American Brian Harman may have walked away with the Claret Jug on a gloomy evening at Royal Liverpool Golf Club on Sunday with a dominant display, but equally impressive was the unwavering grittiness of Shubhankar Sharma, who finished as the only player with a bogey-free final round in demanding conditions to record the best finish by an Indian at The Open Championship.

Harman was never tested and won his first major with a score of 13-under par, six shots ahead of Korea’s Tom Kim (67), who played with a Grade I ligament tear in his ankle, world No3 Spaniard Jon Rahm (70), Australia’s Jason Day (69) and Austrian Sepp Straka (69).

In vicious weather conditions, where a constant drizzle made the golf course play extremely long and significantly different from the other days, Sharma was the only player who did not drop a shot. He finished with a one-under par 71 round and could have easily joined the group in second place, but could not convert several chances he gave himself with a magical display of ball-striking, especially over the back nine.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-west-indies-2nd-test-mohammed-siraj-speaks-on-who-helped-him-take-five-for-on-day-4-618767">India vs West Indies, 2nd Test: Mohammed Siraj speaks on who helped him take five-for on day 4</a>

On the 12th&nbsp;hole, he missed a birdie putt from 10 feet, and then missed an even closer one – this one from 6 feet – on the 13th. But the one that really hurt him was the 10-footer on the par-5 18th&nbsp;hole, after hitting what he called his “shot of the tournament”.

Having laid up with his second, Sharma was left with a 203-yard third shot. His caddie Lyle felt he should hit a four-iron, but he was getting a ‘feel’ for a 5-iron.

“I was talking to my caddie quite a lot on that shot. We had a bit of back and forth where he said 4-iron but for some reason I felt like four was going to be too much. The feeling was very good today. I could feel how I was hitting it,” said Sharma.

“When it’s windy and rainy you can’t really go off TrackMan numbers, you have to feel everything. I just felt five would make it. I told him just give me five, I’ve got this. And I couldn’t have hit a better shot. Landed exactly just over the bunker, rolled up and a good putt as well. If there was one putt I wanted to go in, it was that.”

Sharma has won twice on the DP World Tour, but this eighth-place finish felt even more special.

“They were just very different conditions. However, this is the highest stage of golf, and it felt like this was a true Open Championship where we saw everything from wind to rain to slightly calm conditions to sun to cold,” said Sharma, who turned 27 on Friday.

“I’m very pleased that I held my own until the end. Especially the way I played today. For four rounds to keep it together to the end, very happy. A few putts could have gone in, but I also hit a lot of good putts coming in, so it’s fine.”

Sharma became only the third player from India to finish inside the top-10 in a major championship. Anirban Lahiri’s tied fifth at the 2015 PGA Championship remains the best showing in a major, while Jeev Milkha Singh was tied ninth in the 2008 PGA Championship. However, he did manage to better the Indian record in the Open Championship – a tied 27th&nbsp;by Jyoti Randhawa in 2004.

It was Sharma’s best finish in six majors he has played so far and also earns him an invitation back to the 2024 Open Championship at Royal Troon. In his previous two Open Championships, he was tied 51st&nbsp;both times.

“This finish means a lot, and gives me a lot of confidence that I can play at the highest level, and I know what could have happened if I had made putts yesterday and today. I could have been double digits under par with the way I was hitting it,” said the Chandigarh-based pro.

“There’s so much more to build on. It’s exciting that it still feels like I could have played better than this. Which is very exciting for the future.”

Harman, who started the round at 12-under par, dropped shots on the second and fifth holes to slip to 10-under and within three of the chasing pack. But the 36-year-old knuckled down and made four birdies after that to finish on 13-under par, including a stunning 40-foot birdie putt on the 14th hole that came immediately after a bogey on the 13th.

The first major of 2024 season will be The Masters, to be played in the second week of April.

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American Brian Harman may have walked away with the Claret Jug on a gloomy evening at Royal Liverpool Golf Club on Sunday with a dominant display, but equally impressive was the unwavering grittiness of Shubhankar Sharma, who finished as the only player with a bogey-free final round in demanding conditions to record the best finish by an Indian at The Open Championship.

American Brian Harman may have walked away with the Claret Jug on a gloomy evening at Royal Liverpool Golf Club on Sunday with a dominant display, but equally impressive was the unwavering grittiness of Shubhankar Sharma, who finished as the only player with a bogey-free final round in demanding conditions to record the best finish by an Indian at The Open Championship. Harman was never tested and won his first major with a score of 13-under par, six shots ahead of Korea’s Tom Kim (67), who played with a Grade I ligament tear in his ankle, world No3 Spaniard Jon Rahm (70), Australia’s Jason Day (69) and Austrian Sepp Straka (69). In vicious weather conditions, where a constant drizzle made the golf course play extremely long and significantly different from the other days, Sharma was the only player who did not drop a shot. He finished with a one-under par 71 round and could have easily joined the group in second place, but could not convert several chances he gave himself with a magical display of ball-striking, especially over the back nine. Also Read: India vs West Indies, 2nd Test: Mohammed Siraj speaks on who helped him take five-for on day 4 On the 12th hole, he missed a birdie putt from 10 feet, and then missed an even closer one – this one from 6 feet – on the 13th. But the one that really hurt him was the 10-footer on the par-5 18th hole, after hitting what he called his “shot of the tournament”. Having laid up with his second, Sharma was left with a 203-yard third shot. His caddie Lyle felt he should hit a four-iron, but he was getting a ‘feel’ for a 5-iron. “I was talking to my caddie quite a lot on that shot. We had a bit of back and forth where he said 4-iron but for some reason I felt like four was going to be too much. The feeling was very good today. I could feel how I was hitting it,” said Sharma. “When it’s windy and rainy you can’t really go off TrackMan numbers, you have to feel everything. I just felt five would make it. I told him just give me five, I’ve got this. And I couldn’t have hit a better shot. Landed exactly just over the bunker, rolled up and a good putt as well. If there was one putt I wanted to go in, it was that.” Sharma has won twice on the DP World Tour, but this eighth-place finish felt even more special. “They were just very different conditions. However, this is the highest stage of golf, and it felt like this was a true Open Championship where we saw everything from wind to rain to slightly calm conditions to sun to cold,” said Sharma, who turned 27 on Friday. “I’m very pleased that I held my own until the end. Especially the way I played today. For four rounds to keep it together to the end, very happy. A few putts could have gone in, but I also hit a lot of good putts coming in, so it’s fine.” Sharma became only the third player from India to finish inside the top-10 in a major championship. Anirban Lahiri’s tied fifth at the 2015 PGA Championship remains the best showing in a major, while Jeev Milkha Singh was tied ninth in the 2008 PGA Championship. However, he did manage to better the Indian record in the Open Championship – a tied 27th by Jyoti Randhawa in 2004. It was Sharma’s best finish in six majors he has played so far and also earns him an invitation back to the 2024 Open Championship at Royal Troon. In his previous two Open Championships, he was tied 51st both times. “This finish means a lot, and gives me a lot of confidence that I can play at the highest level, and I know what could have happened if I had made putts yesterday and today. I could have been double digits under par with the way I was hitting it,” said the Chandigarh-based pro. “There’s so much more to build on. It’s exciting that it still feels like I could have played better than this. Which is very exciting for the future.” Harman, who started the round at 12-under par, dropped shots on the second and fifth holes to slip to 10-under and within three of the chasing pack. But the 36-year-old knuckled down and made four birdies after that to finish on 13-under par, including a stunning 40-foot birdie putt on the 14th hole that came immediately after a bogey on the 13th. The first major of 2024 season will be The Masters, to be played in the second week of April. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

The Open: American Brian Harman wins Claret Jug; Shubhankar notches best finish for Indian

Shubhankar Sharma was made to battle hard on his birthday. On a day when he turned 27, the Indian withstood every challenge thrown at him by a blood-thirsty golf course, turned even nastier by a bewitching wind, to put himself into contention at the 151st Open Championship.

Sharma, who started the final major championship of the season and the oldest running sporting event in the world with a three-under par 68 on Thursday, finished with an even-par 71 on Friday to be tied third at three-under par total.

American Brian Harman shot an incredible six-under par 65 in the conditions, including an eagle on the 18th hole, to open a five-shot lead over local favourite Tommy Fleetwood (5-under). Austrian Sepp Straka was third at 4-under par.

It could have been a far happier outing for the Chandigarh-based professional, but for a debilitating double-bogey five on the par-3 17th hole. However, a clutch birdie on the 18th hole left him satisfied with his day’s work.

“Very happy with my round. In fact, I was seeing the scores, and when I played the first two-three holes, I felt the wind was definitely a lot more than what we played yesterday. I told myself a level par round would not be a bad round,” said Sharma.

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“Obviously, I didn’t want that 17 thing to happen and finish level-par like that, but if I look at it as a whole, I’m quite happy. Level par is good and I am still in it.”

The new 17th hole, with an elevated green with severe slopes all around and deep bunkers guarding both side with a waste area at the back, has troubled the best players this week. The only safe spot is the green, which Sharma missed.

“I hit an 8-iron there. The wind was quite strong all day, and the hole before that, we played about a 25-yard wind. It was a slightly different direction,” said Sharma.

“I just tried to be extra cautious, and I pulled it as well, which didn't help. Just rolled into the waste area. Didn’t have a way to get out from there. But I’m happy that I came back with a birdie, and level par for the day. I will take it anyway.”

Sharma wasn’t getting carried away with his position at the halfway stage.

“It’s only the second day, so it really doesn’t matter. Even if I was tied 50th, it’s golf, so you’ve just got to get up, do your process again,” he explained.

“Until it’s the back nine on Sunday, your position really doesn’t matter. You can’t lose a tournament in the first two days. That’s important. I’m happy that I’m in and around the top-10 mark.”

It’s going to be muted celebration for Sharma, and he is hoping to defer the party for Sunday night.

“Nothing today. Mom will cook. I think she will make some rajma and probably bake a cake. A few of my friends are here, as well, so we’ll just chitchat,” said Sharma. “They came today, so it’ll be good fun. There’s some work to be done at the range today, but after that we’ll chill. It was quite late last night when we finished the round, but tomorrow I will hopefully have a late tee time. At least I will have some time to relax today.”

World No1 Scottie Scheffler meeded a birdie on his last hole to survive the cut, which fell at 3-over par 145.

Last week’s Genesis Scottish Open champion Rory McIlroy missed a tap-in putt in his round of 1-under par 70 to move to tied 13th place, while defending champion Cam Smith of Australia hit a stunning second shot on the par-5 18th to less than two feet and made the eagle to get inside the cut and finish in tied 39th place at 2-over par.&nbsp;

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Shubhankar Sharma was made to battle hard on his birthday. On a day when he turned 27, the Indian withstood every challenge thrown at him by a blood-thirsty golf course, turned even nastier by a bewitching wind, to put himself into contention at the 151st Open Championship.

Shubhankar Sharma was made to battle hard on his birthday. On a day when he turned 27, the Indian withstood every challenge thrown at him by a blood-thirsty golf course, turned even nastier by a bewitching wind, to put himself into contention at the 151st Open Championship. Sharma, who started the final major championship of the season and the oldest running sporting event in the world with a three-under par 68 on Thursday, finished with an even-par 71 on Friday to be tied third at three-under par total. American Brian Harman shot an incredible six-under par 65 in the conditions, including an eagle on the 18th hole, to open a five-shot lead over local favourite Tommy Fleetwood (5-under). Austrian Sepp Straka was third at 4-under par. It could have been a far happier outing for the Chandigarh-based professional, but for a debilitating double-bogey five on the par-3 17th hole. However, a clutch birdie on the 18th hole left him satisfied with his day’s work. “Very happy with my round. In fact, I was seeing the scores, and when I played the first two-three holes, I felt the wind was definitely a lot more than what we played yesterday. I told myself a level par round would not be a bad round,” said Sharma. ALSO READ: NFL: Jets coach Robert Saleh 'would be shocked' if QB Aaron Rodgers pulled one-and-done “Obviously, I didn’t want that 17 thing to happen and finish level-par like that, but if I look at it as a whole, I’m quite happy. Level par is good and I am still in it.” The new 17th hole, with an elevated green with severe slopes all around and deep bunkers guarding both side with a waste area at the back, has troubled the best players this week. The only safe spot is the green, which Sharma missed. “I hit an 8-iron there. The wind was quite strong all day, and the hole before that, we played about a 25-yard wind. It was a slightly different direction,” said Sharma. “I just tried to be extra cautious, and I pulled it as well, which didn't help. Just rolled into the waste area. Didn’t have a way to get out from there. But I’m happy that I came back with a birdie, and level par for the day. I will take it anyway.” Sharma wasn’t getting carried away with his position at the halfway stage. “It’s only the second day, so it really doesn’t matter. Even if I was tied 50th, it’s golf, so you’ve just got to get up, do your process again,” he explained. “Until it’s the back nine on Sunday, your position really doesn’t matter. You can’t lose a tournament in the first two days. That’s important. I’m happy that I’m in and around the top-10 mark.” It’s going to be muted celebration for Sharma, and he is hoping to defer the party for Sunday night. “Nothing today. Mom will cook. I think she will make some rajma and probably bake a cake. A few of my friends are here, as well, so we’ll just chitchat,” said Sharma. “They came today, so it’ll be good fun. There’s some work to be done at the range today, but after that we’ll chill. It was quite late last night when we finished the round, but tomorrow I will hopefully have a late tee time. At least I will have some time to relax today.” World No1 Scottie Scheffler meeded a birdie on his last hole to survive the cut, which fell at 3-over par 145. Last week’s Genesis Scottish Open champion Rory McIlroy missed a tap-in putt in his round of 1-under par 70 to move to tied 13th place, while defending champion Cam Smith of Australia hit a stunning second shot on the par-5 18th to less than two feet and made the eagle to get inside the cut and finish in tied 39th place at 2-over par. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

The Open: 'I’m happy I’m in and around the top-10 mark', says India's Shubhankar Sharma

Former world number one Ernie Els said the PGA Tour board should step down over the decision to merge their commercial operations with the LIV Series and described the Saudi-backed breakaway circuit as "circus golf".

Els said the way the PGA Tour went about the merger without player input was an "absolute shambles" and that PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan would not still be in the role if it was up to him. "If this happened in my day, in my prime, there's no way he is around. No way. And the board has to change," the 53-year-old told reporters at the Royal Liverpool Golf Club, where he shot a 75 in the first round of the British Open.

"I'm sorry, it's not right. Talk to us, tell us what you're going to do, plan on negotiating. Don't just go rogue as a member of the board and come back with a deal and think we're all going to say 'yes'. "You're affecting people's lives. You're affecting the professional game. It's just so bad."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nfl-confirms-sale-of-washington-commanders-to-harris-group-for-whopping-605-billion-617989">NFL confirms sale of Washington Commanders to Harris group for whopping $6.05 billion</a>

Els said he was no fan of LIV's team aspect or its 54-hole, no-cut format. "This is circus golf. Team golf doesn't work," added Els, who won the British Open in 2002 and 2012. "It works maybe in a two-month, three-month happy season. "Get these guys together, get teams together and play around the world. But then play real golf.

"That's what this thing is all about. That's what I prided myself on, like Tiger (Woods) and some of these guys, getting yourself into majors and grinding."

Former world number one Ernie Els said the PGA Tour board should step down over the decision to merge their commercial operations with the LIV Series and described the Saudi-backed breakaway circuit as "circus golf".

Former world number one Ernie Els said the PGA Tour board should step down over the decision to merge their commercial operations with the LIV Series and described the Saudi-backed breakaway circuit as "circus golf". Els said the way the PGA Tour went about the merger without player input was an "absolute shambles" and that PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan would not still be in the role if it was up to him. "If this happened in my day, in my prime, there's no way he is around. No way. And the board has to change," the 53-year-old told reporters at the Royal Liverpool Golf Club, where he shot a 75 in the first round of the British Open. "I'm sorry, it's not right. Talk to us, tell us what you're going to do, plan on negotiating. Don't just go rogue as a member of the board and come back with a deal and think we're all going to say 'yes'. "You're affecting people's lives. You're affecting the professional game. It's just so bad." Also read: NFL confirms sale of Washington Commanders to Harris group for whopping $6.05 billion Els said he was no fan of LIV's team aspect or its 54-hole, no-cut format. "This is circus golf. Team golf doesn't work," added Els, who won the British Open in 2002 and 2012. "It works maybe in a two-month, three-month happy season. "Get these guys together, get teams together and play around the world. But then play real golf. "That's what this thing is all about. That's what I prided myself on, like Tiger (Woods) and some of these guys, getting yourself into majors and grinding."

Former world number 1 Ernie Els blasts PGA Tour board over merger with 'circus golf' LIV series

The best golfers in the world have assembled in Liverpool for the 151st staging of The Open, golf's oldest major. The race for the Claret Jug comes amid the ceasefire in professional golf and the build-up for once, isn't dominated by politics. There is just one Indian in the field at The Royal Liverpool Golf Club- Shubhankar Sharma. The 26-year-old spoke to Wion's Esha Hanspal ahead of the tournament.

India's Shubhankar Sharma on his chances at the open

There are many UK doubles waiting to be celebrated as the 151st Open Championship begins at the Royal Liverpool Golf Club on Thursday, July 20. 
&nbsp; 
It starts with Australia's defending champion Cameron Smith and Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy. 
&nbsp; 
Smith, winner last year at the Old Course in St Andrews in sensational fashion, registered his first-ever LIV Golf title in Centurion Club near London less than a fortnight ago. 
&nbsp; 
Mcllroy, who was the champion when The Open was last played last played here in 2014, won the Genesis Scottish Open in North Berwick in Scotland last week. 
&nbsp; 
And then there is the former world No1 Jon Rahm, who is trying to make it a Spanish double, following his compatriot Carlos Alcaraz’s thrilling Wimbledon win over Novak Djokovic on Sunday. 
&nbsp; 
You can also add the only Indian player in the field, Shubhankar Sharma, to that list. He turns 27 on Friday and will be hoping for his double celebration on Sunday. 
&nbsp; 
Last year, it was Smith’s unbelievable putting display that helped him edge Mcllroy and Cam Young on the final day. At Royal Liverpool, the title will probably be decided by who is the best off the tee and Mcllroy has an edge there. 
&nbsp; 
When he won in 2014, Mcllroy was in imperious form with his driver and brought the golf course to its knees by playing the par-5s to 12-under par for the four days, making nine birdies and two eagles en route to a 17-under par total. 
&nbsp; 
The course will play more difficult this year with the 10th hole being reduced to a par-4, but even then it will be to his advantage. With his length, the world No2 will be able to clear many of the fairway pot bunkers, some of them so deep that the only option would be to play out sideways. 
&nbsp; 
When Tiger Woods won here in 2006, he famously used the driver only once and plotted his way around the golf course like a game of chess – vying for positions rather than distance. 
&nbsp; 
A bit of the bite has been taken out of Royal Liverpool with the heavy rains over the past week. The fairways and greens are soft, which may not result in the nearly 60-70 yards of roll that was the case when the turf was bone dry. 
&nbsp; 
Smith may have dropped down from the career-high of No2 in the world ranking to No7, but that has more to do with the fact that he moved to LIV Golf, which has been denied ranking points thus far. He has shown time and again that his short-game magic is still intact, but it is the driver that has been giving him issues.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/asia-cup-2023-ind-vs-pak-on-sep-2-headlines-continental-event-pakistan-to-host-four-matches-617529">Asia Cup 2023: India vs Pakistan on Sep 2 headlines final schedule; summit clash on 17th in Colombo</a> 
&nbsp; 
The soft-spoken but fiercely passionate Rahm, who started the season winning three titles in the first seven weeks of the year, has cooled down considerably. He notched up a top-10 in the US Open last week and has done extremely well on links courses with his short game and imagination. 
&nbsp; 
We haven’t yet spoken of the reigning world No1. Scottie Scheffler is having a most incredible stretch, in which he has never finished outside the top 12 in 18 starts this PGA Tour season, apart from winning twice. That’s almost Tiger Woods-like dominance. The difference that links courses make would be a challenge, but the Texan showed he is warming up to them with a tied third place last week in Scotland. 
&nbsp; 
The resurgent Rickie Fowler and the consistent Viktor Hovland would be two players with the form and ability to upstage the favourites. 
&nbsp; 
Sharma, who has made the cut in his two previous Open starts, said of the championship: “It falls on my birthday week. I guess that is also one of the reasons why I like it even more. Even when I was a kid, The Open used to be a double celebration. The last time I played the Open at Royal Portrush, it was on a Sunday and a Friday in Carnoustie. This is a tournament that has always given me good vibes.” 
&nbsp; 
The tournament starts Thursday.

(Author:&nbsp;Joy Chakravarty (@TheJoyofGolf) is a Dubai-based golf journalist who has been associated with the sport for nearly three decades. A former media manager of the PGA Indian Tour, he has covered over 25 major championships and Ryder Cups)

&nbsp;

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There are many UK doubles waiting to be celebrated as the 151st Open Championship begins at the Royal Liverpool Golf Club on Thursday, July 20. It starts with Australia's defending champion Cameron Smith and Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy.

There are many UK doubles waiting to be celebrated as the 151st Open Championship begins at the Royal Liverpool Golf Club on Thursday, July 20. It starts with Australia's defending champion Cameron Smith and Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy. Smith, winner last year at the Old Course in St Andrews in sensational fashion, registered his first-ever LIV Golf title in Centurion Club near London less than a fortnight ago. Mcllroy, who was the champion when The Open was last played last played here in 2014, won the Genesis Scottish Open in North Berwick in Scotland last week. And then there is the former world No1 Jon Rahm, who is trying to make it a Spanish double, following his compatriot Carlos Alcaraz’s thrilling Wimbledon win over Novak Djokovic on Sunday. You can also add the only Indian player in the field, Shubhankar Sharma, to that list. He turns 27 on Friday and will be hoping for his double celebration on Sunday. Last year, it was Smith’s unbelievable putting display that helped him edge Mcllroy and Cam Young on the final day. At Royal Liverpool, the title will probably be decided by who is the best off the tee and Mcllroy has an edge there. When he won in 2014, Mcllroy was in imperious form with his driver and brought the golf course to its knees by playing the par-5s to 12-under par for the four days, making nine birdies and two eagles en route to a 17-under par total. The course will play more difficult this year with the 10th hole being reduced to a par-4, but even then it will be to his advantage. With his length, the world No2 will be able to clear many of the fairway pot bunkers, some of them so deep that the only option would be to play out sideways. When Tiger Woods won here in 2006, he famously used the driver only once and plotted his way around the golf course like a game of chess – vying for positions rather than distance. A bit of the bite has been taken out of Royal Liverpool with the heavy rains over the past week. The fairways and greens are soft, which may not result in the nearly 60-70 yards of roll that was the case when the turf was bone dry. Smith may have dropped down from the career-high of No2 in the world ranking to No7, but that has more to do with the fact that he moved to LIV Golf, which has been denied ranking points thus far. He has shown time and again that his short-game magic is still intact, but it is the driver that has been giving him issues. ALSO READ | Asia Cup 2023: India vs Pakistan on Sep 2 headlines final schedule; summit clash on 17th in Colombo The soft-spoken but fiercely passionate Rahm, who started the season winning three titles in the first seven weeks of the year, has cooled down considerably. He notched up a top-10 in the US Open last week and has done extremely well on links courses with his short game and imagination. We haven’t yet spoken of the reigning world No1. Scottie Scheffler is having a most incredible stretch, in which he has never finished outside the top 12 in 18 starts this PGA Tour season, apart from winning twice. That’s almost Tiger Woods-like dominance. The difference that links courses make would be a challenge, but the Texan showed he is warming up to them with a tied third place last week in Scotland. The resurgent Rickie Fowler and the consistent Viktor Hovland would be two players with the form and ability to upstage the favourites. Sharma, who has made the cut in his two previous Open starts, said of the championship: “It falls on my birthday week. I guess that is also one of the reasons why I like it even more. Even when I was a kid, The Open used to be a double celebration. The last time I played the Open at Royal Portrush, it was on a Sunday and a Friday in Carnoustie. This is a tournament that has always given me good vibes.” The tournament starts Thursday. (Author: Joy Chakravarty (@TheJoyofGolf) is a Dubai-based golf journalist who has been associated with the sport for nearly three decades. A former media manager of the PGA Indian Tour, he has covered over 25 major championships and Ryder Cups) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

The Open: McIlroy, Smith gather at Royal Liverpool Golf Course as veterans look to stamp authority

There is no extra motivation for Cameron Smith as he prepares to defend his Open Championship title because he wants to prove a point for LIV Golf. The Australian is inspired to do well for his own sake. The 29-year-old from Brisbane capped a stunning 2022 when he won the 150th Open Championship, putting together a remarkable back nine with six birdies on Sunday at St Andrews for his first career major title. Smith started the day four shots behind third-round leader Rory McIlroy and beat him by two shots. American Cam Young was the solo second, one behind Smith.

Shortly after that magical evening, Smith became the highest-ranked player in the world at the time to join the Saudi Arabia-backed LIV Golf. The Greg Norman-led Tour had a running battle against the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour before hostilities came to a sudden end last month as the Tour shook hands with Public Investment Fund, the Saudi sovereign fund, and agreed to work together.

“I think LIV aside, I’m determined to try my best every week and just try and be a better golfer than I was last week,” said the world No 7, who won the LIV Golf title two weeks ago in England.

“I never really expect too much of myself. The thing I expect are doing everything 100 per cent, ticking all the boxes early in the week, making sure I’m prepared, and then just go out there and give it my all. That’s all I can really do.

“I think I’ve done that fantastic this year and especially last year. It was so good last year that you almost expected to win everything. I think that’s not really a good way to look at golf. Just expect to do all the things that you’re meant to do 100 per cent and then go out there and give it a crack. And if you win, you win.”

Smith sounded an ominous warning for the field, which also includes India’s Shubhankar Sharma, saying he feels he is playing even better than he did last year.

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British Open will be held from July 20-23 in Liverpool.

&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/golf-id-rather-retire-than-play-liv-golf-says-world-number-three-rory-mcilroy-615246">Golf: I'd rather retire than play LIV Golf, says world number three Rory McIlroy</a>

“I think as a person, I am the same. I think my old boy would give me a clip around the ears if I was any different,” said Smith. “As a golfer, I think I’m actually better now than what I was last year. I think the stuff that I had to clean up is progressing. It’s still a little bit of a work in progress. My 5-iron and up has always been a bit of a struggle for me, and that’s an area of the game that we’ve worked probably harder than we have on in the past. I feel like it’s right there. It just has to come together.

“I think the first round I had at Centurion a couple of weeks ago was the first time where I felt like it had all come together. And then, the driver wasn’t my best friend on the weekend there. But I managed to kind of scramble out a good week. It feels really close.”

Even though a truce has been signed, there is still a lot of uncertainty with the PIF agreement, and many PGA Tour players have not taken lightly to the fact that it was done without keeping them in the loop.

There have been talks that LIV Golf might cease to exist in the future and all its players are re-inducted in the PGA Tour, but Smith said he was optimistic about the future of LIV Golf.

“Yeah, I’m absolutely optimistic. I think golf is in a great spot. There’s obviously a lot of things that are up in the air that no one really knows at the moment. I don’t think even the guys that are trying to sort it out really know what this outcome is going to be like.

“A lot of uncertainty, but I’m optimistic that LIV will be around in the future. “Like I’ve said in the past, the PGA Tour is a great place to play golf, and it will be for a very long time. But by joining LIV, I don’t think there was any part of me that made me think I made the wrong decision throughout these last eight or nine months.”

The 151st Open Championship, the last major of the golf season, starts Thursday.

(Author:&nbsp;Joy Chakravarty (@TheJoyofGolf) is a Dubai-based golf journalist who has been associated with the sport for nearly three decades. A former media manager of the PGA Indian Tour, he has covered over 25 major championships and Ryder Cups)

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There is no extra motivation for Cameron Smith as he prepares to defend his Open Championship title because he wants to prove a point for LIV Golf. The Australian is inspired to do well for his own sake.

There is no extra motivation for Cameron Smith as he prepares to defend his Open Championship title because he wants to prove a point for LIV Golf. The Australian is inspired to do well for his own sake. The 29-year-old from Brisbane capped a stunning 2022 when he won the 150th Open Championship, putting together a remarkable back nine with six birdies on Sunday at St Andrews for his first career major title. Smith started the day four shots behind third-round leader Rory McIlroy and beat him by two shots. American Cam Young was the solo second, one behind Smith. Shortly after that magical evening, Smith became the highest-ranked player in the world at the time to join the Saudi Arabia-backed LIV Golf. The Greg Norman-led Tour had a running battle against the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour before hostilities came to a sudden end last month as the Tour shook hands with Public Investment Fund, the Saudi sovereign fund, and agreed to work together. “I think LIV aside, I’m determined to try my best every week and just try and be a better golfer than I was last week,” said the world No 7, who won the LIV Golf title two weeks ago in England. “I never really expect too much of myself. The thing I expect are doing everything 100 per cent, ticking all the boxes early in the week, making sure I’m prepared, and then just go out there and give it my all. That’s all I can really do. “I think I’ve done that fantastic this year and especially last year. It was so good last year that you almost expected to win everything. I think that’s not really a good way to look at golf. Just expect to do all the things that you’re meant to do 100 per cent and then go out there and give it a crack. And if you win, you win.” Smith sounded an ominous warning for the field, which also includes India’s Shubhankar Sharma, saying he feels he is playing even better than he did last year. British Open will be held from July 20-23 in Liverpool. Also read: Golf: I'd rather retire than play LIV Golf, says world number three Rory McIlroy “I think as a person, I am the same. I think my old boy would give me a clip around the ears if I was any different,” said Smith. “As a golfer, I think I’m actually better now than what I was last year. I think the stuff that I had to clean up is progressing. It’s still a little bit of a work in progress. My 5-iron and up has always been a bit of a struggle for me, and that’s an area of the game that we’ve worked probably harder than we have on in the past. I feel like it’s right there. It just has to come together. “I think the first round I had at Centurion a couple of weeks ago was the first time where I felt like it had all come together. And then, the driver wasn’t my best friend on the weekend there. But I managed to kind of scramble out a good week. It feels really close.” Even though a truce has been signed, there is still a lot of uncertainty with the PIF agreement, and many PGA Tour players have not taken lightly to the fact that it was done without keeping them in the loop. There have been talks that LIV Golf might cease to exist in the future and all its players are re-inducted in the PGA Tour, but Smith said he was optimistic about the future of LIV Golf. “Yeah, I’m absolutely optimistic. I think golf is in a great spot. There’s obviously a lot of things that are up in the air that no one really knows at the moment. I don’t think even the guys that are trying to sort it out really know what this outcome is going to be like. “A lot of uncertainty, but I’m optimistic that LIV will be around in the future. “Like I’ve said in the past, the PGA Tour is a great place to play golf, and it will be for a very long time. But by joining LIV, I don’t think there was any part of me that made me think I made the wrong decision throughout these last eight or nine months.” The 151st Open Championship, the last major of the golf season, starts Thursday. (Author: Joy Chakravarty (@TheJoyofGolf) is a Dubai-based golf journalist who has been associated with the sport for nearly three decades. A former media manager of the PGA Indian Tour, he has covered over 25 major championships and Ryder Cups) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

The Open: In-form Cameron Smith ready for title defence

The winner of this year's British Open Championship will collect a record $3 million in prize money, the R&amp;A announced on Wednesday. It will be the highest amount in the tournament's history, with an 18% increase from 2022, which was won by Australian Cameron Smith. "Our aim is to ensure The Open remains at the pinnacle of world golf and we have almost doubled the prize fund since 2016," the CEO of R&amp;A Martin Slumbers said in a statement.

"While we are seeing substantial increases in prize money across the men's professional game, we are fulfilling our wider obligation to the sport by elevating the AIG Women's Open, strengthening pathways in the elite amateur game and encouraging more people around the world to play golf. "We believe that getting this balance right is vital to the long-term future of the sport."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nfl-saints-running-back-alvin-kamara-agrees-to-plea-deal-in-las-vegas-incident-614792">NFL: Saints running back Alvin Kamara agrees to plea deal in Las Vegas incident</a>

The sport's oldest championship will boost their prize fund further if more than 70 professional golfers qualify for the final two rounds.&nbsp;This year's championship, the 151st, will be played at Royal Liverpool from July 16-23.

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The winner of this year's British Open Championship will collect a record $3 million in prize money, the R&A announced on Wednesday. It will be the highest amount in the tournament's history, with an 18% increase from 2022, which was won by Australian Cameron Smith.

The winner of this year's British Open Championship will collect a record $3 million in prize money, the R&A announced on Wednesday. It will be the highest amount in the tournament's history, with an 18% increase from 2022, which was won by Australian Cameron Smith. "Our aim is to ensure The Open remains at the pinnacle of world golf and we have almost doubled the prize fund since 2016," the CEO of R&A Martin Slumbers said in a statement. "While we are seeing substantial increases in prize money across the men's professional game, we are fulfilling our wider obligation to the sport by elevating the AIG Women's Open, strengthening pathways in the elite amateur game and encouraging more people around the world to play golf. "We believe that getting this balance right is vital to the long-term future of the sport." Also Read: NFL: Saints running back Alvin Kamara agrees to plea deal in Las Vegas incident The sport's oldest championship will boost their prize fund further if more than 70 professional golfers qualify for the final two rounds. This year's championship, the 151st, will be played at Royal Liverpool from July 16-23. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Golf: Bumper hike! British Open announces record prize money

Rory&nbsp;McIlroy&nbsp;said he would rather retire from the sport than sign up for LIV Golf after proposals came to light to offer the former world number one his own team on the breakaway circuit. At a senate hearing earlier this week, a proposal was revealed for both Tiger Woods and&nbsp;McIlroy, two of the sport's biggest names, to own LIV Golf teams and participate in at least 10 events on the rival Saudi-backed circuit.

But&nbsp;McIlroy, who said he did not watch the hearing, said he would have rebuffed any such proposal. "If LIV Golf was the last place to play golf on earth I would retire. That's how I feel about it,"&nbsp;McIlroy&nbsp;said after he carded an opening round of 64 at the Scottish Open on Thursday.

"There's quite a bit of apathy towards everything at the moment. There wasn't a lot of new information there for me (in the hearing), there maybe was for other people." The PGA Tour, European Tour and Saudi-backed LIV Golf circuit announced a landmark agreement last month to merge and form a commercial entity to unify golf.

PGA Tour Chief Operating Officer Ron Price and board member Jimmy Dunne testified before the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations. At the hearing, the framework agreement with Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund was described as an attempt by its government to "buy influence" in U.S. sports.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-ons-jabeur-and-marketa-vondrousova-to-lock-horns-in-wimbledon-2023-final-615235">Tennis: Ons Jabeur and Marketa Vondrousova to lock horns in Wimbledon 2023 final</a>

"As I said, I've almost been too close to it over the last year and a bit so it's nice to be able to try to distance myself a bit from it,"&nbsp;McIlroy&nbsp;added. "I think I'm apathetic to all the noise around it and as long as the tournaments that I play keep on existing I'll be very happy to play them and be a professional golfer."

McIlroy&nbsp;had been one of the PGA Tour's most vocal backers when LIV Golf poached the world's best players. But the four-times major champion later conceded that the new partnership will ultimately be good for professional golf, saying those who were loyal to the PGA Tour should be compensated.

"I think they were trying to do what was right for the Tour, which in turn means what's right for the players on that Tour,"&nbsp;McIlroy&nbsp;said. "I think I read a quote: "they were negotiating their survival', so I think that's a very fair thing for a business to do."

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Rory McIlroy said he would rather retire from the sport than sign up for LIV Golf after proposals came to light to offer the former world number one his own team on the breakaway circuit.

Rory McIlroy said he would rather retire from the sport than sign up for LIV Golf after proposals came to light to offer the former world number one his own team on the breakaway circuit. At a senate hearing earlier this week, a proposal was revealed for both Tiger Woods and McIlroy, two of the sport's biggest names, to own LIV Golf teams and participate in at least 10 events on the rival Saudi-backed circuit. But McIlroy, who said he did not watch the hearing, said he would have rebuffed any such proposal. "If LIV Golf was the last place to play golf on earth I would retire. That's how I feel about it," McIlroy said after he carded an opening round of 64 at the Scottish Open on Thursday. "There's quite a bit of apathy towards everything at the moment. There wasn't a lot of new information there for me (in the hearing), there maybe was for other people." The PGA Tour, European Tour and Saudi-backed LIV Golf circuit announced a landmark agreement last month to merge and form a commercial entity to unify golf. PGA Tour Chief Operating Officer Ron Price and board member Jimmy Dunne testified before the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations. At the hearing, the framework agreement with Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund was described as an attempt by its government to "buy influence" in U.S. sports. Also Read: Tennis: Ons Jabeur and Marketa Vondrousova to lock horns in Wimbledon 2023 final "As I said, I've almost been too close to it over the last year and a bit so it's nice to be able to try to distance myself a bit from it," McIlroy added. "I think I'm apathetic to all the noise around it and as long as the tournaments that I play keep on existing I'll be very happy to play them and be a professional golfer." McIlroy had been one of the PGA Tour's most vocal backers when LIV Golf poached the world's best players. But the four-times major champion later conceded that the new partnership will ultimately be good for professional golf, saying those who were loyal to the PGA Tour should be compensated. "I think they were trying to do what was right for the Tour, which in turn means what's right for the players on that Tour," McIlroy said. "I think I read a quote: "they were negotiating their survival', so I think that's a very fair thing for a business to do." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Golf: I'd rather retire than play LIV Golf, says world number three Rory McIlroy

American Allisen Corpuz captured her first LPGA victory in dramatic fashion on Sunday, firing a three-under par 69 to win the US Women's Open by three strokes.

The 25-year-old from Honolulu finished 72 holes at Pebble Beach on nine-under 279 to defeat England's Charley Hull, who fired a final-round 66, and South Korean Shin Ji-yai, who shot 68.

"Unreal. This week has just felt like a dream come true," Corpuz said. "It has been just awesome to be out at Pebble this week."

Japan's Nasa Hataoka, the 54-hole leader, finished with a 76 to share fourth on 285 with American Bailey Tardy while Japan's Ayaka Furue and South Korean Kim Hyo-joo shared sixth on 286.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wimbledon-2023-andrey-rublev-goes-past-alexander-bublik-in-five-set-thriller-to-seal-quarters-berth-613675">Wimbledon 2023: Andrey Rublev goes past Alexander Bublik in five-set thriller to seal quarters berth</a>

Corpuz had shared a major lead at the Chevron Championship earlier this year before settling for fourth, a hint of the promise she made real at the iconic California seaside course where such legends as Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus have hoisted trophies.

"I've played a little conservatively in the past and just went out there and told myself I had the game to do it today," Corpuz said. "Little nervous at times but pretty comfortable."

A turning point came at the par-3 12th when leader Corpuz blasted out of a bunker and made a 16-foot par putt while Hataoka missed a five-foot par putt moments later to fall two adrift of the American.

Hull sank a 30-foot birdie putt at the par-5 16th to pull within two on 6-under with Hataoka making bogey at 14 to fall back.

Corpuz responded moments later by sinking a seven-foot birdie putt at the par-5 14th and when she added another from four feet at 15, she reached 10-under and surged ahead of Hull by four shots.

Corpuz had a bogey at the par-3 17th but still finished as the only player to crack par in all four rounds.

"Every few holes I just looked out and said I'm at Pebble Beach, there's not many places that are better than this," Corpuz said. "So really just tried to stay grounded and keep playing my game."

Corpuz made a five-foot birdie putt on the opening hole, saved par with a 10-foot putt at the par-5 second, followed with a 12-foot birdie at the third, then missed a six-foot par putt to bogey the fourth after missing the green with her approach.

She sank a birdie putt from just outside 10 feet at the par-3 seventh, missed the green on her approach and took a bogey at the ninth, then answered at 10 with a birdie putt from just inside nine feet.

Hull had six birdies, two bogeys and an eagle in her 66, the day's low round.

"I just got off to a fast start," Hull said. "I've been so focused and working on my game hard and today it just all clicked."

World number 20 Hataoka fell short in her bid to become the third Japanese woman to win a major title. She had runner-up major finishes as the 2018 Women's PGA Championship and the 2021 US Women's Open at The Olympic Club in nearby San Francisco.

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American Allisen Corpuz captured her first LPGA victory in dramatic fashion on Sunday, firing a three-under par 69 to win the US Women's Open by three strokes. The 25-year-old from Honolulu finished 72 holes at Pebble Beach on nine-under 279 to defeat England's Charley Hull, who fired a final-round 66, and South Korean Shin Ji-yai, who shot 68.

American Allisen Corpuz captured her first LPGA victory in dramatic fashion on Sunday, firing a three-under par 69 to win the US Women's Open by three strokes. The 25-year-old from Honolulu finished 72 holes at Pebble Beach on nine-under 279 to defeat England's Charley Hull, who fired a final-round 66, and South Korean Shin Ji-yai, who shot 68. "Unreal. This week has just felt like a dream come true," Corpuz said. "It has been just awesome to be out at Pebble this week." Japan's Nasa Hataoka, the 54-hole leader, finished with a 76 to share fourth on 285 with American Bailey Tardy while Japan's Ayaka Furue and South Korean Kim Hyo-joo shared sixth on 286. Also Read: Wimbledon 2023: Andrey Rublev goes past Alexander Bublik in five-set thriller to seal quarters berth Corpuz had shared a major lead at the Chevron Championship earlier this year before settling for fourth, a hint of the promise she made real at the iconic California seaside course where such legends as Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus have hoisted trophies. "I've played a little conservatively in the past and just went out there and told myself I had the game to do it today," Corpuz said. "Little nervous at times but pretty comfortable." A turning point came at the par-3 12th when leader Corpuz blasted out of a bunker and made a 16-foot par putt while Hataoka missed a five-foot par putt moments later to fall two adrift of the American. Hull sank a 30-foot birdie putt at the par-5 16th to pull within two on 6-under with Hataoka making bogey at 14 to fall back. Corpuz responded moments later by sinking a seven-foot birdie putt at the par-5 14th and when she added another from four feet at 15, she reached 10-under and surged ahead of Hull by four shots. Corpuz had a bogey at the par-3 17th but still finished as the only player to crack par in all four rounds. "Every few holes I just looked out and said I'm at Pebble Beach, there's not many places that are better than this," Corpuz said. "So really just tried to stay grounded and keep playing my game." Corpuz made a five-foot birdie putt on the opening hole, saved par with a 10-foot putt at the par-5 second, followed with a 12-foot birdie at the third, then missed a six-foot par putt to bogey the fourth after missing the green with her approach. She sank a birdie putt from just outside 10 feet at the par-3 seventh, missed the green on her approach and took a bogey at the ninth, then answered at 10 with a birdie putt from just inside nine feet. Hull had six birdies, two bogeys and an eagle in her 66, the day's low round. "I just got off to a fast start," Hull said. "I've been so focused and working on my game hard and today it just all clicked." World number 20 Hataoka fell short in her bid to become the third Japanese woman to win a major title. She had runner-up major finishes as the 2018 Women's PGA Championship and the 2021 US Women's Open at The Olympic Club in nearby San Francisco. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Golf: Allisen Corpuz gets first LPGA victory for US Women's Open title

PGA Tour's board member Randall Stephenson has resigned over concerns about the proposed merger of PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF). The PIF backs PGA rival LIV Golf and the two bodies announced a merger on June 6.

The news of Stephenson's resignation was reported by The Washington Post on July 10. He had served as one of the ten board members of the PGA Tour for 12 years. The Tour confirmed Stephenson's resignation in a memo to its members, reported The Post.

“I joined this board 12 years ago to serve the best players in the world and to expand the virtues of sportsmanship instilled through the game of golf,” Stephenson said in his letter obtained by The Washington Post. “I hope, as this board moves forward, it will comprehensively rethink its governance model and keep its options open to evaluate alternative sources of capital beyond the current framework agreement.”

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/golf-allisen-corpuz-gets-first-lpga-victory-for-us-womens-open-title-613712">Allisen Corpuz gets first LPGA victory for US Women's Open title</a>

He wanted to resign on June 12, six days after the PGA-LIV merger but stayed on after PGA commissioner Jay Monahan went on medical leave. Monahan would be back from July 17, he announced recently.

The letter by Stephenson, dated July 9, also read that the PGA’s framework agreement with PIF “is not one that I can objectively evaluate or in good conscience support, particularly in light of the US&nbsp;intelligence report concerning Jamal Khashoggi in 2018.”

Khashoggi, a contributing columnist for the Post, was killed in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in 2018. He was critical of Saudi crown prince Mohammed Bin Salman, who US&nbsp;intelligence concluded, might have ordered his killing. Prince Salman, however, denies the claim.

The other four independent directors of the board will now vote on the&nbsp;replacement of Stephenson after consulting with five player members and John Lindert, the PGA of America president - a non-voting board member. There's no timeline to elect the replacement member.

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PGA Tour's board member Randall Stephenson has resigned over concerns about the proposed merger of PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF). The PIF backs PGA rival LIV Golf and the two bodies announced a merger on June 6.

PGA Tour's board member Randall Stephenson has resigned over concerns about the proposed merger of PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF). The PIF backs PGA rival LIV Golf and the two bodies announced a merger on June 6. The news of Stephenson's resignation was reported by The Washington Post on July 10. He had served as one of the ten board members of the PGA Tour for 12 years. The Tour confirmed Stephenson's resignation in a memo to its members, reported The Post. “I joined this board 12 years ago to serve the best players in the world and to expand the virtues of sportsmanship instilled through the game of golf,” Stephenson said in his letter obtained by The Washington Post. “I hope, as this board moves forward, it will comprehensively rethink its governance model and keep its options open to evaluate alternative sources of capital beyond the current framework agreement.” Also Read: Allisen Corpuz gets first LPGA victory for US Women's Open title He wanted to resign on June 12, six days after the PGA-LIV merger but stayed on after PGA commissioner Jay Monahan went on medical leave. Monahan would be back from July 17, he announced recently. The letter by Stephenson, dated July 9, also read that the PGA’s framework agreement with PIF “is not one that I can objectively evaluate or in good conscience support, particularly in light of the US intelligence report concerning Jamal Khashoggi in 2018.” Khashoggi, a contributing columnist for the Post, was killed in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in 2018. He was critical of Saudi crown prince Mohammed Bin Salman, who US intelligence concluded, might have ordered his killing. Prince Salman, however, denies the claim. The other four independent directors of the board will now vote on the replacement of Stephenson after consulting with five player members and John Lindert, the PGA of America president - a non-voting board member. There's no timeline to elect the replacement member. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Golf: PGA Tour board member resigns amid 'concerns' over merger with Saudi-backed LIV Golf

The DP World Tour would look "foolish" if European players from the LIV&nbsp;Golf&nbsp;circuit are not considered for this year's Ryder Cup as their American counterparts remain eligible, former U.S. Open champion Graeme McDowell said. Sergio Garcia, Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood, who have played 28 Ryder Cups between them and are now with the LIV Series, are ineligible for this year's edition of the biennial competition after resigning from the DP World Tour in May.

However, American players who joined the LIV circuit can still qualify for the U.S. team given they are members of the PGA of America. "To ignore LIV because of politics when the U.S. have those players in their side doesn't make any sense," former Europe vice-captain McDowell, who plays for the Saudi-backed circuit, told the BBC. "It makes Europe's tour look foolish. "I hope that if one of the European players at LIV puts in a summer deserving of a spot on the Ryder Cup side that the landscape would be available for that to happen."

The PGA Tour, DP World Tour and rival LIV circuit, which had been involved in a bitter fight that split the sport, announced an agreement in early June to merge and form a unified commercial entity. Northern Ireland's McDowell, who was on the winning team in three of his four Ryder Cup appearances, also called for Europe's all-time record points scorer Garcia to be reinstated.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-not-everything-is-about-money-daria-kasatkina-concerned-about-potential-saudi-investment-in-wta-612559">Tennis: 'Not everything is about money' - Daria Kasatkina concerned about potential Saudi investment in WTA</a>

"I think Sergio Garcia is probably the lead guy right now and the European team room would be better with a Sergio Garcia in it," McDowell said. "I read the stuff with him and Rory McIlroy (resolving their differences) and I'm super happy that those guys have moved on from stuff that shouldn't have come between them - politics and business. "I'd love to see them walking down a fairway in Rome, winning a foursomes match together. I think that's what every European Ryder Cup fan wants."

The Ryder Cup runs from Sept. 29 to Oct. 1 at the Marco Simone&nbsp;Golf&nbsp;and Country Club near Rome.

The DP World Tour would look "foolish" if European players from the LIV Golf circuit are not considered for this year's Ryder Cup as their American counterparts remain eligible, former U.

The DP World Tour would look "foolish" if European players from the LIV Golf circuit are not considered for this year's Ryder Cup as their American counterparts remain eligible, former U.S. Open champion Graeme McDowell said. Sergio Garcia, Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood, who have played 28 Ryder Cups between them and are now with the LIV Series, are ineligible for this year's edition of the biennial competition after resigning from the DP World Tour in May. However, American players who joined the LIV circuit can still qualify for the U.S. team given they are members of the PGA of America. "To ignore LIV because of politics when the U.S. have those players in their side doesn't make any sense," former Europe vice-captain McDowell, who plays for the Saudi-backed circuit, told the BBC. "It makes Europe's tour look foolish. "I hope that if one of the European players at LIV puts in a summer deserving of a spot on the Ryder Cup side that the landscape would be available for that to happen." The PGA Tour, DP World Tour and rival LIV circuit, which had been involved in a bitter fight that split the sport, announced an agreement in early June to merge and form a unified commercial entity. Northern Ireland's McDowell, who was on the winning team in three of his four Ryder Cup appearances, also called for Europe's all-time record points scorer Garcia to be reinstated. Also Read: Tennis: 'Not everything is about money' - Daria Kasatkina concerned about potential Saudi investment in WTA "I think Sergio Garcia is probably the lead guy right now and the European team room would be better with a Sergio Garcia in it," McDowell said. "I read the stuff with him and Rory McIlroy (resolving their differences) and I'm super happy that those guys have moved on from stuff that shouldn't have come between them - politics and business. "I'd love to see them walking down a fairway in Rome, winning a foursomes match together. I think that's what every European Ryder Cup fan wants." The Ryder Cup runs from Sept. 29 to Oct. 1 at the Marco Simone Golf and Country Club near Rome.

Golf: Former US Open champion Graeme McDowell wants Ryder Cup eligibility for LIV's European players

Sergio Garcia will miss the British Open for the first time since 1997 after coming up short in a qualifying event on Tuesday. The 2017 Masters champion, who plays on the LIV&nbsp;Golf&nbsp;circuit, was competing for one of five remaining spots at a 36-hole event at West Lancashire&nbsp;Golf&nbsp;Club. The 2017 Masters champion finished tied for sixth, missing out by three shots. The British Open begins on July 20 at Royal Liverpool in Hoylake, where Garcia was tied for second behind Rory McIlroy in 2014. Garcia also came second in 2007 and has 10 top-10 finishes at the major.

"I am a little disappointed right now but that's the game of&nbsp;golf&nbsp;and you can't take things for granted," Garcia told Sky Sports. "I'm very thankful that I've been able to play 25 Open Championships ... I wanted to keep that run going." Former Masters champion Charl Schwartzel and fellow LIV&nbsp;golfer Branden Grace, who set the major championship record score of 62 at the 2017 event, advanced from their qualifier at Royal Cinque Ports.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/doesnt-matter-if-youve-won-wimbledon-or-not-youre-still-the-dad-roger-federer-on-coaching-his-kids-612300">Doesn’t matter if you’ve won Wimbledon or not, you’re still the dad - Roger Federer on coaching his kids</a>

England's Matthew Jordan, a Royal Liverpool member, earned one of the spots at West Lancashire, finishing five shots behind compatriot Matt Wallace. Alex Fitzpatrick, the younger brother of former U.S. open champion Matt, also qualified. Former U.S. Open champion Graeme McDowell and 2014 Ryder Cup winner Jamie Donaldson both failed to qualify at the same venue.

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Sergio Garcia will miss the British Open for the first time since 1997 after coming up short in a qualifying event on Tuesday. The 2017 Masters champion, who plays on the LIV Golf circuit, was competing for one of five remaining spots at a 36-hole event at West Lancashire Golf Club.

Sergio Garcia will miss the British Open for the first time since 1997 after coming up short in a qualifying event on Tuesday. The 2017 Masters champion, who plays on the LIV Golf circuit, was competing for one of five remaining spots at a 36-hole event at West Lancashire Golf Club. The 2017 Masters champion finished tied for sixth, missing out by three shots. The British Open begins on July 20 at Royal Liverpool in Hoylake, where Garcia was tied for second behind Rory McIlroy in 2014. Garcia also came second in 2007 and has 10 top-10 finishes at the major. "I am a little disappointed right now but that's the game of golf and you can't take things for granted," Garcia told Sky Sports. "I'm very thankful that I've been able to play 25 Open Championships ... I wanted to keep that run going." Former Masters champion Charl Schwartzel and fellow LIV golfer Branden Grace, who set the major championship record score of 62 at the 2017 event, advanced from their qualifier at Royal Cinque Ports. Also Read: Doesn’t matter if you’ve won Wimbledon or not, you’re still the dad - Roger Federer on coaching his kids England's Matthew Jordan, a Royal Liverpool member, earned one of the spots at West Lancashire, finishing five shots behind compatriot Matt Wallace. Alex Fitzpatrick, the younger brother of former U.S. open champion Matt, also qualified. Former U.S. Open champion Graeme McDowell and 2014 Ryder Cup winner Jamie Donaldson both failed to qualify at the same venue. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Golf: Sergio Garcia to skip British Open for the first time since 1997

Rickie Fowler, at last, won a PGA Tour trophy as he held on to a lead for a win at the Rocket Mortgage Classic in Detroit on Sunday. The win comes two weeks after Fowler let a chance slip away at the US&nbsp;Open for his first major. To win in Detroit,&nbsp;Fowler made a 12-foot birdie putt on the first hole in the playoff.

Fowler also staved off advances from Collin Morikawa and Adam Hadwin for his first win in four years.

"It's just nice to have this one out of the way," Fowler said after winning as reported by the Associated Press. "I'm obviously going to soak this one in and celebrate a bit.

"Yeah, it's just been a long road," he added.

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Fowler, who had finished joint-fifth at the US&nbsp;Open with a card of 75, with the Detroit win, also ended his career-long championship draught during which he made 96 starts. In the last month, Fowler had another chance to win a trophy at the Travelers Championship but finished joint 13th with a card of 69.

"I knew it was just a matter of time with how I've been playing," said Fowler, who has finished in top-10 eight times this season. "I've had a couple tough weekends where I had a chance."

At the US&nbsp;Open, Fowler had the share in the lead of 54-hole and was a co-leader in at least one tournament for the last two years, but the win eluded him.

Detroit is Fowler's sixth PGA Tour win and a first after the 2019 Waste Management Phoenix Open.

Fowler's fellow countryman and second-placed Morikawa was also happy to see Fowler win despite being disappointed about missing out on a victory. Morikawa had last won a trophy at the 2021 Open Championship.

"He's been playing phenomenal golf, it's great to see," he said. "People love him," added Morikawa.

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Rickie Fowler, at last, won a PGA Tour trophy as he held on to a lead for a win at the Rocket Mortgage Classic in Detroit on Sunday. The win comes two weeks after Fowler let a chance slip away at the US Open for his first major.

Rickie Fowler, at last, won a PGA Tour trophy as he held on to a lead for a win at the Rocket Mortgage Classic in Detroit on Sunday. The win comes two weeks after Fowler let a chance slip away at the US Open for his first major. To win in Detroit, Fowler made a 12-foot birdie putt on the first hole in the playoff. Fowler also staved off advances from Collin Morikawa and Adam Hadwin for his first win in four years. "It's just nice to have this one out of the way," Fowler said after winning as reported by the Associated Press. "I'm obviously going to soak this one in and celebrate a bit. "Yeah, it's just been a long road," he added. Also Read: Formula One: Hamilton, Sainz demoted in final result after Aston Martin protest upheld at Austrian GP Fowler, who had finished joint-fifth at the US Open with a card of 75, with the Detroit win, also ended his career-long championship draught during which he made 96 starts. In the last month, Fowler had another chance to win a trophy at the Travelers Championship but finished joint 13th with a card of 69. "I knew it was just a matter of time with how I've been playing," said Fowler, who has finished in top-10 eight times this season. "I've had a couple tough weekends where I had a chance." At the US Open, Fowler had the share in the lead of 54-hole and was a co-leader in at least one tournament for the last two years, but the win eluded him. Detroit is Fowler's sixth PGA Tour win and a first after the 2019 Waste Management Phoenix Open. Fowler's fellow countryman and second-placed Morikawa was also happy to see Fowler win despite being disappointed about missing out on a victory. Morikawa had last won a trophy at the 2021 Open Championship. "He's been playing phenomenal golf, it's great to see," he said. "People love him," added Morikawa. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Golf: Rickie Fowler wins in Detroit to end four-year long drought

Sachin Tendulkar is currently holidaying abroad with his family. Master Blaster’s vacation turned out to be a memorable one after he had a special meeting with his friend and legendary batter Brian Lara in London. Tendulkar shared a couple of photos in which he can be seen enjoying some quality time with Lara. In the pictures, Tendulkar and Sachin are seen walking on London streets while passer-by did not seem to realise the presence of the two greats. Sharing the post, Tendulkar wrote in the caption, “Casually bumped into another keen golfer today.”

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Sachin Tendulkar’s latest post was, quite understandably, loved by fans and it has so far garnered more than 600k likes on Instagram. Reacting to the photos, one Instagram user wrote, “The crowd around is not even aware that two of the best batsmen of the cricket world are present in their midst.”

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-likely-to-appoint-ajit-agarkar-as-new-chief-selector-womens-team-coach-announcement-to-follow-soon-609949">BCCI likely to appoint Ajit Agarkar as new chief selector, women's team coach announcement to follow soon</a>

Interestingly, both Sachin Tendulkar and Brian Lara are crazy about playing golf. The two legendary cricketers take part in a game of golf whenever they get a chance. Tendulkar also met South African professional golfer Gary Player in Kenya earlier this month. Tendulkar shared a footage in which he can also be seen playing golf. “It was a pleasure to meet and chat with Gary Player, one of the greatest golfers to have played the sport. Since we were playing around the same time, I also had the opportunity to receive some valuable tips from him,” the World Cup-winning cricketer wrote in the caption.

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Sachin Tendulkar and Brian Lara were recently honoured at the Sydney Cricket Ground. To mark Tendulkar's 50th birthday, a gate named after the iconic batter was unveiled at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Tendulkar's first Test century on Aussie soil came at the picturesque venue when he played a fine knock of 148 in 1992.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-worry-about-england-they-need-to-be-vaughan-warns-ben-stokes-co-after-day-1-of-lords-test-609985">'I worry about England, they need to be...': Vaughan warns Ben Stokes &amp; Co. after Day 1 of Lord's Test</a>

Tendulkar’s illustrious international career spanned more than two decades. Brian Lara, on the other hand, provided his services to the West Indies cricket team for 17 years. While Tendulkar holds the remarkable record of scoring 100 international centuries, Lara achieved the feat of notching up the highest individual score in Test cricket in 2004. The former West Indies skipper pulled off a record-breaking unbeaten knock of 400 in the first innings of a Test against England in Antigua in 2004.

Sachin Tendulkar is currently holidaying abroad with his family. Master Blaster’s vacation turned out to be a memorable one after he had a special meeting with his friend and legendary batter Brian Lara in London.

Sachin Tendulkar is currently holidaying abroad with his family. Master Blaster’s vacation turned out to be a memorable one after he had a special meeting with his friend and legendary batter Brian Lara in London. Tendulkar shared a couple of photos in which he can be seen enjoying some quality time with Lara. In the pictures, Tendulkar and Sachin are seen walking on London streets while passer-by did not seem to realise the presence of the two greats. Sharing the post, Tendulkar wrote in the caption, “Casually bumped into another keen golfer today.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sachin Tendulkar (@sachintendulkar) × Sachin Tendulkar’s latest post was, quite understandably, loved by fans and it has so far garnered more than 600k likes on Instagram. Reacting to the photos, one Instagram user wrote, “The crowd around is not even aware that two of the best batsmen of the cricket world are present in their midst.” Also read: BCCI likely to appoint Ajit Agarkar as new chief selector, women's team coach announcement to follow soon Interestingly, both Sachin Tendulkar and Brian Lara are crazy about playing golf. The two legendary cricketers take part in a game of golf whenever they get a chance. Tendulkar also met South African professional golfer Gary Player in Kenya earlier this month. Tendulkar shared a footage in which he can also be seen playing golf. “It was a pleasure to meet and chat with Gary Player, one of the greatest golfers to have played the sport. Since we were playing around the same time, I also had the opportunity to receive some valuable tips from him,” the World Cup-winning cricketer wrote in the caption. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sachin Tendulkar (@sachintendulkar) × Sachin Tendulkar and Brian Lara were recently honoured at the Sydney Cricket Ground. To mark Tendulkar's 50th birthday, a gate named after the iconic batter was unveiled at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Tendulkar's first Test century on Aussie soil came at the picturesque venue when he played a fine knock of 148 in 1992. Also read: 'I worry about England, they need to be...': Vaughan warns Ben Stokes & Co. after Day 1 of Lord's Test Tendulkar’s illustrious international career spanned more than two decades. Brian Lara, on the other hand, provided his services to the West Indies cricket team for 17 years. While Tendulkar holds the remarkable record of scoring 100 international centuries, Lara achieved the feat of notching up the highest individual score in Test cricket in 2004. The former West Indies skipper pulled off a record-breaking unbeaten knock of 400 in the first innings of a Test against England in Antigua in 2004.

When Sachin Tendulkar 'bumped into' another keen golfer Brian Lara

Tony Finau chases his fifth PGA Tour triumph in the past year this week at Detroit, where he will finally defend a title on the same course where he won it.

The 33-year-old American enters the Rocket Mortgage Classic after wins last July at Detroit Golf Club and the 3M Open, at the Houston Open last October and the Mexico Open two months ago.

"This is actually crazy. This is the first time I'm defending on the same golf course that I won on," Finau said Tuesday. "It's different. I'm kind of experiencing new -- I don't know if you call it nerves or excitement, but it's new. It is really nice to be back."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/belgian-shot-putter-jolien-boumkwo-runs-in-100m-hurdle-to-save-country-from-getting-disqualified-watch-609279">Belgian shot putter Jolien Boumkwo runs in 100m hurdle to save country from getting disqualified - WATCH</a>

World number 14 Finau, who along with ninth-rated US compatriot Max Homa are the top-ranked players in the field, won his first PGA title at the 2016 Puerto Rico Open but did not defend.

He ended a five-year title drought at the 2021 Northern Trust at Liberty National near New York, a tournament played the next year at TPC Southwind near Memphis.

He's trying to soak in the memories and draw some momentum.

"Just nothing but good vibes," Finau said. "It's so nice to be back in Detroit where I have such a great memory to look back on."

Finau has been celebrated this week. Spectators for Tuesday's practice round were given a Finau "bobblehead" souvenir and his name was on a feature sandwich, the Finau Fitu with coconut water.

"It's quite a touch," Finau said. "I've never been a name on a menu, so for them to do something that special is really cool, definitely something I'll always remember. I've got this bobblehead, I've got the menu item, it's quite something."

He has also got a hunger for winning as he seeks a seventh career PGA victory.

"My game is at a point where I believe if I play well I can win any golf tournament," Finau said. "You have to have the skills to back it up. When you do, it becomes like a confidence thing."

Last year, Finau went 67 or lower in all four rounds to finish on 26-under par and win by five strokes.

"This may be a week where you have to go 30-under because of the conditions being so soft, so when you shoot 30-under, you've got to make putts," Finau said. "I'm pretty much calling 30 under this week just because of the conditions."

A storm with winds of 80 mph struck the course Sunday night and toppled trees, damaging a car and a practice putting green, but cleanup work enabled players to practice on schedule.

Others in the field include two-time major winners Justin Thomas and Collin Morikawa and fellow American Keegan Bradley, coming off a victory at the Travelers Championship.

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Tony Finau chases his fifth PGA Tour triumph in the past year this week at Detroit, where he will finally defend a title on the same course where he won it. The 33-year-old American enters the Rocket Mortgage Classic after wins last July at Detroit Golf Club and the 3M Open, at the Houston Open last October and the Mexico Open two months ago.

Tony Finau chases his fifth PGA Tour triumph in the past year this week at Detroit, where he will finally defend a title on the same course where he won it. The 33-year-old American enters the Rocket Mortgage Classic after wins last July at Detroit Golf Club and the 3M Open, at the Houston Open last October and the Mexico Open two months ago. "This is actually crazy. This is the first time I'm defending on the same golf course that I won on," Finau said Tuesday. "It's different. I'm kind of experiencing new -- I don't know if you call it nerves or excitement, but it's new. It is really nice to be back." Also Read: Belgian shot putter Jolien Boumkwo runs in 100m hurdle to save country from getting disqualified - WATCH World number 14 Finau, who along with ninth-rated US compatriot Max Homa are the top-ranked players in the field, won his first PGA title at the 2016 Puerto Rico Open but did not defend. He ended a five-year title drought at the 2021 Northern Trust at Liberty National near New York, a tournament played the next year at TPC Southwind near Memphis. He's trying to soak in the memories and draw some momentum. "Just nothing but good vibes," Finau said. "It's so nice to be back in Detroit where I have such a great memory to look back on." Finau has been celebrated this week. Spectators for Tuesday's practice round were given a Finau "bobblehead" souvenir and his name was on a feature sandwich, the Finau Fitu with coconut water. "It's quite a touch," Finau said. "I've never been a name on a menu, so for them to do something that special is really cool, definitely something I'll always remember. I've got this bobblehead, I've got the menu item, it's quite something." He has also got a hunger for winning as he seeks a seventh career PGA victory. "My game is at a point where I believe if I play well I can win any golf tournament," Finau said. "You have to have the skills to back it up. When you do, it becomes like a confidence thing." Last year, Finau went 67 or lower in all four rounds to finish on 26-under par and win by five strokes. "This may be a week where you have to go 30-under because of the conditions being so soft, so when you shoot 30-under, you've got to make putts," Finau said. "I'm pretty much calling 30 under this week just because of the conditions." A storm with winds of 80 mph struck the course Sunday night and toppled trees, damaging a car and a practice putting green, but cleanup work enabled players to practice on schedule. Others in the field include two-time major winners Justin Thomas and Collin Morikawa and fellow American Keegan Bradley, coming off a victory at the Travelers Championship. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Golf: Tony Finau defends at Detroit seeking fifth PGA win in a year

The PGA Tour's merger with the rival LIV Golf didn't go down well with the players. It was more about the 'secrecy' than the 'hypocrisy' of the merger which the PGA-loyal players found hard to digest. The tour now aims to pacify angry and disappointed players.

The PGA Tour issued a statement on Tuesday after the board meeting which included five players: Patrick Cantlay, Rory McIlroy, Charley Hoffman, Peter Malnati and Webb Simpson. As per the statement, the tour will require players' approval for any final agreement of the PGA-LIV merger, reported new agency the Associated Press.

"Entering the framework agreement put an end to costly litigation. Management, with input from our player directors, has now begun a new phase of negotiations to determine if the tour can reach a definitive agreement that is in the best interests of our players, fans, sponsors, partners, and the game overall," the statement said.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nfl-former-qb-ryan-mallet-dies-in-drowning-incident-bill-belichick-and-john-harbaugh-pay-respect-609547">Former QB Ryan Mallett dies in drowning incident, Bill Belichick and John Harbaugh pay respect</a>

"If future negotiations lead to a proposed agreement, it would need approval by the tour's policy board, which includes player directors. In the meantime, we are all committed to the safeguards in the framework agreement that ensure the PGA Tour would lead and maintain control of this potential new commercial entity," the statement continued.

Notably, players were not happy and, in fact, were frustrated by the lack of details offered after the announcement of the merger. The deal was carried out secretly by PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan, two independent board members and Saudi Public Investment Fund's (PIF) governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan.

Following the announcement of the deal, calls for Monahan's resignation grew louder, citing hypocrisy in the deal. Monahan, notably, has stepped down from the day-to-day operations, citing a medical condition. The US Congress, meanwhile, has also put an eye on the deal and Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations will be holding a hearing on July 11.

&nbsp;

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The PGA Tour's merger with the rival LIV Golf didn't go down well with the players. It was more about the 'secrecy' than the 'hypocrisy' of the merger which the PGA-loyal players found hard to digest.

The PGA Tour's merger with the rival LIV Golf didn't go down well with the players. It was more about the 'secrecy' than the 'hypocrisy' of the merger which the PGA-loyal players found hard to digest. The tour now aims to pacify angry and disappointed players. The PGA Tour issued a statement on Tuesday after the board meeting which included five players: Patrick Cantlay, Rory McIlroy, Charley Hoffman, Peter Malnati and Webb Simpson. As per the statement, the tour will require players' approval for any final agreement of the PGA-LIV merger, reported new agency the Associated Press. "Entering the framework agreement put an end to costly litigation. Management, with input from our player directors, has now begun a new phase of negotiations to determine if the tour can reach a definitive agreement that is in the best interests of our players, fans, sponsors, partners, and the game overall," the statement said. Also Read: Former QB Ryan Mallett dies in drowning incident, Bill Belichick and John Harbaugh pay respect "If future negotiations lead to a proposed agreement, it would need approval by the tour's policy board, which includes player directors. In the meantime, we are all committed to the safeguards in the framework agreement that ensure the PGA Tour would lead and maintain control of this potential new commercial entity," the statement continued. Notably, players were not happy and, in fact, were frustrated by the lack of details offered after the announcement of the merger. The deal was carried out secretly by PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan, two independent board members and Saudi Public Investment Fund's (PIF) governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan. Following the announcement of the deal, calls for Monahan's resignation grew louder, citing hypocrisy in the deal. Monahan, notably, has stepped down from the day-to-day operations, citing a medical condition. The US Congress, meanwhile, has also put an eye on the deal and Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations will be holding a hearing on July 11. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Golf: PGA Tour board assures players of say in LIV alliance

Australian Open chief Craig Tiley believes any Saudi investment in&nbsp;tennis&nbsp;is unlikely to have the same impact as the country's disruptive entry into golf because talks are focused on bolstering the current structure&nbsp;of the game. ATP Chairman Andrea Gaudenzi told the Financial Times last week that he had held "positive" discussions with Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) and other potential investors.

Talk of a potential partnership comes after the PIF-backed LIV Golf circuit engaged in a bitter two-year dispute with the PGA Tour before announcing an agreement to merge and form one unified commercial entity. "What's different to what we're seeing (in other sports) is this is an investment in the current structure of the game and not an investment in an alternative option," Tiley told reporters on Tuesday.

"But like everything in the world, there's lots of changes always going on. So you've got to watch what's going on and stay close to it. "But, ultimately, that's a decision for the men's and the women's tour."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nba-utah-jazz-set-to-acquire-hawks-forward-john-collins-report-609117">NBA: Utah Jazz set to acquire Hawks forward John Collins - Report</a>

Saudi Arabia has pumped huge amounts of money into sport in recent years and media reports say it is bidding to host this year's ATP Next Gen Finals, which feature the tour's top Under-21 players. Critics have accused Saudi Arabia of using the PIF to engage in "sportwashing" in the face of heavy criticism of the country's human rights record.

Some of the world's top players have already featured in the Diriyah Cup exhibition event on the outskirts of Riyadh and world number one Carlos Alcaraz said earlier this week he had "no doubts" he would compete in Saudi Arabia at some point. Australia's Nick Kyrgios welcomed the news of the ATP's discussions on investment from Saudi Arabia and said it would bring players the financial rewards they deserved.

"Finally. They see the value," he tweeted above a report of the talks between the Saudis and ATP. "We are going to get paid what we deserve to get paid. Sign me up."

Australian Open chief Craig Tiley believes any Saudi investment in tennis is unlikely to have the same impact as the country's disruptive entry into golf because talks are focused on bolstering the current structure of the game.

Australian Open chief Craig Tiley believes any Saudi investment in tennis is unlikely to have the same impact as the country's disruptive entry into golf because talks are focused on bolstering the current structure of the game. ATP Chairman Andrea Gaudenzi told the Financial Times last week that he had held "positive" discussions with Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) and other potential investors. Talk of a potential partnership comes after the PIF-backed LIV Golf circuit engaged in a bitter two-year dispute with the PGA Tour before announcing an agreement to merge and form one unified commercial entity. "What's different to what we're seeing (in other sports) is this is an investment in the current structure of the game and not an investment in an alternative option," Tiley told reporters on Tuesday. "But like everything in the world, there's lots of changes always going on. So you've got to watch what's going on and stay close to it. "But, ultimately, that's a decision for the men's and the women's tour." Also Read: NBA: Utah Jazz set to acquire Hawks forward John Collins - Report Saudi Arabia has pumped huge amounts of money into sport in recent years and media reports say it is bidding to host this year's ATP Next Gen Finals, which feature the tour's top Under-21 players. Critics have accused Saudi Arabia of using the PIF to engage in "sportwashing" in the face of heavy criticism of the country's human rights record. Some of the world's top players have already featured in the Diriyah Cup exhibition event on the outskirts of Riyadh and world number one Carlos Alcaraz said earlier this week he had "no doubts" he would compete in Saudi Arabia at some point. Australia's Nick Kyrgios welcomed the news of the ATP's discussions on investment from Saudi Arabia and said it would bring players the financial rewards they deserved. "Finally. They see the value," he tweeted above a report of the talks between the Saudis and ATP. "We are going to get paid what we deserve to get paid. Sign me up."

Saudi investment in tennis won't replicate golf's woes, says Australian Open chief Craig Tiley

Keegan Bradley survived a spate of late bogeys to claim an emotional victory on Sunday at the Travelers Championship, the PGA Tour event in Connecticut that the New Englander considers his home tournament.

Bradley led by six strokes after back-to-back birdies at the 11th and 12th and even three bogeys in the space of four holes -- starting with a tee shot into the water at 13 -- couldn't prevent him from lifting the trophy.

His two-under par 68 was good enough for a tournament-record total of 23-under par 257 at TPC River Highlands, where he bettered the previous tournament record of 258 and beat Zac Blair and Brian Harman by three shots.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-carlos-alcaraz-wins-queens-cup-and-regains-number-one-ranking-608621">Carlos Alcaraz wins Queen's Cup and regains number one ranking</a>

"This is for all the kids who grew up in New England, got to sit through the winters and watch other people play golf," said Bradley, who attended the tournament in Cromwell, Connecticut, as a child. "I just am so proud to win this tournament."

There was a last bit of drama at the 18th, where Bradley's approach settled under a spectator's folding canvas chair.

But by then the challenges of his rivals had faded and a beaming Bradley marched to the green with his arm raised in salute to cheering fans.

As low scores continued to proliferate, Blair -- playing on a major medical exemption after missing two seasons with a shoulder injury -- grabbed his share of second with an eight-under par 62. Harman carded a second straight 64.

World number four Patrick Cantlay applied some late pressure as Bradley began to struggle, stringing together three straight bridies at 13, 14 and 15 to reach 21-under, but he bogeyed 16 and 18 to sign for a 67 that left him tied for fourth on 261.

He was joined by world number one Scottie Scheffler, who carded a 65, and Chez Reavie, who trailed by one entering the final round but settled for a one-over 71.

Rory McIlroy, coming off his one-shot loss to Wyndham Clark in the US Open, carded a 64 and was tied with Denny McCarthy on 262.

After three birdies in his first six holes, Bradley looked like he could be poised to break the PGA Tour's 72-hole scoring record of 253 set by Justin Thomas at the Sony Open in 2017.

He stuck his tee shot at the par-three 11th within three feet for birdie and rolled in a nine-foot birdie at the 12th to reach 26-under.

It was a continuation of the form he'd shown all week, after working with his coach in the wake of a missed cut at the US Open.

"Something clicked on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday," Bradley said. "I played great up until the last five, six holes and luckily enough I had a big enough lead to coast home."

Bradley captured his sixth PGA Tour title, a list that includes a major triumph at the 2011 PGA Championship.

McIlroy called Bradley's performance "amazing" given the pressure of playing in a home tournament.

"I know what that pressure feels like when I go back to Ireland and play the Irish Open," McIlroy said. "So for him to be doing what he's doing is really impressive."

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Keegan Bradley survived a spate of late bogeys to claim an emotional victory on Sunday at the Travelers Championship, the PGA Tour event in Connecticut that the New Englander considers his home tournament.

Keegan Bradley survived a spate of late bogeys to claim an emotional victory on Sunday at the Travelers Championship, the PGA Tour event in Connecticut that the New Englander considers his home tournament. Bradley led by six strokes after back-to-back birdies at the 11th and 12th and even three bogeys in the space of four holes -- starting with a tee shot into the water at 13 -- couldn't prevent him from lifting the trophy. His two-under par 68 was good enough for a tournament-record total of 23-under par 257 at TPC River Highlands, where he bettered the previous tournament record of 258 and beat Zac Blair and Brian Harman by three shots. Also Read: Carlos Alcaraz wins Queen's Cup and regains number one ranking "This is for all the kids who grew up in New England, got to sit through the winters and watch other people play golf," said Bradley, who attended the tournament in Cromwell, Connecticut, as a child. "I just am so proud to win this tournament." There was a last bit of drama at the 18th, where Bradley's approach settled under a spectator's folding canvas chair. But by then the challenges of his rivals had faded and a beaming Bradley marched to the green with his arm raised in salute to cheering fans. As low scores continued to proliferate, Blair -- playing on a major medical exemption after missing two seasons with a shoulder injury -- grabbed his share of second with an eight-under par 62. Harman carded a second straight 64. World number four Patrick Cantlay applied some late pressure as Bradley began to struggle, stringing together three straight bridies at 13, 14 and 15 to reach 21-under, but he bogeyed 16 and 18 to sign for a 67 that left him tied for fourth on 261. He was joined by world number one Scottie Scheffler, who carded a 65, and Chez Reavie, who trailed by one entering the final round but settled for a one-over 71. Rory McIlroy, coming off his one-shot loss to Wyndham Clark in the US Open, carded a 64 and was tied with Denny McCarthy on 262. After three birdies in his first six holes, Bradley looked like he could be poised to break the PGA Tour's 72-hole scoring record of 253 set by Justin Thomas at the Sony Open in 2017. He stuck his tee shot at the par-three 11th within three feet for birdie and rolled in a nine-foot birdie at the 12th to reach 26-under. It was a continuation of the form he'd shown all week, after working with his coach in the wake of a missed cut at the US Open. "Something clicked on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday," Bradley said. "I played great up until the last five, six holes and luckily enough I had a big enough lead to coast home." Bradley captured his sixth PGA Tour title, a list that includes a major triumph at the 2011 PGA Championship. McIlroy called Bradley's performance "amazing" given the pressure of playing in a home tournament. "I know what that pressure feels like when I go back to Ireland and play the Irish Open," McIlroy said. "So for him to be doing what he's doing is really impressive." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Golf: Keegan Bradley wins Travelers Championship

Ruoning Yin became the second Chinese woman to get a major trophy after Shanshan Feng following her win at the Women's PGA Championship trophy at Baltusrol on Sunday. She held off Japan's Yuka Saso to get the one-stroke victory. The 20-year-old finished at 8-under 276 after closing the final round with 4-under 67.&nbsp;

"When I was walking to this tent, I just said: 'Oh, wow, major winner!' It's amazing. It's just unreal," Yin said Sunday after winning the trophy at the winner's press conference.

Yin's idol Feng , who now holds the position of national coach in China, has 10 LPGA Tour victories to her name. Yin was nine-year-old when Feng won her first major in 2012. The new winner from China said that she's chasing Feng and that she inspired her.

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"I would say she's definitely the goal that I'm chasing," Yin said. "But I think she is the person who inspired me the most."

Yin was confident on winning despite second-placed Saso tied with her for the lead on the 18th hole. Yin said she felt she was going to make and eventually she did.

"I actually kind of felt that I was going to make it, and I made it," said Yin. "It's a very weird feeling."

Runner-up Saso, who gave a tough fight to Yin, almost blew her chance after missing a 10-foot birdie for the lead on the 17th hole. Or that's what she thought initially.

"After missing the birdie on 17, I just wished that I wouldn't hit my drive in the water on 18," she said. "But glad I didn't. Hit a good shot, and second shot hit it in the left bunker. It was not an easy bunker shot, but it was manageable, and I was able to manage it pretty good," added Saso.

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Ruoning Yin became the second Chinese woman to get a major trophy after Shanshan Feng following her win at the Women's PGA Championship trophy at Baltusrol on Sunday.

Ruoning Yin became the second Chinese woman to get a major trophy after Shanshan Feng following her win at the Women's PGA Championship trophy at Baltusrol on Sunday. She held off Japan's Yuka Saso to get the one-stroke victory. The 20-year-old finished at 8-under 276 after closing the final round with 4-under 67. "When I was walking to this tent, I just said: 'Oh, wow, major winner!' It's amazing. It's just unreal," Yin said Sunday after winning the trophy at the winner's press conference. Yin's idol Feng , who now holds the position of national coach in China, has 10 LPGA Tour victories to her name. Yin was nine-year-old when Feng won her first major in 2012. The new winner from China said that she's chasing Feng and that she inspired her. Also Read: Princess Kate plays tennis with Roger Federer at Wimbledon "I would say she's definitely the goal that I'm chasing," Yin said. "But I think she is the person who inspired me the most." Yin was confident on winning despite second-placed Saso tied with her for the lead on the 18th hole. Yin said she felt she was going to make and eventually she did. "I actually kind of felt that I was going to make it, and I made it," said Yin. "It's a very weird feeling." Runner-up Saso, who gave a tough fight to Yin, almost blew her chance after missing a 10-foot birdie for the lead on the 17th hole. Or that's what she thought initially. "After missing the birdie on 17, I just wished that I wouldn't hit my drive in the water on 18," she said. "But glad I didn't. Hit a good shot, and second shot hit it in the left bunker. It was not an easy bunker shot, but it was manageable, and I was able to manage it pretty good," added Saso. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Golf: History-maker Ruoning Yin 'chasing her inspiration' Shanshan Feng after maiden PGA trophy

Keegan Bradley fired six birdies in a six-under par 64 on Saturday to take a one-shot lead over former winner Chez Reavie heading into the final round of the US PGA Tour Travelers Championship.

On another low-scoring day at TPC River Highlands in Cromwell, Connecticut, Bradley built a 21-under par total of 189 as Reavie posted a seven-under par 63 for 190.

It was a further four strokes back to world number four Patrick Cantlay, who had nine birdies in his nine-under 61 for 194.

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Rickie Fowler went one better with a 10-under par 60 and headed a trio on 195 that also included Adam Scott, who shot 65, and overnight co-leader Denny McCarthy, who settled for an even par 70.

Bradley and Reavie, playing together in the final group, had traded the lead and were tied at 20-under through 15 holes when Bradley landed his tee shot at the par-three 16th six feet from the cup and converted the birdie.

Reavie, meanwhile, missed the green and was unable to get up and down, falling two adrift. He clawed back a shot with a 12-foot birdie putt at 18, where Bradley couldn't get his 18-foot birdie attempt to drop.

"It was just really solid," Bradley said. "Pretty boring honestly until the very end there. I made some nice shots some nice putts. I'm proud of the way I played."

Bradley, born in Vermont and a favorite of New England fans, admitted had to battle a tendency to push too hard in a tournament he has long wanted to win.

"I've wanted to win this tournament forever, so the feeling of wanting to push and win is something I need to fight against and just let myself go out and play," he said.

<h2>Birdies to win</h2>

Bradley, who shared the overnight lead with McCarthy, quickly built on his advantage with three birdies in the first six holes.

But he parred the next six as Reavie continued to pile on the pressure that started with his 24-foot birdie at the first.

Reavie added birdies at the sixth, seventh and eighth. Another run of three straight from the 11th through 13th saw him pull level then move in front of Bradley -- who regained a share of the lead with a 16-foot birdie at the 15th.

Reavie said his birdie at the last was "huge, just to get a little momentum going to dinner and sleeping tonight.

"I played well -- really well in the middle of the round," Reavie said. "Then pulling that nine-iron on 16, I know you can't hit it over there. Just a bad swing."

Reavie predicted the final round would be a "shoot-out".

"You've got to make birdies and eagles to win this golf tournament," he said.

Fowler showed there were plenty to be had with eight birdies and an eagle in his 10-under effort

But his bid to break 60 came undone at his final hole,the ninth, where his approach hit the green and rolled into the first cut of rough and he settled for a par.

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Keegan Bradley fired six birdies in a six-under par 64 on Saturday to take a one-shot lead over former winner Chez Reavie heading into the final round of the US PGA Tour Travelers Championship.

Keegan Bradley fired six birdies in a six-under par 64 on Saturday to take a one-shot lead over former winner Chez Reavie heading into the final round of the US PGA Tour Travelers Championship. On another low-scoring day at TPC River Highlands in Cromwell, Connecticut, Bradley built a 21-under par total of 189 as Reavie posted a seven-under par 63 for 190. It was a further four strokes back to world number four Patrick Cantlay, who had nine birdies in his nine-under 61 for 194. Also Read: Chiefs TE Travis Kelce warns Bengals WR Ja'Marr Chase to 'don't ever disrespect' Patrick Mahomes Rickie Fowler went one better with a 10-under par 60 and headed a trio on 195 that also included Adam Scott, who shot 65, and overnight co-leader Denny McCarthy, who settled for an even par 70. Bradley and Reavie, playing together in the final group, had traded the lead and were tied at 20-under through 15 holes when Bradley landed his tee shot at the par-three 16th six feet from the cup and converted the birdie. Reavie, meanwhile, missed the green and was unable to get up and down, falling two adrift. He clawed back a shot with a 12-foot birdie putt at 18, where Bradley couldn't get his 18-foot birdie attempt to drop. "It was just really solid," Bradley said. "Pretty boring honestly until the very end there. I made some nice shots some nice putts. I'm proud of the way I played." Bradley, born in Vermont and a favorite of New England fans, admitted had to battle a tendency to push too hard in a tournament he has long wanted to win. "I've wanted to win this tournament forever, so the feeling of wanting to push and win is something I need to fight against and just let myself go out and play," he said. Birdies to win Bradley, who shared the overnight lead with McCarthy, quickly built on his advantage with three birdies in the first six holes. But he parred the next six as Reavie continued to pile on the pressure that started with his 24-foot birdie at the first. Reavie added birdies at the sixth, seventh and eighth. Another run of three straight from the 11th through 13th saw him pull level then move in front of Bradley -- who regained a share of the lead with a 16-foot birdie at the 15th. Reavie said his birdie at the last was "huge, just to get a little momentum going to dinner and sleeping tonight. "I played well -- really well in the middle of the round," Reavie said. "Then pulling that nine-iron on 16, I know you can't hit it over there. Just a bad swing." Reavie predicted the final round would be a "shoot-out". "You've got to make birdies and eagles to win this golf tournament," he said. Fowler showed there were plenty to be had with eight birdies and an eagle in his 10-under effort But his bid to break 60 came undone at his final hole,the ninth, where his approach hit the green and rolled into the first cut of rough and he settled for a par. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Golf: Keegan Bradley heads into final round of Travelers Championship with one shot lead over Chez Reavie

Keegan Bradley birdied five straight holes in a seven-under-par 63 on Friday to join Denny McCarthy atop the leaderboard at the US PGA Tour Travelers Championship, where Rory McIlroy was among those in the mix.

McCarthy, who led by two after a 10-under-par first-round 60, followed up with a five-under-par 65 at TPC River Highlands in Cromwell, Connecticut.

Bradley blistered the back nine to join him on 15-under-par 125 -- a 36-hole course record -- rolling in five straight birdies from the 12th through the 16th.

Bradley had kick started his round with a 58-foot birdie putt at the third hole and drained a 10-footer at eight. He sank a 34-foot birdie at the 12th to launch his back-nine surge.

"Felt like I could make every putt I looked at," Bradley said. "I was just reading them really good. When you're putting good everything feels easy and it's automatic."

McCarthy shook off a bogey at the second hole, where he missed the green, carding six birdies the rest of the way.

That included a 43-foot birdie putt at the 10th and another from just inside 20 feet at 18.

McCarthy said it was "nice" to post the 36-hole scoring record for the course, but he remained focused on claiming a first PGA Tour title.

"Golf tournaments aren't 36 holes unfortunately, so I know there is still a lot of golf left," he said.

McCarthy and Bradley -- who played through afternoon showers -- were two strokes clear of Chez Reavie, who carded a 63 for 127. Eric Cole shot a 65 for 129 while Zac Blair and Adam Scott were tied at 130 as the course again yielded a bevy of low scores.

World number two Jon Rahm couldn't take advantage, firing a one-over 71 that left him at two-under, two shots outside the cutline that came at four-under par.

McIlroy was in a group on eight-under-par 132, climbing the leaderboard with an impressive display on the greens and despite a double-bogey disaster at his penultimate hole, the par-three eighth -- the same hole he aced on Thursday.

"Other than that, it was a really good round of golf," said McIlroy, whose tee shot was in the water.

"It just got hit by a little bit of wind," McIlroy said. "Hit a pretty good shot. I just misjudged the wind a little bit and it came up short -- the one place you couldn't miss today on that hole."

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The Northern Ireland star, coming off a runner-up finish to Wyndham Clark at the US Open at Los Angeles Country Club on Sunday, had eight birdies at that point, setting the tone with a 19-foot birdie putt at the 11th.

His five birdies in his first nine holes also included a 13-footer at the 14th and a 14-footer at 17. His three birdies coming in included a 25-footer at the third.

While low scores abounded, world number one Scottie Scheffler couldn't join the birdie fest. He had two birdies and two bogeys in an even-par 70 that left him on seven-under 133.

&nbsp;

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Keegan Bradley birdied five straight holes in a seven-under-par 63 on Friday to join Denny McCarthy atop the leaderboard at the US PGA Tour Travelers Championship, where Rory McIlroy was among those in the mix.

Keegan Bradley birdied five straight holes in a seven-under-par 63 on Friday to join Denny McCarthy atop the leaderboard at the US PGA Tour Travelers Championship, where Rory McIlroy was among those in the mix. McCarthy, who led by two after a 10-under-par first-round 60, followed up with a five-under-par 65 at TPC River Highlands in Cromwell, Connecticut. Bradley blistered the back nine to join him on 15-under-par 125 -- a 36-hole course record -- rolling in five straight birdies from the 12th through the 16th. Bradley had kick started his round with a 58-foot birdie putt at the third hole and drained a 10-footer at eight. He sank a 34-foot birdie at the 12th to launch his back-nine surge. "Felt like I could make every putt I looked at," Bradley said. "I was just reading them really good. When you're putting good everything feels easy and it's automatic." McCarthy shook off a bogey at the second hole, where he missed the green, carding six birdies the rest of the way. That included a 43-foot birdie putt at the 10th and another from just inside 20 feet at 18. McCarthy said it was "nice" to post the 36-hole scoring record for the course, but he remained focused on claiming a first PGA Tour title. "Golf tournaments aren't 36 holes unfortunately, so I know there is still a lot of golf left," he said. McCarthy and Bradley -- who played through afternoon showers -- were two strokes clear of Chez Reavie, who carded a 63 for 127. Eric Cole shot a 65 for 129 while Zac Blair and Adam Scott were tied at 130 as the course again yielded a bevy of low scores. World number two Jon Rahm couldn't take advantage, firing a one-over 71 that left him at two-under, two shots outside the cutline that came at four-under par. McIlroy was in a group on eight-under-par 132, climbing the leaderboard with an impressive display on the greens and despite a double-bogey disaster at his penultimate hole, the par-three eighth -- the same hole he aced on Thursday. "Other than that, it was a really good round of golf," said McIlroy, whose tee shot was in the water. "It just got hit by a little bit of wind," McIlroy said. "Hit a pretty good shot. I just misjudged the wind a little bit and it came up short -- the one place you couldn't miss today on that hole." ALSO READ | Ashes 2023: Zak Crawley makes BOLD prediction for Lord's Test, predicts England will win by THIS margin The Northern Ireland star, coming off a runner-up finish to Wyndham Clark at the US Open at Los Angeles Country Club on Sunday, had eight birdies at that point, setting the tone with a 19-foot birdie putt at the 11th. His five birdies in his first nine holes also included a 13-footer at the 14th and a 14-footer at 17. His three birdies coming in included a 25-footer at the third. While low scores abounded, world number one Scottie Scheffler couldn't join the birdie fest. He had two birdies and two bogeys in an even-par 70 that left him on seven-under 133. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Golf: Bradley, McCarthy share lead as McIlroy climbs at US PGA Travelers Championship

A U.S. Senate panel on Wednesday invited PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan, Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund Governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan and LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman to testify at a July 11 hearing. Democratic U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, who chairs the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, and the panel's top Republican Ron Johnson invited them to appear.

“Our goal is to uncover the facts about what went into the PGA Tour’s deal with the Saudi Public Investment Fund and what the Saudi takeover means for the future of this cherished American institution and our national interest," said Blumenthal. “Americans deserve to know what the structure and governance of this new entity will be."

A PGA Tour spokesman said the Tour looks "forward to appearing before the Senate subcommittee to answer their questions about the framework agreement" but did not specify if Monahan would appear.

The PGA spokesman added the Tour held discussions with players Tuesday night and is "working toward negotiating a final agreement that is in their best interest and ensures that the Tour leads any new venture."

LIV declined to comment while the Public Investment Fund did not respond to a request for comment.

<h2>Investigation&nbsp;continues</h2>

Blumenthal earlier this month asked the PGA Tour and LIV Golf for communications and records on their planned merger as part of an investigation, citing concerns about the Saudi government's role in the deal and risks posed by a foreign government entity assuming control over the sport.

Last week, Democratic Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ron Wyden asked the Justice Department to open an antitrust investigation into the planned deal, saying they believe it would result in a monopoly over professional golf operations.

The Justice Department has been investigating the PGA Tour for trying to keep its players from defecting to LIV.

The PGA Tour, DP World Tour and rival Saudi-backed LIV circuit, which had been involved in a bitter fight that split the sport, announced an agreement to merge and form one unified commercial entity.

The LIV Golf series is bankrolled by the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund (PIV). Critics have accused it of being a vehicle for the country to improve its reputation as it faces criticism of its human rights record.

Much of the backlash against PIV and LIV Golf centers around the alleged involvement of the Saudi Arabian government in human rights violations, including the murder of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018.

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A U.S. Senate panel on Wednesday invited PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan, Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund Governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan and LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman to testify at a July 11 hearing.

A U.S. Senate panel on Wednesday invited PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan, Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund Governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan and LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman to testify at a July 11 hearing. Democratic U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, who chairs the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, and the panel's top Republican Ron Johnson invited them to appear. “Our goal is to uncover the facts about what went into the PGA Tour’s deal with the Saudi Public Investment Fund and what the Saudi takeover means for the future of this cherished American institution and our national interest," said Blumenthal. “Americans deserve to know what the structure and governance of this new entity will be." A PGA Tour spokesman said the Tour looks "forward to appearing before the Senate subcommittee to answer their questions about the framework agreement" but did not specify if Monahan would appear. The PGA spokesman added the Tour held discussions with players Tuesday night and is "working toward negotiating a final agreement that is in their best interest and ensures that the Tour leads any new venture." LIV declined to comment while the Public Investment Fund did not respond to a request for comment. Investigation continues Blumenthal earlier this month asked the PGA Tour and LIV Golf for communications and records on their planned merger as part of an investigation, citing concerns about the Saudi government's role in the deal and risks posed by a foreign government entity assuming control over the sport. Last week, Democratic Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ron Wyden asked the Justice Department to open an antitrust investigation into the planned deal, saying they believe it would result in a monopoly over professional golf operations. The Justice Department has been investigating the PGA Tour for trying to keep its players from defecting to LIV. The PGA Tour, DP World Tour and rival Saudi-backed LIV circuit, which had been involved in a bitter fight that split the sport, announced an agreement to merge and form one unified commercial entity. The LIV Golf series is bankrolled by the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund (PIV). Critics have accused it of being a vehicle for the country to improve its reputation as it faces criticism of its human rights record. Much of the backlash against PIV and LIV Golf centers around the alleged involvement of the Saudi Arabian government in human rights violations, including the murder of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US Senate panel invites PGA Tour commissioner, LIV CEO to testify on merger

World number two Jon Rahm isn't fussing about the recent PGA-LIV merger. The player addressed the media on Tuesday ahead of the Travelers Championship in Connecticut and said that he doesn't want to 'waste time thinking.'

"There are so many unanswered questions that at this point I wouldn't want to waste time thinking about it because there is a lot of what-ifs and unknowns," said Rahm.

Meanwhile, the PGA Tour's Player Advisory Council also met Tuesday night ahead of the last designated event of this season. Rahm, however, wasn't expecting much out of it either.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/golf-rory-mcilroy-ready-go-through-100-sundays-like-this-for-another-major-title-606063">Rory McIlroy ready to go through '100 Sundays like this' for another major title</a>

"I didn't really talk about [the union] much last week, and I guess I might know more in a few hours once we're done with the player meeting tonight," Rahm said. "I don't think we're going to get a lot of answers, but I'm going to at least get an idea of where the membership head is at. That's all I can say. We don't know anything. I don't know if the people in charge know much more than we do."

The 28-year-old normally doesn't play in an event just after a major, but&nbsp;the player has already missed a designated event. As per the rules, the players are allowed to skip just one designated tournament.

"Well, there are two events I wouldn't have played this season if it wasn't for the world we had this year, right, and that's the reason why I haven't played them in the past," Rahm said. "Major weeks can be taxing and I've always tried to set up my schedule around not playing those weeks."

<h2>Golf legend Tom Watson questions PGA-LIV merger</h2>

In the letter, which was accessed by news agency The Associated Press, eight-time major champion T<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/golf-former-major-champion-tom-watson-questions-liv-pga-merger-in-a-letter-to-jay-monahan-606518">om Watson asked many questions</a> regarding the deal. The letter was sent to PGA Tour and fellow players too, apart from Monahan.

"Is the PIF the only viable rescue from the Tour's financial problems? Was/is there a plan B? And again, what exactly is the exchange?" read one of the questions.

The former golfer also mentioned the criticism of the deal by the families of the 9/11 victims.

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World number two Jon Rahm isn't fussing about the recent PGA-LIV merger. The player addressed the media on Tuesday ahead of the Travelers Championship in Connecticut and said that he doesn't want to 'waste time thinking.

World number two Jon Rahm isn't fussing about the recent PGA-LIV merger. The player addressed the media on Tuesday ahead of the Travelers Championship in Connecticut and said that he doesn't want to 'waste time thinking.' "There are so many unanswered questions that at this point I wouldn't want to waste time thinking about it because there is a lot of what-ifs and unknowns," said Rahm. Meanwhile, the PGA Tour's Player Advisory Council also met Tuesday night ahead of the last designated event of this season. Rahm, however, wasn't expecting much out of it either. Also Read: Rory McIlroy ready to go through '100 Sundays like this' for another major title "I didn't really talk about [the union] much last week, and I guess I might know more in a few hours once we're done with the player meeting tonight," Rahm said. "I don't think we're going to get a lot of answers, but I'm going to at least get an idea of where the membership head is at. That's all I can say. We don't know anything. I don't know if the people in charge know much more than we do." The 28-year-old normally doesn't play in an event just after a major, but the player has already missed a designated event. As per the rules, the players are allowed to skip just one designated tournament. "Well, there are two events I wouldn't have played this season if it wasn't for the world we had this year, right, and that's the reason why I haven't played them in the past," Rahm said. "Major weeks can be taxing and I've always tried to set up my schedule around not playing those weeks." Golf legend Tom Watson questions PGA-LIV merger In the letter, which was accessed by news agency The Associated Press, eight-time major champion Tom Watson asked many questions regarding the deal. The letter was sent to PGA Tour and fellow players too, apart from Monahan. "Is the PIF the only viable rescue from the Tour's financial problems? Was/is there a plan B? And again, what exactly is the exchange?" read one of the questions. The former golfer also mentioned the criticism of the deal by the families of the 9/11 victims. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Golf: Jon Rahm doesn't want to 'waste time, thinking' about PGA-LIV merger

Wyndham Clark fired an even-par 70 on Sunday to win the 123rd US Open, capturing his first major title and denying four-time major winner Rory McIlroy his first in nine years.

Clark, whose previous best finish in six prior major starts was a tie for 75th, held his nerve at Los Angeles Country Club, where his 10-under-par total of 270 gave him a one-shot win over McIlroy, who also shot 70.

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Clark, ranked 32nd in the world, started the day tied for the lead with Rickie Fowler and had a three-shot lead after his fourth birdie of the day at the par-five 14th.

His lead dwindled to one shot after bogeys at 15 and 16, and McIlroy kept the pressure on with an unlikely par at 17 -- where his tee shot was left onto the fairway of the neighbouring second hole.

Clark missed the green at the par-four 17th but stuck his third shot within two feet of the pin for a needed par.

His approach at 18 left him 60 feet, and he made a confident run with his first putt and sealed the victory with a par putt from within three feet.

McIlroy had opened with a birdie, then parred 12 straight, finding green after green but unable to get any birdie putts to drop.

He bogeyed 14, where his third shot was plugged deep in the muddy bank of a bunker and he received a free drop, only to miss a nine-foot par-saving putt.

World number one Scottie Scheffler also carded a 70 to finish third, two shots behind McIlroy.

Reigning British Open champion Cameron Smith of Australia climbed the leaderboard with a 67 to grab fourth place on six-under 274.

Fowler, trying to claim his first major title to cement his return from a slump that saw him fall to 185th in the world, endured a nightmare day with seven bogeys in a five-over 75, sharing fifth with Min Woo Lee and Tommy Fleetwood -- who carded a superb seven-under par 63.

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Wyndham Clark fired an even-par 70 on Sunday to win the 123rd US Open, capturing his first major title and denying four-time major winner Rory McIlroy his first in nine years.

Wyndham Clark fired an even-par 70 on Sunday to win the 123rd US Open, capturing his first major title and denying four-time major winner Rory McIlroy his first in nine years. Clark, whose previous best finish in six prior major starts was a tie for 75th, held his nerve at Los Angeles Country Club, where his 10-under-par total of 270 gave him a one-shot win over McIlroy, who also shot 70. Also Read: Nations League final: Italy beat Netherlands 3-2 to win bronze medal Clark, ranked 32nd in the world, started the day tied for the lead with Rickie Fowler and had a three-shot lead after his fourth birdie of the day at the par-five 14th. His lead dwindled to one shot after bogeys at 15 and 16, and McIlroy kept the pressure on with an unlikely par at 17 -- where his tee shot was left onto the fairway of the neighbouring second hole. Clark missed the green at the par-four 17th but stuck his third shot within two feet of the pin for a needed par. His approach at 18 left him 60 feet, and he made a confident run with his first putt and sealed the victory with a par putt from within three feet. McIlroy had opened with a birdie, then parred 12 straight, finding green after green but unable to get any birdie putts to drop. He bogeyed 14, where his third shot was plugged deep in the muddy bank of a bunker and he received a free drop, only to miss a nine-foot par-saving putt. World number one Scottie Scheffler also carded a 70 to finish third, two shots behind McIlroy. Reigning British Open champion Cameron Smith of Australia climbed the leaderboard with a 67 to grab fourth place on six-under 274. Fowler, trying to claim his first major title to cement his return from a slump that saw him fall to 185th in the world, endured a nightmare day with seven bogeys in a five-over 75, sharing fifth with Min Woo Lee and Tommy Fleetwood -- who carded a superb seven-under par 63. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Golf: Wyndham Clark wins first major title with US Open victory

Rory McIlroy knew it before it happened. He was just outside the scoring tent after recording an even-par 70 in the final round of the US&nbsp;Open when he heard the cheers from nearby 18th green. Those cheers were from Wyndham Clark who had just won his first major title. Rory McIlroy was beaten, by one stroke, again.

"I didn't even need to wait for the tap-in," McIlroy said of Clark's final putt on 18. "It's just fine, fine margins at this level and at this tournament specifically, but I fought to the very end."

McIlroy remembered his last major performance and rued a couple of shots which didn't go his way in the final round on both occasions.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nfl-chiefs-qb-patrick-mahomes-roasts-bengals-wr-jamarr-on-best-quarterback-question-with-a-tweet-606004">Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes roasts Bengals WR Ja'Marr Chase on best quarterback question with a tweet</a>

"The last real two chances I've had at majors, I feel like have been pretty similar performances," McIlroy said. "I played the way I wanted to play. There were just a couple of shots, two or three shots over the course of the round, that I'd like to have back."

At the Los Angeles Country Club (LACC), Rory didn't make many mistakes as he shot an even-par round. The golfer, however, didn't take advantage of the opportunities available either, much like his loss at St. Andrews. He missed a 16-foot birdie putt on the third hole and that eventually summed up his day at LACC.&nbsp;

Further in the round, McIlroy missed birdie putts of 7 feet, 14, feet, 15 feet and 18 feet between eight to 12th hole. The major, in the end, was decided by fine margins.

"I don't think I was hitting bad putts; just hitting them just with slightly the wrong speed," McIlroy said. "Some were coming up short, some were going a little long," said McIlroy.

Reflecting upon his loss, McIlroy admitted that he was hoping for a three-putt by Clark, but the winner was solid all day.

"You don't want to wish bad on anyone, but you're really hoping for a three-putt," McIlroy admitted. "Wyndham was pretty much rock solid all day."

"I'm getting closer," McIlroy added. "The more I keep putting myself in these positions, sooner or later it's going to happen for me."

The golfer, however, remains confident of winning another major, which would be his first in nine years, and is ready to go through another '100 Sundays like this' for it.

"I would go through 100 Sundays like this to get my hands on another major championship," McIlroy said. "When I do finally win this next major, it's going to be really, really sweet."

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Rory McIlroy knew it before it happened. He was just outside the scoring tent after recording an even-par 70 in the final round of the US Open when he heard the cheers from nearby 18th green.

Rory McIlroy knew it before it happened. He was just outside the scoring tent after recording an even-par 70 in the final round of the US Open when he heard the cheers from nearby 18th green. Those cheers were from Wyndham Clark who had just won his first major title. Rory McIlroy was beaten, by one stroke, again. "I didn't even need to wait for the tap-in," McIlroy said of Clark's final putt on 18. "It's just fine, fine margins at this level and at this tournament specifically, but I fought to the very end." McIlroy remembered his last major performance and rued a couple of shots which didn't go his way in the final round on both occasions. Also Read: Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes roasts Bengals WR Ja'Marr Chase on best quarterback question with a tweet "The last real two chances I've had at majors, I feel like have been pretty similar performances," McIlroy said. "I played the way I wanted to play. There were just a couple of shots, two or three shots over the course of the round, that I'd like to have back." At the Los Angeles Country Club (LACC), Rory didn't make many mistakes as he shot an even-par round. The golfer, however, didn't take advantage of the opportunities available either, much like his loss at St. Andrews. He missed a 16-foot birdie putt on the third hole and that eventually summed up his day at LACC. Further in the round, McIlroy missed birdie putts of 7 feet, 14, feet, 15 feet and 18 feet between eight to 12th hole. The major, in the end, was decided by fine margins. "I don't think I was hitting bad putts; just hitting them just with slightly the wrong speed," McIlroy said. "Some were coming up short, some were going a little long," said McIlroy. Reflecting upon his loss, McIlroy admitted that he was hoping for a three-putt by Clark, but the winner was solid all day. "You don't want to wish bad on anyone, but you're really hoping for a three-putt," McIlroy admitted. "Wyndham was pretty much rock solid all day." "I'm getting closer," McIlroy added. "The more I keep putting myself in these positions, sooner or later it's going to happen for me." The golfer, however, remains confident of winning another major, which would be his first in nine years, and is ready to go through another '100 Sundays like this' for it. "I would go through 100 Sundays like this to get my hands on another major championship," McIlroy said. "When I do finally win this next major, it's going to be really, really sweet." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Golf: Rory McIlroy ready to go through '100 Sundays like this' for another major title

Rickie Fowler and Wyndham Clark shared a one-shot lead over four-time major winner Rory McIlroy on Saturday after a two-shot swing at 18 left them tied atop the leaderboard at the US Open.

Overnight leader Fowler led playing partner Clark by two as they stood on the 18th tee at Los Angeles Country Club.

Clark had just dropped a shot at the 17th, but fired his approach at the flag at 18 and made a six-foot birdie putt.

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Fowler, who had gone 12 holes without a bogey as a string of rivals faltered on the treacherous back nine, saw his 42-foot birdie putt skim the edge -- but his par putt from inside four feet coming back lipped out.

"You could see from the first putt, there's a lot of slope there," Fowler said. "I'm not sure why it didn't move. It should have. I hit a good putt, so really can't go back on it.

"It would be nice for that one to go in. Really doesn't matter, having the lead, being one back, two back. You're going to have to play good golf tomorrow."

Fowler signed for an even par 70 while Clark posted a one-under 69 that left them one in front of Northern Ireland star McIlroy, who carded a 69 for 201 to remain in position to claim a fifth career major and his first since 2014.

World number one Scottie Scheffler was alone in fourth on 203.

After two days of record scoring, the sun-baked LA Country Club North Course -- hosting the championship for the first time -- proved plenty capable of providing a classic US Open test of patience and nerve.

Fowler, who had a stunning 18 birdies over the first two rounds, couldn't match those fireworks, his three birdies including a 36-foot putt at the seventh and a 70-footer from off the green at 13.

Clark, a long-hitter who broke through for his first US PGA Tour title at Quail Hollow last month, had grabbed a one-shot edge through nine holes before back-to-back bogeys at the 11th and 12th.

Unable to get up and down from a greenside bunker at the par-three 11th, Clark then botched his first attempt to chip out of greenside rough at the 12th.

He rebounded with a birdie at 13, but it looked as if he'd be chasing on Sunday after his second shot at 17 found the barranca right of the green and he took a penalty drop on the way to bogey.

Limiting the damage was "huge," Clark said, as was the birdie at 18.

"I wanted to be in the final group," Clark said. "I'm not a huge scoreboard watcher, but walking up there I kind of knew where we were at. I really wanted to be in that final group."

<h2>McIlroy 'stress free'</h2>

McIlroy had three birdies and two bogeys and was rarely in real trouble.

"The golf course definitely got a little bit trickier today than the first couple of days," McIlroy said. "Felt like I played really smart, solid golf.

"Hit a lot of fairways, hit a lot of greens. Sort of felt somewhat stress-free out there, if you can ever call golf at a US Open stress-free."

Scheffler, the 2022 Masters champion who started the day five adrift, picked up three strokes in the last two holes.

Coming off his fourth bogey of the day at the 16th, Scheffler holed out from 196 yards in the fairway for eagle at the 17th, where there were only four birdies all day.

He then drilled a 22-foot birdie putt at the last.

"Today it seemed like every time I got off line I was really fighting for par -- just fortunate to see that shot go in on 17 and then a nice birdie on 18 to kind of get myself back into it," Scheffler said.

Scheffler was one stroke in front of fellow American Harris English, who was one off the lead after his fourth birdie of the day at the 10th but had four bogeys the rest of the way in a one-over 71.

Two-time major winner Dustin Johnson and 2021 Olympic champion Xander Schauffele shared sixth on five-under 205, one shot in front of Japanese qualifier Ryutaro Nagano, who had an eagle in his 68.

It was a further stroke back to reigning British Open champion Cameron Smith of Australia, former US Open champion Bryson DeChambeau and South Korean Tom Kim on 207.

Kim fired seven birdies in the first 10 holes to reach six-under for the tournament.

His front-nine 29 tied the US Open nine-hole scoring mark, but he had three bogeys coming in on the way to a four-under par 66.

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Rickie Fowler and Wyndham Clark shared a one-shot lead over four-time major winner Rory McIlroy on Saturday after a two-shot swing at 18 left them tied atop the leaderboard at the US Open.

Rickie Fowler and Wyndham Clark shared a one-shot lead over four-time major winner Rory McIlroy on Saturday after a two-shot swing at 18 left them tied atop the leaderboard at the US Open. Overnight leader Fowler led playing partner Clark by two as they stood on the 18th tee at Los Angeles Country Club. Clark had just dropped a shot at the 17th, but fired his approach at the flag at 18 and made a six-foot birdie putt. Also Read: Spain's Rodri aims to pocket another elite title after Champions League win last week Fowler, who had gone 12 holes without a bogey as a string of rivals faltered on the treacherous back nine, saw his 42-foot birdie putt skim the edge -- but his par putt from inside four feet coming back lipped out. "You could see from the first putt, there's a lot of slope there," Fowler said. "I'm not sure why it didn't move. It should have. I hit a good putt, so really can't go back on it. "It would be nice for that one to go in. Really doesn't matter, having the lead, being one back, two back. You're going to have to play good golf tomorrow." Fowler signed for an even par 70 while Clark posted a one-under 69 that left them one in front of Northern Ireland star McIlroy, who carded a 69 for 201 to remain in position to claim a fifth career major and his first since 2014. World number one Scottie Scheffler was alone in fourth on 203. After two days of record scoring, the sun-baked LA Country Club North Course -- hosting the championship for the first time -- proved plenty capable of providing a classic US Open test of patience and nerve. Fowler, who had a stunning 18 birdies over the first two rounds, couldn't match those fireworks, his three birdies including a 36-foot putt at the seventh and a 70-footer from off the green at 13. Clark, a long-hitter who broke through for his first US PGA Tour title at Quail Hollow last month, had grabbed a one-shot edge through nine holes before back-to-back bogeys at the 11th and 12th. Unable to get up and down from a greenside bunker at the par-three 11th, Clark then botched his first attempt to chip out of greenside rough at the 12th. He rebounded with a birdie at 13, but it looked as if he'd be chasing on Sunday after his second shot at 17 found the barranca right of the green and he took a penalty drop on the way to bogey. Limiting the damage was "huge," Clark said, as was the birdie at 18. "I wanted to be in the final group," Clark said. "I'm not a huge scoreboard watcher, but walking up there I kind of knew where we were at. I really wanted to be in that final group." McIlroy 'stress free' McIlroy had three birdies and two bogeys and was rarely in real trouble. "The golf course definitely got a little bit trickier today than the first couple of days," McIlroy said. "Felt like I played really smart, solid golf. "Hit a lot of fairways, hit a lot of greens. Sort of felt somewhat stress-free out there, if you can ever call golf at a US Open stress-free." Scheffler, the 2022 Masters champion who started the day five adrift, picked up three strokes in the last two holes. Coming off his fourth bogey of the day at the 16th, Scheffler holed out from 196 yards in the fairway for eagle at the 17th, where there were only four birdies all day. He then drilled a 22-foot birdie putt at the last. "Today it seemed like every time I got off line I was really fighting for par -- just fortunate to see that shot go in on 17 and then a nice birdie on 18 to kind of get myself back into it," Scheffler said. Scheffler was one stroke in front of fellow American Harris English, who was one off the lead after his fourth birdie of the day at the 10th but had four bogeys the rest of the way in a one-over 71. Two-time major winner Dustin Johnson and 2021 Olympic champion Xander Schauffele shared sixth on five-under 205, one shot in front of Japanese qualifier Ryutaro Nagano, who had an eagle in his 68. It was a further stroke back to reigning British Open champion Cameron Smith of Australia, former US Open champion Bryson DeChambeau and South Korean Tom Kim on 207. Kim fired seven birdies in the first 10 holes to reach six-under for the tournament. His front-nine 29 tied the US Open nine-hole scoring mark, but he had three bogeys coming in on the way to a four-under par 66. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Golf: Fowler, Clark lead McIlroy by one after US Open third round

The battle for golf is over but there are still a number of issues that need to be resolved in the sport. Should Saudi Arabia compensate the golfers who stayed loyal to the PGA Tour amid the exodus to the LIV series?

Should PGA Tour loyalists be rewarded? | WION Sports Xtra

PGA Tour chief Jay Monahan has stepped back from 'day-to-day operations' of the tour due to medical conditions, informed the PGA Tour in a statement. The step comes after calls for his resignation grew post the shocking merger of the PGA Tour and its Saudi-backed rival LIV Tour.

"Jay Monahan informed the PGA TOUR Policy board that he is recuperating from a medical situation," the statement from the PGA Tour read. The statement, however, did not specify the nature or severity of the medical condition. It although, mentioned that the board supports his decision.

"The board fully supports Jay and appreciates everyone respecting his privacy," the statement read further.

In Monahan's absence, Chief Operating&nbsp;Officer of the tour, Ron Price, and Executive Vice&nbsp;President, Tyler Dennis, have been given the responsibility to lead 'day-to-day' operations.

"We will provide further updates as appropriate," the statement added.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pga-tour-chief-jay-monahan-faces-resignation-calls-after-merger-with-liv-golf-601731">PGA Tour chief Jay Monahan faces resignation calls after merger with LIV Golf</a>

<h2>LIV-PGA Merger</h2>

The two rival tours had announced their merger around a week ago and the news took both fans and players by surprise. The merger also meant that any pending litigations against both tours would be nullified. While the terms of the deal were not revealed, as part of the agreement, the three groups, the third one being the DP World Tour, &nbsp;will establish “a fair and objective process for any players who want to re-apply for membership with the PGA Tour or DP World Tour” following the end of the 2023 season, according to a release.

<h2>Monahan under fire</h2>

"I recognise that people are going to call me a hypocrite," Monahan had said after the merger. The PGA Tour chief had asked the PGA players to not join the rival league at the time of its launch and those who defied the rule were banned from participating in most of the PGA tournaments.&nbsp;

"Any time I've said anything, I've said it with the information I had at that moment, and I said it based on someone that's trying to compete for the PGA Tour and our players.

"I accept those criticisms, but circumstances do change, and I think looking at the big picture got us to this point," Monahan had added.

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PGA Tour chief Jay Monahan has stepped back from 'day-to-day operations' of the tour due to medical conditions, informed the PGA Tour in a statement. The step comes after calls for his resignation grew post the shocking merger of the PGA Tour and its Saudi-backed rival LIV Tour.

PGA Tour chief Jay Monahan has stepped back from 'day-to-day operations' of the tour due to medical conditions, informed the PGA Tour in a statement. The step comes after calls for his resignation grew post the shocking merger of the PGA Tour and its Saudi-backed rival LIV Tour. "Jay Monahan informed the PGA TOUR Policy board that he is recuperating from a medical situation," the statement from the PGA Tour read. The statement, however, did not specify the nature or severity of the medical condition. It although, mentioned that the board supports his decision. "The board fully supports Jay and appreciates everyone respecting his privacy," the statement read further. In Monahan's absence, Chief Operating Officer of the tour, Ron Price, and Executive Vice President, Tyler Dennis, have been given the responsibility to lead 'day-to-day' operations. "We will provide further updates as appropriate," the statement added. Also Read: PGA Tour chief Jay Monahan faces resignation calls after merger with LIV Golf LIV-PGA Merger The two rival tours had announced their merger around a week ago and the news took both fans and players by surprise. The merger also meant that any pending litigations against both tours would be nullified. While the terms of the deal were not revealed, as part of the agreement, the three groups, the third one being the DP World Tour, will establish “a fair and objective process for any players who want to re-apply for membership with the PGA Tour or DP World Tour” following the end of the 2023 season, according to a release. Monahan under fire "I recognise that people are going to call me a hypocrite," Monahan had said after the merger. The PGA Tour chief had asked the PGA players to not join the rival league at the time of its launch and those who defied the rule were banned from participating in most of the PGA tournaments. "Any time I've said anything, I've said it with the information I had at that moment, and I said it based on someone that's trying to compete for the PGA Tour and our players. "I accept those criticisms, but circumstances do change, and I think looking at the big picture got us to this point," Monahan had added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Golf: PGA Tour chief Jay Monahan steps back from daily operations due to 'medical condition' post LIV merger

World number three Rory McIlroy and newly crowned PGA Championship winner Brooks Koepka will make for a spicy pairing in the first two rounds of the 123rd US Open at Los Angeles Country Club.

The two will tee off on the par-70 North Course alongside 2021 Masters champion Hideki Matsuyama at 1:54pm (2054 GMT) on Thursday, when the US Open returns to Los Angeles for the first time since it was held at Riviera Country Club in 1948.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nba-finals-denver-nuggets-beat-miami-heat-in-game-5-to-win-maiden-championship-title-603687">Denver Nuggets beat Miami Heat in Game 5 to win maiden championship title</a>

Koepka passed McIlroy's total of four major titles when he won his fifth at the PGA Championship at Oak Hill last month.

McIlroy hasn't lifted a major trophy since he won the PGA Championship and Open Championship in 2014 -- a drought that drew a dig from Koepka back in 2019 when the American noted that McIlroy hadn't won a major "since I've been on the PGA Tour."

"I just don't view it as a rivalry," Koepka said back then. "I'm not looking at anybody behind me."

The two also ended up on opposite sides when Koepka made the leap to the Saudi-backed LIV Golf circuit, with McIlroy championing the PGA Tour.

The bombshell deal announced last week that will have the PGA Tour and DP World Tour joining forces with LIV's Saudi backers has raised plenty of questions, and the ill-feeling won't evaporate overnight.

McIlroy himself said after the deal was announced that he still "hates" LIV, although he did say he believed Koepka's PGA Championship win -- the first major triumph for a LIV golfer -- showed he deserved to play in the Ryder Cup.

Among other marquee groups, Masters champion Jon Rahm, ranked second in the world, tees off on the 10th hole at 8:24 on Thursday alongside sixth-ranked American Xander Schauffele and world number five Viktor Hovland of Norway.

World number one Scottie Scheffler, the 2022 Masters champion, goes off at 8:13 playing with two-time major winner Collin Morikawa and Max Homa.

The trio are among the few in the field who have played tournament golf at Los Angeles Country Club.

Morikawa and Scheffler were on the US Walker Cup team that beat Britain and Ireland on the North Course in 2017 while Homa holds the course record of 61 -- shot in the first round of the 2013 US collegiate Pacific-12 conference championship.

<h2>A little bit different</h2>

Defending champion Matt Fitzpatrick of England will play the first two rounds alongside reigning British Open champion Cameron Smith of Australia -- another LIV Golf player -- and American Sam Bennett.

Bennett has turned pro since earning low amateur honours at the Masters.

Both Fitzpatrick and Smith were slowing getting to know the course as of Monday. From what he'd seen so far, Smith said, it could offer a different type of US Open challenge.

"I guess we're used to that kind of really thick, juicy rough," Smith said. "It's a little bit different here. I think the Bermuda rough, I think you can get kind of lucky or unlucky.

"There's patches out there where they're actually quite thin and you can get away with kind of a bad shot and other patches where if you're in there it's no good at all. I think that's a little bit different.

"I think the way you go through the hills there a few times, there's lots of shots where you almost have to work the ball into the hill. It's a really good challenge."

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World number three Rory McIlroy and newly crowned PGA Championship winner Brooks Koepka will make for a spicy pairing in the first two rounds of the 123rd US Open at Los Angeles Country Club.

World number three Rory McIlroy and newly crowned PGA Championship winner Brooks Koepka will make for a spicy pairing in the first two rounds of the 123rd US Open at Los Angeles Country Club. The two will tee off on the par-70 North Course alongside 2021 Masters champion Hideki Matsuyama at 1:54pm (2054 GMT) on Thursday, when the US Open returns to Los Angeles for the first time since it was held at Riviera Country Club in 1948. Also Read: Denver Nuggets beat Miami Heat in Game 5 to win maiden championship title Koepka passed McIlroy's total of four major titles when he won his fifth at the PGA Championship at Oak Hill last month. McIlroy hasn't lifted a major trophy since he won the PGA Championship and Open Championship in 2014 -- a drought that drew a dig from Koepka back in 2019 when the American noted that McIlroy hadn't won a major "since I've been on the PGA Tour." "I just don't view it as a rivalry," Koepka said back then. "I'm not looking at anybody behind me." The two also ended up on opposite sides when Koepka made the leap to the Saudi-backed LIV Golf circuit, with McIlroy championing the PGA Tour. The bombshell deal announced last week that will have the PGA Tour and DP World Tour joining forces with LIV's Saudi backers has raised plenty of questions, and the ill-feeling won't evaporate overnight. McIlroy himself said after the deal was announced that he still "hates" LIV, although he did say he believed Koepka's PGA Championship win -- the first major triumph for a LIV golfer -- showed he deserved to play in the Ryder Cup. Among other marquee groups, Masters champion Jon Rahm, ranked second in the world, tees off on the 10th hole at 8:24 on Thursday alongside sixth-ranked American Xander Schauffele and world number five Viktor Hovland of Norway. World number one Scottie Scheffler, the 2022 Masters champion, goes off at 8:13 playing with two-time major winner Collin Morikawa and Max Homa. The trio are among the few in the field who have played tournament golf at Los Angeles Country Club. Morikawa and Scheffler were on the US Walker Cup team that beat Britain and Ireland on the North Course in 2017 while Homa holds the course record of 61 -- shot in the first round of the 2013 US collegiate Pacific-12 conference championship. A little bit different Defending champion Matt Fitzpatrick of England will play the first two rounds alongside reigning British Open champion Cameron Smith of Australia -- another LIV Golf player -- and American Sam Bennett. Bennett has turned pro since earning low amateur honours at the Masters. Both Fitzpatrick and Smith were slowing getting to know the course as of Monday. From what he'd seen so far, Smith said, it could offer a different type of US Open challenge. "I guess we're used to that kind of really thick, juicy rough," Smith said. "It's a little bit different here. I think the Bermuda rough, I think you can get kind of lucky or unlucky. "There's patches out there where they're actually quite thin and you can get away with kind of a bad shot and other patches where if you're in there it's no good at all. I think that's a little bit different. "I think the way you go through the hills there a few times, there's lots of shots where you almost have to work the ball into the hill. It's a really good challenge." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Golf: Rory McIlroy, Brooks Koepka paired together for US Open

The recently-announced merger of PGA Tour, DP World Tour and Saudi-backed LIV Golf has created a stir in the world of professional golf. The moves came 12 months after PGA tour called out the LIV Golf and PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan had asked PGA Tour players to not join the rival tour.

The move to merge the tours has now backfired on Monahan with even calls of resignation of PGA Tour chief.

"I recognise that people are going to call me a hypocrite," said Monahan.

"Any time I've said anything I've said it with the information I had at that moment, and I said it based on someone that's trying to compete for the PGA Tour and our players.

"I accept those criticisms, but circumstances do change, and I think looking at the big picture got us to this point.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wtc-final-why-india-and-australia-players-are-wearing-black-bands-601678">WTC Final: Why India and Australia players are wearing black bands?</a>

"It probably didn't seem this way to them, but as I looked to those players that have been loyal to the PGA Tour, I'm confident they made the right decision.

"They have helped re-architect the future of the PGA Tour, they have moved us to a more competitive model. We have significantly invested in our business in 2023, we're going to do so in '24,'" added Monahan.

PGA Tour, at the time when LIV Tour was announced, had support of players like Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy and had turned down some offers. Monahan was asked if players like Woods and McIlroy would be compensated for turning down the offers, to which he replied, 'they are going to have these tough conversations.'

"I think those are all the serious conversations that we're going to have," Monahan said. "Ultimately, everything needs to be considered.

"Ultimately, what you're talking about is an equalisation over time and I think that's a fair and reasonable concept," he added.

The recently-announced merger of PGA Tour, DP World Tour and Saudi-backed LIV Golf has created a stir in the world of professional golf. The moves came 12 months after PGA tour called out the LIV Golf and PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan had asked PGA Tour players to not join the rival tour.

The recently-announced merger of PGA Tour, DP World Tour and Saudi-backed LIV Golf has created a stir in the world of professional golf. The moves came 12 months after PGA tour called out the LIV Golf and PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan had asked PGA Tour players to not join the rival tour. The move to merge the tours has now backfired on Monahan with even calls of resignation of PGA Tour chief. "I recognise that people are going to call me a hypocrite," said Monahan. "Any time I've said anything I've said it with the information I had at that moment, and I said it based on someone that's trying to compete for the PGA Tour and our players. "I accept those criticisms, but circumstances do change, and I think looking at the big picture got us to this point. Also Read: WTC Final: Why India and Australia players are wearing black bands? "It probably didn't seem this way to them, but as I looked to those players that have been loyal to the PGA Tour, I'm confident they made the right decision. "They have helped re-architect the future of the PGA Tour, they have moved us to a more competitive model. We have significantly invested in our business in 2023, we're going to do so in '24,'" added Monahan. PGA Tour, at the time when LIV Tour was announced, had support of players like Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy and had turned down some offers. Monahan was asked if players like Woods and McIlroy would be compensated for turning down the offers, to which he replied, 'they are going to have these tough conversations.' "I think those are all the serious conversations that we're going to have," Monahan said. "Ultimately, everything needs to be considered. "Ultimately, what you're talking about is an equalisation over time and I think that's a fair and reasonable concept," he added.

PGA Tour chief Jay Monahan faces resignation calls after merger with LIV Golf

A surprising merger has ended a civil war in the world of professional golf. The announcement of the partnership between the three main golfing organizations the PGA Tour DP World Tour LIV Golf ended a few that has dodged immense professional game for the past year. The deal also stands to produce benefits for Former President Donald Trump.

How LIV Golf-PGA merger benefits Trump?

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