four-over-par 74 to finish at eight-under 272 and captured his fourth major title in his last eight starts in grand slam events.

Johnson (69) was second on six-under, with Americans Jordan Spieth and Patrick Cantlay and Britain's Matt Wallace four strokes further back tied for third.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Final leaderboard from the PGA Championship: 
 
-8 <a href="https://twitter.com/BKoepka?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BKoepka</a> 🏆 
-7 
-6 <a href="https://twitter.com/DJohnsonPGA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DJohnsonPGA</a> 
-5 
-4 
-3 
-2 <a href="https://twitter.com/JordanSpieth?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JordanSpieth</a>, Patrick Cantlay, <a href="https://twitter.com/mattsjwallace?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MattSJWallace</a> 
-1 Luke List 
E Sung Kang 
 
Full scores: <a href="https://t.co/xYdhELrcLf">https://t.co/xYdhELrcLf</a> <a href="https://t.co/qW44Xk8LFU">pic.twitter.com/qW44Xk8LFU</a>
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) <a href="https://twitter.com/PGATOUR/status/1130260508974768128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2019</a></blockquote>
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What had seemed for much of the tournament to be a coronation almost became a calamity on Sunday, to the delight of most of the raucous New York gallery, who were openly cheering against Koepka as he walked off the 14th green with a tenuous one-stroke lead.

He has played with a chip on his shoulder his entire career, and hearing chants in his face of "D.J., D.J." only served to fire him up as he walked down the steep hill and across Round Swamp Road to the 15th tee at Bethpage Black.

Johnson was playing the adjacent 16th hole when the chants went up after Koepka's mini-collapse.

"I wasn't nervous. I was just in shock at what was going on," Koepka said. "When they started chanting D.J. on 14, it actually kind of helped.

"That was probably the best thing that could have happened ... helped me refocus and hit a good one down 15."

Koepka's playing companion Harold Varner III, however, was annoyed by the crowd reaction.

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Never a doubt. 😅🏆 <a href="https://t.co/BHQixzN4eD">pic.twitter.com/BHQixzN4eD</a>
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"I thought it was pretty weird how they were telling Brooks to choke," Varner said.

"That's not my cup of tea. I was pulling for him after that. I have a few choice words for that. Just cheering for him to do bad, I just don't get that."

Johnson, however, subsequently bogeyed the 16th after misjudging his approach shot in the strong and gusty winds and the lead was back up to two strokes.

In becoming the first champion to lead wire-to-wire since Hal Sutton in 1983, Koepka successfully defended his title and also displaced Johnson as world number one.

Koepka, who also won back-to-back US&nbsp;Open titles in 2017-18, admitted his run of bogeys had put him under pressure.

"Tell you what, the hour spent from number 11 to 14 was interesting," Koepka said. "I just got stuck in a bogey train. I just made mistakes at the wrong time.

"You've got to hit good drives and I put it in the rough. I challenge anyone to play this course in 15-to 20 miles-per-hour winds and see what they shoot."

"Today was definitely the most satisfying out of all of them for how stressful that round was, how stressful DJ&nbsp;made it.

"I know for a fact, that was the most excited I've ever been in my life ... on 18."

A coronation almost turned into a calamity but Brooks Koepka survived to win the PGA Championship for a second consecutive year on Sunday and establish himself as golf's new top dog.

A coronation almost turned into a calamity but Brooks Koepka survived to win the PGA Championship for a second consecutive year on Sunday and establish himself as golf's new top dog. The American, who had held a seven-stroke lead at the start of the final round, almost lost control of the title when he made four successive bogeys from the 11th hole before staving off Dustin Johnson for a two-stroke victory at Bethpage Black. Koepka shot a four-over-par 74 to finish at eight-under 272 and captured his fourth major title in his last eight starts in grand slam events. Johnson (69) was second on six-under, with Americans Jordan Spieth and Patrick Cantlay and Britain's Matt Wallace four strokes further back tied for third. Final leaderboard from the PGA Championship: -8 @BKoepka 🏆 -7 -6 @DJohnsonPGA -5 -4 -3 -2 @JordanSpieth, Patrick Cantlay, @MattSJWallace -1 Luke List E Sung Kang Full scores: https://t.co/xYdhELrcLf pic.twitter.com/qW44Xk8LFU — PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) May 19, 2019 × What had seemed for much of the tournament to be a coronation almost became a calamity on Sunday, to the delight of most of the raucous New York gallery, who were openly cheering against Koepka as he walked off the 14th green with a tenuous one-stroke lead. He has played with a chip on his shoulder his entire career, and hearing chants in his face of "D.J., D.J." only served to fire him up as he walked down the steep hill and across Round Swamp Road to the 15th tee at Bethpage Black. Johnson was playing the adjacent 16th hole when the chants went up after Koepka's mini-collapse. "I wasn't nervous. I was just in shock at what was going on," Koepka said. "When they started chanting D.J. on 14, it actually kind of helped. "That was probably the best thing that could have happened ... helped me refocus and hit a good one down 15." Koepka's playing companion Harold Varner III, however, was annoyed by the crowd reaction. Never a doubt. 😅🏆 pic.twitter.com/BHQixzN4eD — PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) May 19, 2019 × "I thought it was pretty weird how they were telling Brooks to choke," Varner said. "That's not my cup of tea. I was pulling for him after that. I have a few choice words for that. Just cheering for him to do bad, I just don't get that." Johnson, however, subsequently bogeyed the 16th after misjudging his approach shot in the strong and gusty winds and the lead was back up to two strokes. In becoming the first champion to lead wire-to-wire since Hal Sutton in 1983, Koepka successfully defended his title and also displaced Johnson as world number one. Koepka, who also won back-to-back US Open titles in 2017-18, admitted his run of bogeys had put him under pressure. "Tell you what, the hour spent from number 11 to 14 was interesting," Koepka said. "I just got stuck in a bogey train. I just made mistakes at the wrong time. "You've got to hit good drives and I put it in the rough. I challenge anyone to play this course in 15-to 20 miles-per-hour winds and see what they shoot." "Today was definitely the most satisfying out of all of them for how stressful that round was, how stressful DJ made it. "I know for a fact, that was the most excited I've ever been in my life ... on 18."

Brooks Koepka survives to win PGA after crowd sense a collapse

Defending champion Brooks Koepka made a flying start at the PGA Championship with a dominant display that appeared set to give him a big lead until inspired New Zealander Danny Lee made a late charge in the first round on Thursday.

Koepka made the gargantuan, rain-softened Bethpage Black layout look easy with a seven-under 63 that matched the second lowest round in any major championship.

Lee almost caught Koepka in the afternoon, the South Korean-born, American-based kiwi finishing in style with birdies at the final two holes for a 64.

The two frontrunners had a handy cushion over third-placed pursuer Tommy Fleetwood, who was four strokes behind Koepka in his bid to become the first English winner in a century.

Tiger Woods, in his first competitive round since winning the Masters a month ago, putted poorly for a 72 in the company of Koepka, while Rory McIlroy shot the same score, finally making his first birdie at the final hole.

Other big names were in striking distance.

Americans Dustin Johnson, Jordan Spieth and Phil Mickelson, and Australian Jason Day, all shot 69 in the afternoon, while top Europeans Justin Rose and Jon Rahm managed 70.

Bethpage's fairways are lined with lush, rain-fuelled rough, and Koepka said keeping his ball straight had been key.

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.<a href="https://twitter.com/BKoepka?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BKoepka</a>'s last four rounds in the PGA Championship: 
 
63 
66 
66 
63<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LiveUnderPar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LiveUnderPar</a> <a href="https://t.co/YlKn2BeDZf">pic.twitter.com/YlKn2BeDZf</a>
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"If you hit fairways you're going to be able to hit greens and get the ball close to the hole," he said.

"So you can definitely shoot a number. I wouldn't be surprised if we saw another good score in the afternoon."

Prophetic words indeed, as Lee showed.

"Whenever I hit it on the fairway I gave it a good look for birdie and made those putts today," said the world number 119, who is playing with new-found confidence after working on his driving distance.

"I'm actually interested in myself what I can do out there this week," said Lee, 28, who has recently become a father.

If Lee milked every last drop out of his round, Koepka left a bit of money on the table.

"I parred two par-fives and missed about a five-footer on number 11 so it could've been a hell of a round," he said.

"Don't get me wrong, I'll take it every day but just need to clean a few things up."

The three-times major champion, who teed off at the 10th hole, bookended his round with monster birdies, a 40-footer at his first and a 33-footer at his last.

Woods was impressed.

"I think that was probably the highest score he could have shot today," Woods said. "He left a few out there."

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Effortless.<a href="https://twitter.com/BKoepka?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BKoepka</a> is the first player to record 63 in back-to-back PGA Championships.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LiveUnderPar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LiveUnderPar</a> <a href="https://t.co/iv0DJoMbXm">pic.twitter.com/iv0DJoMbXm</a>
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Late Bogeys

Woods did well to put a disappointing start behind him but was undone by a trio of late bogeys.

The four-times champion also had a trio of three-putts and his 72 included two double-bogeys, the first one coming right off the bat at his opening hole on a crisp Long Island morning.

"It wasn't as clean as I'd like to have it for sure. Didn't get off to a very good start," said the 15-times major champion.

"Then found my way back around. Got it back under par for the day, and let a couple slip away with a couple bad putts and a couple mistakes at the end."

Koepka, who finished a shot behind Woods at the Masters, is in no mood to let that happen again, and he described his round as one of the best of his career.

"It was great that Tiger won Augusta but we're at a new week now," he said.

"Obviously, everybody in New York is cheering for him. You've just got to keep battling and find a way through it."

Defending champion Brooks Koepka made a flying start at the PGA Championship with a dominant display that appeared set to give him a big lead until inspired New Zealander Danny Lee made a late charge in the first round on Thursday.

Defending champion Brooks Koepka made a flying start at the PGA Championship with a dominant display that appeared set to give him a big lead until inspired New Zealander Danny Lee made a late charge in the first round on Thursday. Koepka made the gargantuan, rain-softened Bethpage Black layout look easy with a seven-under 63 that matched the second lowest round in any major championship. Lee almost caught Koepka in the afternoon, the South Korean-born, American-based kiwi finishing in style with birdies at the final two holes for a 64. The two frontrunners had a handy cushion over third-placed pursuer Tommy Fleetwood, who was four strokes behind Koepka in his bid to become the first English winner in a century. Tiger Woods, in his first competitive round since winning the Masters a month ago, putted poorly for a 72 in the company of Koepka, while Rory McIlroy shot the same score, finally making his first birdie at the final hole. Other big names were in striking distance. Americans Dustin Johnson, Jordan Spieth and Phil Mickelson, and Australian Jason Day, all shot 69 in the afternoon, while top Europeans Justin Rose and Jon Rahm managed 70. Bethpage's fairways are lined with lush, rain-fuelled rough, and Koepka said keeping his ball straight had been key. .@BKoepka's last four rounds in the PGA Championship: 63 66 66 63#LiveUnderPar pic.twitter.com/YlKn2BeDZf — PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) May 16, 2019 × "If you hit fairways you're going to be able to hit greens and get the ball close to the hole," he said. "So you can definitely shoot a number. I wouldn't be surprised if we saw another good score in the afternoon." Prophetic words indeed, as Lee showed. "Whenever I hit it on the fairway I gave it a good look for birdie and made those putts today," said the world number 119, who is playing with new-found confidence after working on his driving distance. "I'm actually interested in myself what I can do out there this week," said Lee, 28, who has recently become a father. If Lee milked every last drop out of his round, Koepka left a bit of money on the table. "I parred two par-fives and missed about a five-footer on number 11 so it could've been a hell of a round," he said. "Don't get me wrong, I'll take it every day but just need to clean a few things up." The three-times major champion, who teed off at the 10th hole, bookended his round with monster birdies, a 40-footer at his first and a 33-footer at his last. Woods was impressed. "I think that was probably the highest score he could have shot today," Woods said. "He left a few out there." Effortless.@BKoepka is the first player to record 63 in back-to-back PGA Championships.#LiveUnderPar pic.twitter.com/iv0DJoMbXm — PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) May 16, 2019 × Late Bogeys Woods did well to put a disappointing start behind him but was undone by a trio of late bogeys. The four-times champion also had a trio of three-putts and his 72 included two double-bogeys, the first one coming right off the bat at his opening hole on a crisp Long Island morning. "It wasn't as clean as I'd like to have it for sure. Didn't get off to a very good start," said the 15-times major champion. "Then found my way back around. Got it back under par for the day, and let a couple slip away with a couple bad putts and a couple mistakes at the end." Koepka, who finished a shot behind Woods at the Masters, is in no mood to let that happen again, and he described his round as one of the best of his career. "It was great that Tiger won Augusta but we're at a new week now," he said. "Obviously, everybody in New York is cheering for him. You've just got to keep battling and find a way through it."

Brooks Koepka makes flying start with 63 to lead PGA Championship

When <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tiger-woods-says-jack-nicklaus-record-in-crosshairs-213630">Tiger Woods won the Masters</a> on April 14th, President Donald Trump declared he was going to award him the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and ordered his aides to schedule the event as soon as possible.

On Monday, Trump got what he asked for. At a ceremony in the sun-splashed White House Rose Garden, Trump made the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tiger-woods-victory-in-masters-a-win-for-golf-business-210868"> 43-year-old Woods the fourth</a>, and youngest, professional golfer to receive the nation's highest civilian honour, after Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Charlie Sifford.

With 81 PGA Tour victories, Woods is one shy of Sam Snead's all-time record, and with 15 major tournament victories, he trails only Nicklaus, who has 18.

But it was his dramatic Masters victory at Augusta National Golf Club last month, ending an 11-year major championship drought, that capped a years-long comeback from injuries and drama in his personal life, including an arrest two years ago for driving under the influence.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/tiger-woods-awarded-the-presidential-medal-of-freedom-216653/embed" width="560" height="350" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" autoplay=1 allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

Trump eagerly leapt onto the Tiger bandwagon. The two have played golf a number of times, most recently with Nicklaus in February at Trump's course in Jupiter, Florida.

At a ceremony attended by several US lawmakers, Trump called Woods "a true legend."

"He's a great guy," said Trump. "He introduced countless new people to the sport of golf, from every background and walk of life. ... Tiger Woods is a global symbol of American excellence, devotion and drive."

Woods, wearing a blue suit (not the Masters green jacket) was joined at the ceremony by his mother, Kultida, his two children, Sam and Charlie, his girlfriend, Erica Herman, and his caddie, Joe LaCava.

"You've seen the good and the bad the highs and the lows, and I wouldn't be here without your help," Woods said.

Speaking directly to his loved ones, Woods added: "You guys have meant so much to me in my life. I've battled and I've tried to hang in there and I've tried to come back and play a great game of golf again."

With the golf world wondering if he has enough high-level golf in him to match Nicklaus' record of 18 majors, Woods left a clue as to his aspirations, calling his recent Masters experience "certainly one of the highest that I've accomplished so far in my life on the golf course."

When Tiger Woods won the Masters on April 14th, President Donald Trump declared he was going to award him the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and ordered his aides to schedule the event as soon as possible.

When Tiger Woods won the Masters on April 14th, President Donald Trump declared he was going to award him the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and ordered his aides to schedule the event as soon as possible. On Monday, Trump got what he asked for. At a ceremony in the sun-splashed White House Rose Garden, Trump made the 43-year-old Woods the fourth, and youngest, professional golfer to receive the nation's highest civilian honour, after Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Charlie Sifford. With 81 PGA Tour victories, Woods is one shy of Sam Snead's all-time record, and with 15 major tournament victories, he trails only Nicklaus, who has 18. But it was his dramatic Masters victory at Augusta National Golf Club last month, ending an 11-year major championship drought, that capped a years-long comeback from injuries and drama in his personal life, including an arrest two years ago for driving under the influence. Trump eagerly leapt onto the Tiger bandwagon. The two have played golf a number of times, most recently with Nicklaus in February at Trump's course in Jupiter, Florida. At a ceremony attended by several US lawmakers, Trump called Woods "a true legend." "He's a great guy," said Trump. "He introduced countless new people to the sport of golf, from every background and walk of life. ... Tiger Woods is a global symbol of American excellence, devotion and drive." Woods, wearing a blue suit (not the Masters green jacket) was joined at the ceremony by his mother, Kultida, his two children, Sam and Charlie, his girlfriend, Erica Herman, and his caddie, Joe LaCava. "You've seen the good and the bad the highs and the lows, and I wouldn't be here without your help," Woods said. Speaking directly to his loved ones, Woods added: "You guys have meant so much to me in my life. I've battled and I've tried to hang in there and I've tried to come back and play a great game of golf again." With the golf world wondering if he has enough high-level golf in him to match Nicklaus' record of 18 majors, Woods left a clue as to his aspirations, calling his recent Masters experience "certainly one of the highest that I've accomplished so far in my life on the golf course."

Trump awards Presidential Medal of Freedom to Tiger Woods

When Tiger Woods won the Masters on April 14, President Donald Trump declared he was going to award him the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and ordered his aides to schedule the event as soon as possible.

Tiger Woods awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom

The United States President Donald Trump has announced that he will reward golfer&nbsp;Tiger Woods with&nbsp;country's highest civilian honour.&nbsp;

The Presidential Medal of Freedom is an award bestowed by the President of the United States.

In the United States, the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Congressional Gold Medal are the highest civilian awards.&nbsp;

Woods capped his remarkable comeback from injuries and personal problems with a victory at the Masters. He captured the green jacket by one stroke for his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tiger-woods-wins-15th-major-title-with-spectacular-masters-victory-210438">15th major title</a> -- but the first since 2008.&nbsp;

Woods had not won at Augusta National since 2005.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Trump himself is a lifelong golfer and owner of golf resorts, wrote on his Twitter handle, "Spoke to @TigerWoods to congratulate him on the great victory he had in yesterday’s @TheMasters."

"Because of his incredible Success &amp; Comeback in Sports (Golf) and, more importantly, LIFE, I will be presenting him with the PRESIDENTIAL MEDAL OF FREEDOM!" Trump said.&nbsp;

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Spoke to <a href="https://twitter.com/TigerWoods?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TigerWoods</a> to congratulate him on the great victory he had in yesterday’s <a href="https://twitter.com/TheMasters?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheMasters</a>, &amp; to inform him that because of his incredible Success &amp; Comeback in Sports (Golf) and, more importantly, LIFE, I will be presenting him with the PRESIDENTIAL MEDAL OF FREEDOM!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1117843954437767168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 15, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Trump is an especially close watcher of the game, being the owner of Trump-brand golf courses and something of a student of the game himself -- although there have been multiple reports, including from established golfers, that he cheats when competing.

The United States President Donald Trump has announced that he will reward golfer Tiger Woods with country's highest civilian honour. The Presidential Medal of Freedom is an award bestowed by the President of the United States.

The United States President Donald Trump has announced that he will reward golfer Tiger Woods with country's highest civilian honour. The Presidential Medal of Freedom is an award bestowed by the President of the United States. In the United States, the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Congressional Gold Medal are the highest civilian awards. Woods capped his remarkable comeback from injuries and personal problems with a victory at the Masters. He captured the green jacket by one stroke for his 15th major title -- but the first since 2008. Woods had not won at Augusta National since 2005. Trump himself is a lifelong golfer and owner of golf resorts, wrote on his Twitter handle, "Spoke to @TigerWoods to congratulate him on the great victory he had in yesterday’s @TheMasters." "Because of his incredible Success & Comeback in Sports (Golf) and, more importantly, LIFE, I will be presenting him with the PRESIDENTIAL MEDAL OF FREEDOM!" Trump said. Spoke to @TigerWoods to congratulate him on the great victory he had in yesterday’s @TheMasters, & to inform him that because of his incredible Success & Comeback in Sports (Golf) and, more importantly, LIFE, I will be presenting him with the PRESIDENTIAL MEDAL OF FREEDOM! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 15, 2019 × Trump is an especially close watcher of the game, being the owner of Trump-brand golf courses and something of a student of the game himself -- although there have been multiple reports, including from established golfers, that he cheats when competing.

Donald Trump to give 'incredible' Tiger Woods Presidential Medal of Freedom

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