World number one Jon Rahm says the continuous tussle for the top ranking among himself, Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler "speaks to the greatness of the game of&nbsp;golf&nbsp;right now."

Spain's Rahm returned to the top of the rankings with his victory at Riviera two weeks ago, his third US PGA Tour title of 2023 carrying him past reigning Masters champion Scheffler.

Scheffler had regained the summit just a week earlier, replacing McIlroy atop the rankings after his victory at the Phoenix Open.

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Both second-ranked Scheffler and No. 3 McIlroy have a chance to return to number one this week at the Arnold Palmer Invitational in Orlando, Florida, where Rahm said on Tuesday that the tight race at the top was a testament to the current state of the game.

"I do know this is the most amount of No. 1 changes in this short period of time," Rahm said. "I saw some of those stats, because it's just really interesting, which speaks to the greatness of the game of&nbsp;golf&nbsp;right now -- how good everybody's been playing," Rahm said.

Rahm himself has been in dominant form. His victory in the Genesis Invitational at Riviera was his fifth win in nine worldwide starts, a run that included his third Spanish Open triumph in October and victory in the DP World Tour Championship in November.

He opened 2023 with US Tour wins in the Tournament of Champions in Hawaii and the American Express in La Quinta, California.

After closing out a two-shot victory over Max Homa to return to the top of the rankings for the first time since March of 2022, Rahm said he didn't "need a ranking to validate anything."

But he acknowledged on Tuesday there was "a lot of satisfaction that comes when you get to be No. 1 when the other players have been playing great&nbsp;golf&nbsp;as well.

"Scottie had a great year last year, Rory had a great year last year, and then towards the end of the year I kind of picked up."

Rahm was also pleased to get back to the top with a victory.

"I think one of those times that I got to it, it was after, I think it was (Justin Thomas) had a bad finish, and I finished 10th in a tournament and you get back to number one.

"That doesn't feel nearly as well."

Rahm, who headlines a field that features 43 of the top 50 players in the world, is making just his second start at Bay Hill, where he finished tied for 17th last year with what he called a "horrible, horrible week on the greens".

"Four three-putts alone on the back nine on Sunday," Rahm recalled. "So very encouraged knowing that if I could keep my ball striking the level that I know I can and have a decent week on the greens, I'll have a chance."

Scheffler is the defending champion. He clawed out a one-stroke victory in brutal fourth-round conditions, his second win in three starts after he had claimed his first career title in Phoenix just weeks before.

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World number one Jon Rahm says the continuous tussle for the top ranking among himself, Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler "speaks to the greatness of the game of golf right now.

World number one Jon Rahm says the continuous tussle for the top ranking among himself, Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler "speaks to the greatness of the game of golf right now." Spain's Rahm returned to the top of the rankings with his victory at Riviera two weeks ago, his third US PGA Tour title of 2023 carrying him past reigning Masters champion Scheffler. Scheffler had regained the summit just a week earlier, replacing McIlroy atop the rankings after his victory at the Phoenix Open. Also Read: Lydia Ko not taking Women's World Championship lightly Both second-ranked Scheffler and No. 3 McIlroy have a chance to return to number one this week at the Arnold Palmer Invitational in Orlando, Florida, where Rahm said on Tuesday that the tight race at the top was a testament to the current state of the game. "I do know this is the most amount of No. 1 changes in this short period of time," Rahm said. "I saw some of those stats, because it's just really interesting, which speaks to the greatness of the game of golf right now -- how good everybody's been playing," Rahm said. Rahm himself has been in dominant form. His victory in the Genesis Invitational at Riviera was his fifth win in nine worldwide starts, a run that included his third Spanish Open triumph in October and victory in the DP World Tour Championship in November. He opened 2023 with US Tour wins in the Tournament of Champions in Hawaii and the American Express in La Quinta, California. After closing out a two-shot victory over Max Homa to return to the top of the rankings for the first time since March of 2022, Rahm said he didn't "need a ranking to validate anything." But he acknowledged on Tuesday there was "a lot of satisfaction that comes when you get to be No. 1 when the other players have been playing great golf as well. "Scottie had a great year last year, Rory had a great year last year, and then towards the end of the year I kind of picked up." Rahm was also pleased to get back to the top with a victory. "I think one of those times that I got to it, it was after, I think it was (Justin Thomas) had a bad finish, and I finished 10th in a tournament and you get back to number one. "That doesn't feel nearly as well." Rahm, who headlines a field that features 43 of the top 50 players in the world, is making just his second start at Bay Hill, where he finished tied for 17th last year with what he called a "horrible, horrible week on the greens". "Four three-putts alone on the back nine on Sunday," Rahm recalled. "So very encouraged knowing that if I could keep my ball striking the level that I know I can and have a decent week on the greens, I'll have a chance." Scheffler is the defending champion. He clawed out a one-stroke victory in brutal fourth-round conditions, his second win in three starts after he had claimed his first career title in Phoenix just weeks before. 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: John Rahm says tussle for top place is 'really interesting'

Jon Rahm won the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai by two shots on Sunday as Rory McIlroy finished fourth to end the season as European number one for the fourth time. Spaniard Rahm fired a closing 67 to finish on 20 under and seal a career hat-trick at Jumeirah&nbsp;Golf&nbsp;Estates. England's Tyrrell Hatton and Sweden's Alex Noren shared second place after carding final rounds of 66 and 67 respectively with McIlroy ending at 16 under after a closing 68.

Rahm reeled off three birdies before bogeying the fourth and came back with three more to stay ahead before making par at the 18th. "I like this course and this course likes me. I hope this is the third of many more," he said. McIlroy secured the Harry Vardon Trophy for the winner of the Race to Dubai to crown the European tour's number-one player. "It means a lot," said the Northern Irishman, a four-times Major champion who last earned that title in 2015 and was already world number one. "I was a model of consistency the whole way through the year...just a really consistent season, I kept putting in good performances.

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"It would have been nice to get a win in here at the end of the year but Jon put in an incredible tournament and fully deserved it. I'm really proud of my year and excited for 2023."

Jon Rahm won the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai by two shots on Sunday as Rory McIlroy finished fourth to end the season as European number one for the fourth time.

Jon Rahm won the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai by two shots on Sunday as Rory McIlroy finished fourth to end the season as European number one for the fourth time. Spaniard Rahm fired a closing 67 to finish on 20 under and seal a career hat-trick at Jumeirah Golf Estates. England's Tyrrell Hatton and Sweden's Alex Noren shared second place after carding final rounds of 66 and 67 respectively with McIlroy ending at 16 under after a closing 68. Rahm reeled off three birdies before bogeying the fourth and came back with three more to stay ahead before making par at the 18th. "I like this course and this course likes me. I hope this is the third of many more," he said. McIlroy secured the Harry Vardon Trophy for the winner of the Race to Dubai to crown the European tour's number-one player. "It means a lot," said the Northern Irishman, a four-times Major champion who last earned that title in 2015 and was already world number one. "I was a model of consistency the whole way through the year...just a really consistent season, I kept putting in good performances. Also read: In-form Max Verstappen signs off with record-extending win in Abu Dhabi finale "It would have been nice to get a win in here at the end of the year but Jon put in an incredible tournament and fully deserved it. I'm really proud of my year and excited for 2023."

Jon Rahm wins DP World Tour championship in Dubai, Rory McIlroy ends season as Europe's No. 1

World number one Rory McIlroy said LIV&nbsp;Golf&nbsp;CEO Greg Norman must step down from his position immediately as&nbsp;golf's tours need an "adult in the room" to help end the stalemate in their feud. LIV&nbsp;Golf&nbsp;has lured away some of the U.S.-based PGA Tour's top players with huge sums of money, leading to a simmering feud within the sport. The players competing in the breakaway series have been suspended from the PGA Tour.

LIV has filed a lawsuit accusing the PGA Tour of antitrust violations. The PGA Tour has filed a counterclaim. Attempts by Europe's DP World Tour to suspend players have been unsuccessful with LIV&nbsp;golfers still eligible to compete at its showcase events pending a court hearing next year. Speaking to reporters before the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai, McIlroy said that "nothing will happen" as long as the lawsuits were ongoing. "You're limited in what you can do. I think from whatever happens with those two things, there's a few things I'd like to see on the LIV side that needs to happen," McIlroy said.

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"Greg needs to go. He needs to exit stage left. He's made his mark but now is the right time to say, look, you've got this thing off the ground but no one is going to talk unless there's an adult in the room that can actually try to mend fences. "If those two things happen, then things can happen. But right now, it's a stalemate because there can't be any other way. Hopefully, something can happen, who knows."

Australian Norman, a former world number one, said in September that he was no longer prepared to negotiate with the PGA Tour. Critics say LIV&nbsp;Golf, which is bankrolled by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, amounts to "sportswashing" by a nation trying to improve its reputation in the face of criticism over its human rights record.

World number one Rory McIlroy said LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman must step down from his position immediately as golf's tours need an "adult in the room" to help end the stalemate in their feud.

World number one Rory McIlroy said LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman must step down from his position immediately as golf's tours need an "adult in the room" to help end the stalemate in their feud. LIV Golf has lured away some of the U.S.-based PGA Tour's top players with huge sums of money, leading to a simmering feud within the sport. The players competing in the breakaway series have been suspended from the PGA Tour. LIV has filed a lawsuit accusing the PGA Tour of antitrust violations. The PGA Tour has filed a counterclaim. Attempts by Europe's DP World Tour to suspend players have been unsuccessful with LIV golfers still eligible to compete at its showcase events pending a court hearing next year. Speaking to reporters before the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai, McIlroy said that "nothing will happen" as long as the lawsuits were ongoing. "You're limited in what you can do. I think from whatever happens with those two things, there's a few things I'd like to see on the LIV side that needs to happen," McIlroy said. Also read: Australia to host LIV Golf event in April 2023 in Adelaide "Greg needs to go. He needs to exit stage left. He's made his mark but now is the right time to say, look, you've got this thing off the ground but no one is going to talk unless there's an adult in the room that can actually try to mend fences. "If those two things happen, then things can happen. But right now, it's a stalemate because there can't be any other way. Hopefully, something can happen, who knows." Australian Norman, a former world number one, said in September that he was no longer prepared to negotiate with the PGA Tour. Critics say LIV Golf, which is bankrolled by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, amounts to "sportswashing" by a nation trying to improve its reputation in the face of criticism over its human rights record.

Greg Norman must quit LIV role to end stalemate, says No. 1 ranked Rory McIlroy

TMRW Sports, a tech-focused company co-founded by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, announced on Wednesday a star-studded investor group that includes tennis great Serena Williams and seven-times&nbsp;Formula&nbsp;One&nbsp;world champion Lewis Hamilton.

The team of investors also includes four-time NBA champion Stephen Curry, three-times tennis Grand Slam winner Andy Murray, Japanese two-way standout Shohei Ohtani of Major League Baseball and two-time women's World Cup champion Alex Morgan.

"From the very beginning our plan has been to partner with the best-in-class in every way imaginable and Tiger, Rory, and I value the support of this unrivalled team of investors, advisors, and ambassadors," TMRW Sports co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Mike McCarley said in a news release.

According to TMRW Sports, the initial investment group's sports experience also includes team ownership in every major league and ranges across F1, NFL, NBA, Premier League, MLB, NHL, MLS, tennis, esports, surfing, and golf.

TMRW Sports -- pronounced 'tomorrow sports' -- was launched in August with the goal of using technology to help create new pathways for the next generation to enjoy sports.

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A day after its launch, TMRW Sports said Woods and McIlroy would headline a Monday night team golf competition starting in 2024 that will feature PGA Tour players and combine virtual technology and a tech-infused short-game complex at a custom-built venue.

"TMRW Sports is redefining how the next generation of fans will play and consume sports by leveraging technology in unique and innovative ways," said Michael Blank of Connect Ventures which co-led the institutional investment.

"Connect Ventures is thrilled to work alongside this world-class group of investors to support Tiger, Rory and Mike's vision to further accelerate the evolution of sports and make it more accessible for all."

TMRW Sports, a tech-focused company co-founded by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, announced on Wednesday a star-studded investor group that includes tennis great Serena Williams and seven-times Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton.

TMRW Sports, a tech-focused company co-founded by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, announced on Wednesday a star-studded investor group that includes tennis great Serena Williams and seven-times Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton. The team of investors also includes four-time NBA champion Stephen Curry, three-times tennis Grand Slam winner Andy Murray, Japanese two-way standout Shohei Ohtani of Major League Baseball and two-time women's World Cup champion Alex Morgan. "From the very beginning our plan has been to partner with the best-in-class in every way imaginable and Tiger, Rory, and I value the support of this unrivalled team of investors, advisors, and ambassadors," TMRW Sports co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Mike McCarley said in a news release. According to TMRW Sports, the initial investment group's sports experience also includes team ownership in every major league and ranges across F1, NFL, NBA, Premier League, MLB, NHL, MLS, tennis, esports, surfing, and golf. TMRW Sports -- pronounced 'tomorrow sports' -- was launched in August with the goal of using technology to help create new pathways for the next generation to enjoy sports. ALSO READ | Novak Djokovic starts Paris Masters defence with routine win, Rublev and Hurkacz also through A day after its launch, TMRW Sports said Woods and McIlroy would headline a Monday night team golf competition starting in 2024 that will feature PGA Tour players and combine virtual technology and a tech-infused short-game complex at a custom-built venue. "TMRW Sports is redefining how the next generation of fans will play and consume sports by leveraging technology in unique and innovative ways," said Michael Blank of Connect Ventures which co-led the institutional investment. "Connect Ventures is thrilled to work alongside this world-class group of investors to support Tiger, Rory and Mike's vision to further accelerate the evolution of sports and make it more accessible for all."

Serena, Hamilton among big-name investors behind Tiger Woods- Rory McIlroy's TMRW Sports

World number one Rory&nbsp;McIlroy&nbsp;said the feud between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf Series is "out of control" and that it could leave the game "fractured" for a long time. The Saudi-backed LIV series has lured away some of the PGA Tour's top members with huge sums of money, while those who joined the rebel circuit have been suspended by the U.S.-based circuit. LIV has filed a lawsuit accusing the PGA Tour of antitrust violations, while the PGA Tour has filed a counterclaim.

"This 'us versus them' thing has gotten way out of control already,"&nbsp;McIlroy, one of LIV Golf's fiercest critics, told the Guardian. "If the two entities keep doubling down in both directions, it is only going to become irreparable. We are going to have a fractured sport for a long time. That is no good for anyone." Several of&nbsp;McIlroy's former Ryder Cup teammates, including Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood and Sergio Garcia, have joined the controversial circuit and it is unclear whether they will be allowed to feature in next year's event.

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Henrik Stenson has been stripped of Team Europe's captaincy after joining the Saudi-backed series. "I think it is the first time in my life that I have felt betrayal, in a way," he said. "You build bonds with these people through Ryder Cups and other things. Them knowing that what they are about to do is going to jeopardise them from being a part of that ever again? "I would like to think the Ryder Cup means as much to them as it does to me. Maybe it does. But knowing what the consequences could be, I just could never make that decision."

McIlroy&nbsp;said players should have tried to resolve their issues with the established tours rather than switching to LIV. "I feel like the place where they have been able to build their legacy and build their brand, they have just left behind...," he added. "If people felt so aggrieved about some things, I'd rather be trying to make those changes from inside the walls than trying to go outside and be disruptive."

World number one Rory McIlroy said the feud between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf Series is "out of control" and that it could leave the game "fractured" for a long time.

World number one Rory McIlroy said the feud between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf Series is "out of control" and that it could leave the game "fractured" for a long time. The Saudi-backed LIV series has lured away some of the PGA Tour's top members with huge sums of money, while those who joined the rebel circuit have been suspended by the U.S.-based circuit. LIV has filed a lawsuit accusing the PGA Tour of antitrust violations, while the PGA Tour has filed a counterclaim. "This 'us versus them' thing has gotten way out of control already," McIlroy, one of LIV Golf's fiercest critics, told the Guardian. "If the two entities keep doubling down in both directions, it is only going to become irreparable. We are going to have a fractured sport for a long time. That is no good for anyone." Several of McIlroy's former Ryder Cup teammates, including Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood and Sergio Garcia, have joined the controversial circuit and it is unclear whether they will be allowed to feature in next year's event. ALSO READ | WION Sports Special: The battle for Golf × Henrik Stenson has been stripped of Team Europe's captaincy after joining the Saudi-backed series. "I think it is the first time in my life that I have felt betrayal, in a way," he said. "You build bonds with these people through Ryder Cups and other things. Them knowing that what they are about to do is going to jeopardise them from being a part of that ever again? "I would like to think the Ryder Cup means as much to them as it does to me. Maybe it does. But knowing what the consequences could be, I just could never make that decision." McIlroy said players should have tried to resolve their issues with the established tours rather than switching to LIV. "I feel like the place where they have been able to build their legacy and build their brand, they have just left behind...," he added. "If people felt so aggrieved about some things, I'd rather be trying to make those changes from inside the walls than trying to go outside and be disruptive."

PGA Tour vs LIV Series feud 'no good for anyone, says No. 1 ranked Rory McIlroy

In recent times, golf has been in the headlines for the PGA Tour versus LIV Golf tussle. The tensions between PGA Tour and the Saudi-backed LIV Golf continue with each passing day and the divide has created a lot of stir.&nbsp;

Recently, FedEx Cup champion Rory McIlroy opined on the divide, which is leading to golf 'ripping itself apart'. He told Reuters, "I don't want a fractured game. I never have. You look at some other sports and what's happened and the game of golf is ripping itself apart right now."

"It's no good for the guys on, you know, this side or the sort of traditional system and it's no good for the guys on the other side, either. It's no good for anyone. There is a time and a place for it. I just think right now, with where everything is, it's probably not the right time."

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Eleven LIV players had initially given their nod to&nbsp;support&nbsp;an antitrust lawsuit filed against the PGA Tour. They&nbsp;had accused the PGA Tour of&nbsp;operating as a monopoly and alleged the suspension of players joining the new circuit was not proper.

Nonetheless, eight of them&nbsp;pulled out from it recently, with Phil Mickelson joining them most recently.&nbsp;McIlroy feels a resolution can be possible but opines that legal proceedings are making matters worse at present.

"Right now with two lawsuits going on, and how heightened the rhetoric has been, I think we just need to let it cool off a little bit," McIlory said while speaking to BBC Sport on Wednesday. "I don't know what's going to happen with this lawsuit. No one's going to want to talk to anyone when it's hanging over the game, so I don't know what happens there.

"I've probably said a few things that are maybe too inflammatory at times, but it just comes from the heart and how much I hate what this is doing to the game. It has been an ugly year but&nbsp;there's a solution to everything. If we can send rockets to the moon and bring them back again and have them land on their own I'm sure we can figure out how to make professional golf cohesive again," the 33-year-old added.

Mickelson, in a statement brought forward by LIV Golf, said after his withdrawal from the lawsuit against PGA Tour, "I am focused on moving forward and extremely happy being a part of LIV, while also grateful for my time on the Tour.' 
 
"I am pleased that the players on Tour are finally being heard, respected, and valued and are benefitting from the changes recently implemented. With LIV's involvement in these issues, the players' rights will be protected, and I no longer feel it is necessary for me to be part of the proceedings," he added.

It looks like the PGA vs LIV Royal Rumble is far from over. It, however,&nbsp;is denting the game to a great extend in current scenario.

In recent times, golf has been in the headlines for the PGA Tour versus LIV Golf tussle. The tensions between PGA Tour and the Saudi-backed LIV Golf continue with each passing day and the divide has created a lot of stir.

In recent times, golf has been in the headlines for the PGA Tour versus LIV Golf tussle. The tensions between PGA Tour and the Saudi-backed LIV Golf continue with each passing day and the divide has created a lot of stir. Recently, FedEx Cup champion Rory McIlroy opined on the divide, which is leading to golf 'ripping itself apart'. He told Reuters, "I don't want a fractured game. I never have. You look at some other sports and what's happened and the game of golf is ripping itself apart right now." "It's no good for the guys on, you know, this side or the sort of traditional system and it's no good for the guys on the other side, either. It's no good for anyone. There is a time and a place for it. I just think right now, with where everything is, it's probably not the right time." ALSO READ | Phil Mickelson and three others pull out of LIV Golf lawsuit against PGA Tour Eleven LIV players had initially given their nod to support an antitrust lawsuit filed against the PGA Tour. They had accused the PGA Tour of operating as a monopoly and alleged the suspension of players joining the new circuit was not proper. Nonetheless, eight of them pulled out from it recently, with Phil Mickelson joining them most recently. McIlroy feels a resolution can be possible but opines that legal proceedings are making matters worse at present. "Right now with two lawsuits going on, and how heightened the rhetoric has been, I think we just need to let it cool off a little bit," McIlory said while speaking to BBC Sport on Wednesday. "I don't know what's going to happen with this lawsuit. No one's going to want to talk to anyone when it's hanging over the game, so I don't know what happens there. "I've probably said a few things that are maybe too inflammatory at times, but it just comes from the heart and how much I hate what this is doing to the game. It has been an ugly year but there's a solution to everything. If we can send rockets to the moon and bring them back again and have them land on their own I'm sure we can figure out how to make professional golf cohesive again," the 33-year-old added. Mickelson, in a statement brought forward by LIV Golf, said after his withdrawal from the lawsuit against PGA Tour, "I am focused on moving forward and extremely happy being a part of LIV, while also grateful for my time on the Tour.' "I am pleased that the players on Tour are finally being heard, respected, and valued and are benefitting from the changes recently implemented. With LIV's involvement in these issues, the players' rights will be protected, and I no longer feel it is necessary for me to be part of the proceedings," he added. It looks like the PGA vs LIV Royal Rumble is far from over. It, however, is denting the game to a great extend in current scenario.

Rory McIlroy reacts to tensions between PGA Tour and LIV Golf, says game is 'ripping itself apart'

In their latest move against the rival breakaway series LIV Golf, Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy have jointly launched a new startup, TMRW Sports, which will aim to use technology to pave&nbsp;the way for arena and stadium-centric golf events to attract new eyes to the sport and cultivate a younger audience.

Pronounced tomorrow sports, the company will promote&nbsp;“progressive approaches to sports, media, and entertainment”, said a press release put out by the company.

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McIlroy's&nbsp;Symphony Ventures and Woods' TGR Ventures are believed to be the first set of investors in the startup. The company aims to bring the world's best golfers together to compete in a stadium-based skills competition series.

"So many athletes, entertainers, and people I meet from all walks of life share our passion for sports, but they also share our desire to build a better future for the next generation of sports fans,"&nbsp;said Woods in&nbsp;the&nbsp;press release.

It is said to be partnering with the PGA Tour in some capacity as each one-day contest would be designed to complement the existing PGA schedule. It is expected to be launched as early as 2024. The event will most likely take place during the months of January through March.

"By joining forces with Tiger, Mike, and other TMRW Sports partners, we can shape the way that media and technology improve the sports experience,"&nbsp;said&nbsp;McIlroy.&nbsp;

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The deep-pocketed Saudi breakaway league, LIV Golf, has successfully lured away a myriad of the PGA Tour's stars, including&nbsp;Dustin Johnson,&nbsp;Bryson DeChambeau, Phil Mickelson, and Brooks Koepka.

However, the likes of Woods and McIlroy have held strong against the advances of LIV Golf, reportedly turning down a whopping&nbsp;$800million offer to join the ranks of the breakaway league. Some of the biggest stars who frequently feature on the PGA Tour convened in Delaware to discuss their prospects in the battle against the Saudi-backed league.

Solutions included coming out with&nbsp;18 no-cut tournaments, featuring about 60 players, going head to head against each other with purses worth&nbsp;$20 million hanging in the balance. It is interesting to note that LIV Golf offers&nbsp;$25 million purses.

In their latest move against the rival breakaway series LIV Golf, Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy have jointly launched a new startup, TMRW Sports, which will aim to use technology to pave the way for arena and stadium-centric golf events to attract new eyes to the sport and cultivate a younger audience.

In their latest move against the rival breakaway series LIV Golf, Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy have jointly launched a new startup, TMRW Sports, which will aim to use technology to pave the way for arena and stadium-centric golf events to attract new eyes to the sport and cultivate a younger audience. Pronounced tomorrow sports, the company will promote “progressive approaches to sports, media, and entertainment”, said a press release put out by the company. ALSO READ: 'How many stories do you have?': Man City's Benjamin Mendy asked police after being arrested for rape McIlroy's Symphony Ventures and Woods' TGR Ventures are believed to be the first set of investors in the startup. The company aims to bring the world's best golfers together to compete in a stadium-based skills competition series. "So many athletes, entertainers, and people I meet from all walks of life share our passion for sports, but they also share our desire to build a better future for the next generation of sports fans," said Woods in the press release. It is said to be partnering with the PGA Tour in some capacity as each one-day contest would be designed to complement the existing PGA schedule. It is expected to be launched as early as 2024. The event will most likely take place during the months of January through March. "By joining forces with Tiger, Mike, and other TMRW Sports partners, we can shape the way that media and technology improve the sports experience," said McIlroy. ALSO READ: 'Don't leave you sh** bas***d': Real Madrid star Valverde's girlfriend to Casemiro ahead of Man Utd move The deep-pocketed Saudi breakaway league, LIV Golf, has successfully lured away a myriad of the PGA Tour's stars, including Dustin Johnson, Bryson DeChambeau, Phil Mickelson, and Brooks Koepka. However, the likes of Woods and McIlroy have held strong against the advances of LIV Golf, reportedly turning down a whopping $800million offer to join the ranks of the breakaway league. Some of the biggest stars who frequently feature on the PGA Tour convened in Delaware to discuss their prospects in the battle against the Saudi-backed league. Solutions included coming out with 18 no-cut tournaments, featuring about 60 players, going head to head against each other with purses worth $20 million hanging in the balance. It is interesting to note that LIV Golf offers $25 million purses.

Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy spearhead joint charge against LIV Golf, launch tech-focused firm

Australia's Cameron Smith won the 150th&nbsp;British&nbsp;Open&nbsp;at St Andrews on Sunday after a stunning final round of 64 saw him overtake favourite Rory McIlroy on a dramatic day at the Old Course and claim his first major title with a 20-under-par total.

Smith began the day four shots off the lead but his eight-under-par fourth round allowed him to finish a shot clear of Cameron Young of the United States, with a frustrated McIlroy ending another stroke back in third after a 70.

The world number six would have known something special was needed on Sunday for him to win the Claret Jug and he duly delivered with eight birdies -- including five in a row from the 10th -- and not a single dropped shot.

McIlroy had been the favourite coming into the week and was two shots clear and in control at the turn in his final round, but then just in front Smith set off on his birdie surge and the pendulum swung definitively his way.

At the age of 28, Smith is the first Australian in almost three decades to win the&nbsp;British&nbsp;Open&nbsp;since Greg Norman claimed his second Claret Jug at Royal St George's in 1993.

The Brisbane native with the trademark mullet is also the third Australian to win the&nbsp;Open&nbsp;at the home of golf, after Peter Thomson in 1955 and Kel Nagle, who won the&nbsp;Open&nbsp;in 1960.

"To win an&nbsp;Open&nbsp;Championship in itself is going to be a golfer's highlight but to do it around St Andrews is unbelievable," he said.

"This place is so cool. I love the golf course and the town."

Smith's 20-under-par total of 268 is the lowest winning score in an&nbsp;Open&nbsp;at St Andrews, bettering the performance of Tiger Woods, who won on 19-under in 2000.

In stark contrast to Smith, McIlroy was left to rue a series of missed birdie putts, while Viktor Hovland -- who had shared the overnight lead on 16-under -- faded badly to shoot a 74.

That left the door&nbsp;open&nbsp;for one of the chasing pack and Smith took full advantage thanks to his incredible performance on the back nine.

As well as the birdies he showed nerves of steel to save par at the 17th, the legendary Road Hole.

Yet he needed his final birdie on 18 as his playing partner Young produced an eagle to finish with a 65 and end on 19-under.

A play-off was avoided and Smith could celebrate his first major after he finished tied third at this year's Masters, a tournament in which he also came second in 2020.

Before this week his biggest win had come at the Players Championship in March.

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<h2>- McIlroy rues missed putts -</h2>

If Young, the 25-year-old New Yorker who had been the leader after the first round, can be satisfied with his showing this week, the same ultimately cannot be said for McIlroy.

"Just disappointment I guess. I had a great opportunity today to add to that major tally and I didn't quite get it done," McIlroy, who is still stuck on four major titles, told NBC.

"I didn't feel like I did many things wrong, but the putter went cold on me throughout the round."

Now 33, few would have thought when he won the 2014&nbsp;Open&nbsp;at Hoylake and followed it with victory in the PGA Championship a few weeks later that he would then embark on a major drought which will extend into a ninth year.

"I got beaten by the better player this week. To shoot 64 to win an&nbsp;Open&nbsp;Championship at St Andrews is one hell of a showing, so hats off to Cam, he's had an unbelievable week," McIlroy added.

England's Tommy Fleetwood finished in a tie for fourth on 14 under par alongside Hovland, who had been hoping to become the first Norwegian winner of a men's major.

Brian Harman of the United States came tied sixth on 13-under with Dustin Johnson, who was the highest finisher among the 24 players from the breakaway Saudi-backed LIV series in St Andrews this week.

The chief executive of the LIV series is Norman, the 67-year-old who was not invited to St Andrews by organisers the R&amp;A as a result but who will surely be proud of his compatriot's performance.

Australia's Cameron Smith won the 150th British Open at St Andrews on Sunday after a stunning final round of 64 saw him overtake favourite Rory McIlroy on a dramatic day at the Old Course and claim his first major title with a 20-under-par total.

Australia's Cameron Smith won the 150th British Open at St Andrews on Sunday after a stunning final round of 64 saw him overtake favourite Rory McIlroy on a dramatic day at the Old Course and claim his first major title with a 20-under-par total. Smith began the day four shots off the lead but his eight-under-par fourth round allowed him to finish a shot clear of Cameron Young of the United States, with a frustrated McIlroy ending another stroke back in third after a 70. The world number six would have known something special was needed on Sunday for him to win the Claret Jug and he duly delivered with eight birdies -- including five in a row from the 10th -- and not a single dropped shot. McIlroy had been the favourite coming into the week and was two shots clear and in control at the turn in his final round, but then just in front Smith set off on his birdie surge and the pendulum swung definitively his way. At the age of 28, Smith is the first Australian in almost three decades to win the British Open since Greg Norman claimed his second Claret Jug at Royal St George's in 1993. The Brisbane native with the trademark mullet is also the third Australian to win the Open at the home of golf, after Peter Thomson in 1955 and Kel Nagle, who won the Open in 1960. "To win an Open Championship in itself is going to be a golfer's highlight but to do it around St Andrews is unbelievable," he said. "This place is so cool. I love the golf course and the town." Smith's 20-under-par total of 268 is the lowest winning score in an Open at St Andrews, bettering the performance of Tiger Woods, who won on 19-under in 2000. In stark contrast to Smith, McIlroy was left to rue a series of missed birdie putts, while Viktor Hovland -- who had shared the overnight lead on 16-under -- faded badly to shoot a 74. That left the door open for one of the chasing pack and Smith took full advantage thanks to his incredible performance on the back nine. As well as the birdies he showed nerves of steel to save par at the 17th, the legendary Road Hole. Yet he needed his final birdie on 18 as his playing partner Young produced an eagle to finish with a 65 and end on 19-under. A play-off was avoided and Smith could celebrate his first major after he finished tied third at this year's Masters, a tournament in which he also came second in 2020. Before this week his biggest win had come at the Players Championship in March. ALSO READ | PV Sindhu defeats China's Wang Zhi Yi in thrilling final to clinch Singapore Open 2022 title - McIlroy rues missed putts - If Young, the 25-year-old New Yorker who had been the leader after the first round, can be satisfied with his showing this week, the same ultimately cannot be said for McIlroy. "Just disappointment I guess. I had a great opportunity today to add to that major tally and I didn't quite get it done," McIlroy, who is still stuck on four major titles, told NBC. "I didn't feel like I did many things wrong, but the putter went cold on me throughout the round." Now 33, few would have thought when he won the 2014 Open at Hoylake and followed it with victory in the PGA Championship a few weeks later that he would then embark on a major drought which will extend into a ninth year. "I got beaten by the better player this week. To shoot 64 to win an Open Championship at St Andrews is one hell of a showing, so hats off to Cam, he's had an unbelievable week," McIlroy added. England's Tommy Fleetwood finished in a tie for fourth on 14 under par alongside Hovland, who had been hoping to become the first Norwegian winner of a men's major. Brian Harman of the United States came tied sixth on 13-under with Dustin Johnson, who was the highest finisher among the 24 players from the breakaway Saudi-backed LIV series in St Andrews this week. The chief executive of the LIV series is Norman, the 67-year-old who was not invited to St Andrews by organisers the R&A as a result but who will surely be proud of his compatriot's performance.

Cameron Smith sees off favourite Rory McIlroy to clinch British Open title

Top-ranked defending champion Dustin Johnson has more time to prepare for next week's US PGA Heritage Classic than he really wanted after missing the cut at the 85th Masters.

Four-time major winner Rory McIlroy also failed to reach the weekend for only the second time in 13 trips to Augusta National, missing his chance to complete a career Grand Slam for another year.

And four-time major champion Brooks Koepka, who battled to play after right knee surgery a month ago, wasn't among the 54 who reached the weekend at the year's first major championship.

"I worked my ass off just to get here and then to play like this is pretty disappointing," Koepka said.

Johnson and Koepka each cited putting woes as their reason for being done, although Koepka will get weekend physical therapy and Johnson must put the green jacket on the shoulders of the new Masters champion in a Sunday ceremony.

"Mostly just the putter. Six three-putts in two rounds, you just can't do that," Johnson said.

"Didn't drive it great but drove it good enough, and I felt like I never was really too bad out of position. Just the three-putts killed me.

"I just didn't putt very well. My speed was awful. I just left it short from 10 feet there on the last hole. I just didn't have a good beat on the speed the last two days."

Koepka and Johnson both shot 75 to finish on five-over 149 while McIlroy, who did not speak after, was on 150 after a closing 74.

McIlroy has been reworking his swing with coach Pete Cowen and said Thursday he was very much still in a transition process.

"Any time you're working on things with your swing, it's going to feel very different, but it's not as if I haven't done these things before," McIlroy said.

"It's like you get into these bad habits and that feels normal, and then you get it back into position where I've been a million times before and it just feels a little different."

Koepka putting woes were major as well.

"Putter was ice cold. Didn't make any putts," he said. "I don't want to say the speed was off, maybe the reads a little bit. Maybe the start line. A lot of them felt like good putts, and they weren't even hitting the hole.

"They felt good coming off the face, but they didn't even sniff it."

Koepka was pleased he had the stamina to walk 18 holes at hilly Augusta.

"Downhill was tough," Koepka said. "I don't feel as sore as I did yesterday, so I feel better. It's nice to know I can walk 18."

Koepka will play in next month's PGA Championship at Kiawah Island but wasn't sure if he would play a US PGA event before the next major tournament.

"Tough to say," he said. "Just for how it feels, how rehab goes and everything. I wouldn't have been playing for another month if it wasn't (Masters) week. So I'll take a nice long break after this."

Top-ranked defending champion Dustin Johnson has more time to prepare for next week's US PGA Heritage Classic than he really wanted after missing the cut at the 85th Masters.

Top-ranked defending champion Dustin Johnson has more time to prepare for next week's US PGA Heritage Classic than he really wanted after missing the cut at the 85th Masters. Four-time major winner Rory McIlroy also failed to reach the weekend for only the second time in 13 trips to Augusta National, missing his chance to complete a career Grand Slam for another year. And four-time major champion Brooks Koepka, who battled to play after right knee surgery a month ago, wasn't among the 54 who reached the weekend at the year's first major championship. "I worked my ass off just to get here and then to play like this is pretty disappointing," Koepka said. Johnson and Koepka each cited putting woes as their reason for being done, although Koepka will get weekend physical therapy and Johnson must put the green jacket on the shoulders of the new Masters champion in a Sunday ceremony. "Mostly just the putter. Six three-putts in two rounds, you just can't do that," Johnson said. "Didn't drive it great but drove it good enough, and I felt like I never was really too bad out of position. Just the three-putts killed me. "I just didn't putt very well. My speed was awful. I just left it short from 10 feet there on the last hole. I just didn't have a good beat on the speed the last two days." Koepka and Johnson both shot 75 to finish on five-over 149 while McIlroy, who did not speak after, was on 150 after a closing 74. McIlroy has been reworking his swing with coach Pete Cowen and said Thursday he was very much still in a transition process. "Any time you're working on things with your swing, it's going to feel very different, but it's not as if I haven't done these things before," McIlroy said. "It's like you get into these bad habits and that feels normal, and then you get it back into position where I've been a million times before and it just feels a little different." Koepka putting woes were major as well. "Putter was ice cold. Didn't make any putts," he said. "I don't want to say the speed was off, maybe the reads a little bit. Maybe the start line. A lot of them felt like good putts, and they weren't even hitting the hole. "They felt good coming off the face, but they didn't even sniff it." Koepka was pleased he had the stamina to walk 18 holes at hilly Augusta. "Downhill was tough," Koepka said. "I don't feel as sore as I did yesterday, so I feel better. It's nice to know I can walk 18." Koepka will play in next month's PGA Championship at Kiawah Island but wasn't sure if he would play a US PGA event before the next major tournament. "Tough to say," he said. "Just for how it feels, how rehab goes and everything. I wouldn't have been playing for another month if it wasn't (Masters) week. So I'll take a nice long break after this."

No. 1 Johnson, McIlroy and Koepka miss Masters cut

Rory McIlroy struck his father with a wayward shot in Thursday's opening round of the Masters on the way to his worst start at Augusta National, a four-over par 76.

The 31-year-old from Northern Ireland, a four-time major winner, can complete a career Grand Slam with a Masters triumph, but he has been working on his swing and struggling to find consistency.

Summing up his issues was his second shot at the par-4 seventh hole, with McIlroy slightly behind a tree to the left and coming off back-to-back bogeys.

Trying to bend his approach around a tree, McIlroy instead sliced the ball well right, the errant ball striking his father on the back of a leg as he was walking to the green.

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Rory McIlroy hit his dad with an errant approach shot on No. 7 during the first round of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/theMasters?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#theMasters</a> <a href="https://t.co/uEle8iqeyR">pic.twitter.com/uEle8iqeyR</a>
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"I should ask for an autographed glove," the elder McIlroy joked.

Rory McIlroy joked that he might sign something that would come in more useful to heal his dad's sore calf.

"He has seen me sign plenty of stuff over the years, so I think that's the least of his worries," the younger McIlroy said.

"I think he just needs to go and put some ice on -- maybe I'll autograph a bag of frozen peas for him."

McIlroy, whose worst prior Masters start was last year's 75, had already seen his father down the right side and was aiming at him with plans for the ball to curl back toward the green, which it didn't do, setting up a third bogey in a row.

"I knew it was my dad when I was aiming at him," McIlroy said.

"In fairness, I was trying to turn it off. It was a perfect shot. It was dead straight.

"But I think he was OK. He didn't limp away. He walked away pretty swiftly so that was all right."

McIlroy's problems aren't as easy to walk off. He hasn't won since 2019 in Shanghai and hasn't won a major since the 2014 PGA Championship.

"It still didn't feel quite 100% but I was encouraged by some of the stuff I saw out there," McIlroy said of a round that featured six bogeys and two birdies.

<h2>- 'I hung in there' -</h2>

Swing coach Pete Cowen is trying to simplify McIlroy's swing motion, but changes aren't simple.

"Any time you're working on things with your swing, it's going to feel very different, but it's not as if I haven't done these things before," McIlroy said.

"That's the thing. It's like you get into these bad habits and that feels normal, and then you get it back into position where I've been a million times before and it just feels a little different."

Firm and fast conditions had many of the world's top players scrambling.

"I hung in there, hit some good shots coming in. I'm quite encouraged by the way I hit it on the way in," McIlroy said.

"Could have made a couple more birdies, but it's not as if anyone is going really low.

"The par-5s you can birdie but then you have to be happy with giving yourself 25-, 30-footers every time. If you can do that, you've played a really good round of golf."

Rory McIlroy struck his father with a wayward shot in Thursday's opening round of the Masters on the way to his worst start at Augusta National, a four-over par 76.

Rory McIlroy struck his father with a wayward shot in Thursday's opening round of the Masters on the way to his worst start at Augusta National, a four-over par 76. The 31-year-old from Northern Ireland, a four-time major winner, can complete a career Grand Slam with a Masters triumph, but he has been working on his swing and struggling to find consistency. Summing up his issues was his second shot at the par-4 seventh hole, with McIlroy slightly behind a tree to the left and coming off back-to-back bogeys. Trying to bend his approach around a tree, McIlroy instead sliced the ball well right, the errant ball striking his father on the back of a leg as he was walking to the green. Rory McIlroy hit his dad with an errant approach shot on No. 7 during the first round of #theMasters pic.twitter.com/uEle8iqeyR — PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) April 8, 2021 × "I should ask for an autographed glove," the elder McIlroy joked. Rory McIlroy joked that he might sign something that would come in more useful to heal his dad's sore calf. "He has seen me sign plenty of stuff over the years, so I think that's the least of his worries," the younger McIlroy said. "I think he just needs to go and put some ice on -- maybe I'll autograph a bag of frozen peas for him." McIlroy, whose worst prior Masters start was last year's 75, had already seen his father down the right side and was aiming at him with plans for the ball to curl back toward the green, which it didn't do, setting up a third bogey in a row. "I knew it was my dad when I was aiming at him," McIlroy said. "In fairness, I was trying to turn it off. It was a perfect shot. It was dead straight. "But I think he was OK. He didn't limp away. He walked away pretty swiftly so that was all right." McIlroy's problems aren't as easy to walk off. He hasn't won since 2019 in Shanghai and hasn't won a major since the 2014 PGA Championship. "It still didn't feel quite 100% but I was encouraged by some of the stuff I saw out there," McIlroy said of a round that featured six bogeys and two birdies. - 'I hung in there' - Swing coach Pete Cowen is trying to simplify McIlroy's swing motion, but changes aren't simple. "Any time you're working on things with your swing, it's going to feel very different, but it's not as if I haven't done these things before," McIlroy said. "That's the thing. It's like you get into these bad habits and that feels normal, and then you get it back into position where I've been a million times before and it just feels a little different." Firm and fast conditions had many of the world's top players scrambling. "I hung in there, hit some good shots coming in. I'm quite encouraged by the way I hit it on the way in," McIlroy said. "Could have made a couple more birdies, but it's not as if anyone is going really low. "The par-5s you can birdie but then you have to be happy with giving yourself 25-, 30-footers every time. If you can do that, you've played a really good round of golf."

Watch: McIlroy hits dad with errant shot in Masters meltdown

Four-time major winner Rory McIlroy plans to get out of his own way and use hard-earned grit to capture the long-sought Masters title that would complete a career Grand Slam.

The world number five from Northern Ireland said Tuesday he feels relaxed and in control of his game, but realizes he must seize the elusive green jacket in order to join one of golf's most exclusive clubs.

"I've hit it well over the past couple of weeks in practice up here," McIlroy said. "My game feels good.

"I feel as in control as I've been for a while and that adds to that relaxed feeling. You know that it's in there. It's just a matter of going out, just getting out of my own way and just playing with freedom."

A victory would put McIlroy, 31, alongside the only five men to win each major at least once in their careers -- Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, Gary Player, Ben Hogan and Gene Sarazen.

"The guy is as complete a player as there is," three-time Masters winner Phil Mickelson said of McIlroy. "As well as smart, knowledgeable and works hard. So he'll win and complete the Grand Slam. He's too great a player not to.

"I would be shocked if he wasn't in contention with a great chance on Sunday... winning a Masters will happen. And when it does, I think he's going to win a few."

McIlroy appreciates the praise but knows it will take one of his greatest performances to make the prediction come true.

"Nothing's given in this game," McIlroy said. "I've always felt like I had the game to do well around here. It's just a matter of getting out of my own way and letting it happen.

"You have to go out and earn it. You can't just rely on people saying that you're going to win one. Greg Norman never did. Ernie Els never did. There are a lot of great people that have played this game that have never won a green jacket.

"It's not a foregone conclusion and I know that. I have to go out and earn it and play good golf. Nowadays, with how many great players there are, I need to play my best golf to have a chance."

It's his first Masters since becoming a father, with wife Erica giving birth to daughter Poppy in August and the Augusta National showdown delayed from April due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

<h2>- Failure made him gritty -</h2>

This will be McIlroy's sixth attempt to win the Masters with the career Slam at stake. He hasn't won a major title since 2013 and he didn't win his first until the 2011 US Open -- his first major after squandering a final-round lead at the Masters with a nightmare Sunday.

"My grit has come from my failures, and I don't have to look any further than this place in 2011," McIlroy said. "I learned a lot from that day. I learned a lot in terms of what I needed to be and didn't need to be.

"I needed to be myself. I didn't need to try to be like anyone else... Failure. You can't be afraid of it. You have to embrace the fact that you are going to fail at things, but you should learn from them.

"I've had a nice little bit of success in this game but I've failed a hell of a lot more than I've succeeded. And that is why I have succeeded, is because I went through those tough patches, and you need to. You need to go through those tough patches to learn. That's where I've got my persistence or grit from."

McIlroy admits he was slow to recover form after the pandemic break ended in June.

"There has been really good stuff in there, but there has been some lackluster stuff, too, lapses of concentration," he said. "They're still handing out trophies at the end of every week, so you may as well try and play as hard as possible for them."

Four-time major winner Rory McIlroy plans to get out of his own way and use hard-earned grit to capture the long-sought Masters title that would complete a career Grand Slam.

Four-time major winner Rory McIlroy plans to get out of his own way and use hard-earned grit to capture the long-sought Masters title that would complete a career Grand Slam. The world number five from Northern Ireland said Tuesday he feels relaxed and in control of his game, but realizes he must seize the elusive green jacket in order to join one of golf's most exclusive clubs. "I've hit it well over the past couple of weeks in practice up here," McIlroy said. "My game feels good. "I feel as in control as I've been for a while and that adds to that relaxed feeling. You know that it's in there. It's just a matter of going out, just getting out of my own way and just playing with freedom." A victory would put McIlroy, 31, alongside the only five men to win each major at least once in their careers -- Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, Gary Player, Ben Hogan and Gene Sarazen. "The guy is as complete a player as there is," three-time Masters winner Phil Mickelson said of McIlroy. "As well as smart, knowledgeable and works hard. So he'll win and complete the Grand Slam. He's too great a player not to. "I would be shocked if he wasn't in contention with a great chance on Sunday... winning a Masters will happen. And when it does, I think he's going to win a few." McIlroy appreciates the praise but knows it will take one of his greatest performances to make the prediction come true. "Nothing's given in this game," McIlroy said. "I've always felt like I had the game to do well around here. It's just a matter of getting out of my own way and letting it happen. "You have to go out and earn it. You can't just rely on people saying that you're going to win one. Greg Norman never did. Ernie Els never did. There are a lot of great people that have played this game that have never won a green jacket. "It's not a foregone conclusion and I know that. I have to go out and earn it and play good golf. Nowadays, with how many great players there are, I need to play my best golf to have a chance." It's his first Masters since becoming a father, with wife Erica giving birth to daughter Poppy in August and the Augusta National showdown delayed from April due to the Covid-19 pandemic. - Failure made him gritty - This will be McIlroy's sixth attempt to win the Masters with the career Slam at stake. He hasn't won a major title since 2013 and he didn't win his first until the 2011 US Open -- his first major after squandering a final-round lead at the Masters with a nightmare Sunday. "My grit has come from my failures, and I don't have to look any further than this place in 2011," McIlroy said. "I learned a lot from that day. I learned a lot in terms of what I needed to be and didn't need to be. "I needed to be myself. I didn't need to try to be like anyone else... Failure. You can't be afraid of it. You have to embrace the fact that you are going to fail at things, but you should learn from them. "I've had a nice little bit of success in this game but I've failed a hell of a lot more than I've succeeded. And that is why I have succeeded, is because I went through those tough patches, and you need to. You need to go through those tough patches to learn. That's where I've got my persistence or grit from." McIlroy admits he was slow to recover form after the pandemic break ended in June. "There has been really good stuff in there, but there has been some lackluster stuff, too, lapses of concentration," he said. "They're still handing out trophies at the end of every week, so you may as well try and play as hard as possible for them."

Gritty McIlroy ready to earn Masters win and finish Slam

Rory McIlroy says he may not return to Europe from the United States this year due to the risks associated with travelling amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

McIlroy, who is in the field for the PGA Tour’s WGC-FedEx St. Jude Invitational this week, will play in the U.S. Open in September but has hinted he may not take part in the European Tour’s Scottish Open or BMW PGA Championship in October.

“I honestly don’t know if I see myself going back to Europe this year,” the world number two said. “I don’t know if I want to travel, I don’t know if I want to be exposed to more things and more people.

“I’m sort of taking it week by week. I’ve got my schedule planned up until the U.S. Open, which is obviously a couple weeks after the Tour Championship, and then I honestly have no idea what I’m going to do after that.”

McIlroy said that while he understood why Lee Westwood chose not to travel to San Francisco for the PGA Championship, he would return to Europe if there was a major on the schedule.

This year’s British Open, which was due to be held at Royal St George’s in Kent this month, was cancelled due to the pandemic.

“I understand their plight. I was just saying I don’t know if I would travel in the fall and go and play some of these other events in Europe, but if it was a major championship, it would probably be different,” he said.

The European Tour returned this month with back-to-back events in Austria, while the British Masters last week was the first of six tournaments on the ‘UK Swing’.

Rory McIlroy says he may not return to Europe from the United States this year due to the risks associated with travelling amid the COVID-19 pandemic. McIlroy, who is in the field for the PGA Tour’s WGC-FedEx St.

Rory McIlroy says he may not return to Europe from the United States this year due to the risks associated with travelling amid the COVID-19 pandemic. McIlroy, who is in the field for the PGA Tour’s WGC-FedEx St. Jude Invitational this week, will play in the U.S. Open in September but has hinted he may not take part in the European Tour’s Scottish Open or BMW PGA Championship in October. “I honestly don’t know if I see myself going back to Europe this year,” the world number two said. “I don’t know if I want to travel, I don’t know if I want to be exposed to more things and more people. “I’m sort of taking it week by week. I’ve got my schedule planned up until the U.S. Open, which is obviously a couple weeks after the Tour Championship, and then I honestly have no idea what I’m going to do after that.” McIlroy said that while he understood why Lee Westwood chose not to travel to San Francisco for the PGA Championship, he would return to Europe if there was a major on the schedule. This year’s British Open, which was due to be held at Royal St George’s in Kent this month, was cancelled due to the pandemic. “I understand their plight. I was just saying I don’t know if I would travel in the fall and go and play some of these other events in Europe, but if it was a major championship, it would probably be different,” he said. The European Tour returned this month with back-to-back events in Austria, while the British Masters last week was the first of six tournaments on the ‘UK Swing’.

Golf: McIlroy may not return to Europe this year due to COVID-19 risk

World number one Rory McIlroy&nbsp;says his game is as sharp as possible and he feels in a safe environment as the US&nbsp;PGA&nbsp;Tour returns to competition Thursday.

After three months idled due to the coronavirus pandemic, the four-time major champion from Northern Ireland will tee off&nbsp;without spectators at the Charles Schwab Challenge at Colonial in Fort Worth, Texas.

There will be face masks and gloves, social distancing, coronavirus tests and temperature-taking to create and maintain a "bubble" of safety for players.

"It really does feel safe. Everything at the course, everything that has been put in place for us, it has felt very robust, very safe," McIlroy said.

"There's sanitizer everywhere you look. I feel safe and I'd say basically everyone else that's here feels the same thing."

McIlroy says his game is as good as can be expected after such a long competition layoff.

"The thing I missed the most was the competition," McIlroy said. "I tried to play with high-caliber players and see where I measured up with them.

"I feel like my game is pretty sharp. I'm as sharp as I can be coming in here... the first couple of days here will be the real test. I'll learn a lot about myself and my game in those first couple of days."

With a spotlight on the first event since The Players Championship was halted after one round in March, McIlroy knows how crucial the week will be for golf and the emergence of sport in general from the COVID-19 outbreak.

"This week is very important. Golf will be the center of the sports world," he said. "For people to have something to watch on TV where they don't know the outcome, I think that will be a good thing."

McIlroy expects a strange atmosphere without fans lining the course, as spectators are not scheduled to attend a&nbsp;PGA&nbsp;event until next month at the Memorial tournament.

"It'll be a little eerie, you're not getting claps or feedback from good shots," McIlroy said. "At the same time, it's what we have to do. It's what we're going to have to live with for the forseeable future."

McIlroy reiterated, however, that he sees no chance of the Ryder Cup, set to be played in September at Whistling Straits, being contested if spectators cannot attend.

"It's either going to be played this year with fans or we'll be kicking it down the road," McIlroy predicted.

"I'm pretty sure they won't carry on without spectators. I don't think that (playing in such an event) would have to be an option that I would consider. I just can't see it going ahead without fans."

McIlroy said the rescheduling of events forced by the pandemic showed golf's global structure could use simplification.

"I don't know if everything being under one umbrella is the solution, but definitely fewer umbrellas is a way forward," McIlroy said.

"The more all these bodies can work together for the greater good of the game can only help everybody."

<h2>- Floyd moves 'wonderful' -</h2>

The greater good beyond golf was also on McIlroy's mind in the wake of two weeks of global protests over the police killing of George Floyd and the concern of racial injustice it has raised.

"I think everyone can be a little more tolerant and a little more educated and not as ignorant," McIlroy said. "The fact that it does seem to be this real will to change and have reform is amazing."

McIlroy called the decision to have a moment of silence and vacant tee time at 8:46 a.m. -- to symbolize the eight minutes and 46 seconds in which a police officer kneeled on Floyd's neck -- "a wonderful gesture" and noted his own golf idol was black, Tiger Woods.

"It didn't matter what color his skin was, what his beliefs were," said McIlory. "As long as we continue to give people from different backgrounds opportunities to be in golf, that can only be a good thing."

World number one Rory McIlroy says his game is as sharp as possible and he feels in a safe environment as the US PGA Tour returns to competition Thursday. After three months idled due to the coronavirus pandemic, the four-time major champion from Northern Ireland will tee off without spectators at the Charles Schwab Challenge at Colonial in Fort Worth, Texas.

World number one Rory McIlroy says his game is as sharp as possible and he feels in a safe environment as the US PGA Tour returns to competition Thursday. After three months idled due to the coronavirus pandemic, the four-time major champion from Northern Ireland will tee off without spectators at the Charles Schwab Challenge at Colonial in Fort Worth, Texas. There will be face masks and gloves, social distancing, coronavirus tests and temperature-taking to create and maintain a "bubble" of safety for players. "It really does feel safe. Everything at the course, everything that has been put in place for us, it has felt very robust, very safe," McIlroy said. "There's sanitizer everywhere you look. I feel safe and I'd say basically everyone else that's here feels the same thing." McIlroy says his game is as good as can be expected after such a long competition layoff. "The thing I missed the most was the competition," McIlroy said. "I tried to play with high-caliber players and see where I measured up with them. "I feel like my game is pretty sharp. I'm as sharp as I can be coming in here... the first couple of days here will be the real test. I'll learn a lot about myself and my game in those first couple of days." With a spotlight on the first event since The Players Championship was halted after one round in March, McIlroy knows how crucial the week will be for golf and the emergence of sport in general from the COVID-19 outbreak. "This week is very important. Golf will be the center of the sports world," he said. "For people to have something to watch on TV where they don't know the outcome, I think that will be a good thing." McIlroy expects a strange atmosphere without fans lining the course, as spectators are not scheduled to attend a PGA event until next month at the Memorial tournament. "It'll be a little eerie, you're not getting claps or feedback from good shots," McIlroy said. "At the same time, it's what we have to do. It's what we're going to have to live with for the forseeable future." McIlroy reiterated, however, that he sees no chance of the Ryder Cup, set to be played in September at Whistling Straits, being contested if spectators cannot attend. "It's either going to be played this year with fans or we'll be kicking it down the road," McIlroy predicted. "I'm pretty sure they won't carry on without spectators. I don't think that (playing in such an event) would have to be an option that I would consider. I just can't see it going ahead without fans." McIlroy said the rescheduling of events forced by the pandemic showed golf's global structure could use simplification. "I don't know if everything being under one umbrella is the solution, but definitely fewer umbrellas is a way forward," McIlroy said. "The more all these bodies can work together for the greater good of the game can only help everybody." - Floyd moves 'wonderful' - The greater good beyond golf was also on McIlroy's mind in the wake of two weeks of global protests over the police killing of George Floyd and the concern of racial injustice it has raised. "I think everyone can be a little more tolerant and a little more educated and not as ignorant," McIlroy said. "The fact that it does seem to be this real will to change and have reform is amazing." McIlroy called the decision to have a moment of silence and vacant tee time at 8:46 a.m. -- to symbolize the eight minutes and 46 seconds in which a police officer kneeled on Floyd's neck -- "a wonderful gesture" and noted his own golf idol was black, Tiger Woods. "It didn't matter what color his skin was, what his beliefs were," said McIlory. "As long as we continue to give people from different backgrounds opportunities to be in golf, that can only be a good thing."

No. 1 McIlroy feels safe and sharp in PGA Tour return

PGA Tour card holder and Indian golfer Anirban Lahiri in an exclusive interview with WION's Sports Editor, Digvijay Singh Deo, spoke about variety of things ranging from resumption of practice, life in lockdown, PGA Tour restart, players' form, Ryder Cup and much more.

Digvijay Singh Deo: Anirban when I messaged you this morning you were set to tee off for a round, so how relieved are you to get back to playing again?

Anirban Lahiri: It's great to be back playing again. It was a huge relief when I got the clubs out. This lockdown period has been very tough for us athletes because our lives are centred around sport and it was suddenly taken away from us. So it was great to get back to what I love doing.

DSD: Was it an unfamiliar feeling when you hit that golf balls for the first time and did you hit it straight down the fairway?

Anirban Lahiri: It felt extremely strange, I don't think I have ever had so much time away from golf since I was in school. It almost felt like I was returning from my summer vacations in school because I didn't have any golf clubs back then. I was just happy to be back playing. Obviously it will take some time to return to my peak skill level.

DSD: Now usually such a long period without any action happens only when one is seriously injured, so how did you cope through this lockdown phase?

Anirban Lahiri: I don't believe the lockdown has been a terrible period for me as I got to spend some quality time with my 15-month old daughter. I also used this time to read and just get some much-needed rest. It has been a very hectic last five years for me on the PGA Tour, I have constantly been travelling. So it was great to be able to relax for a while, but that too got frustrating after about 30 days. I have been trying to stay fit by doing yoga, working out and eating healthy.

DSD: For you personally, a chance to introspect and plot a course to get back to your best form and also a way up the rankings. Also with the Olympics now a year away there is enough time to get back into the mix.

Anirban Lahiri: Before the scheduled Indian Open in March, my coach and I had drawn up a phase-wise plan to improve certain areas of my game that needed attention, which would help me get back to my best. My performances over the last two years have been extremely disappointing. We were in phase one of that plan when the lockdown began. Now that I have started playing a bit of golf again, I'm in touch with my coach. My participation in PGA Tour events depends on when international travel will resume. I would also like to spend 15 days with my coach in Ahmedabad, where he's based so that I can work on certain aspects of my game before I return to competitive golf. The Olympic postponement is actually a blessing for me because it gives me more time to secure qualification. This lockdown period has brought a lot of positives in my life and I will try to build on them.&nbsp;

<img alt="Anirban Lahiri" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bbe03d74-4306-40fb-9fa3-89db1d895ef9" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_Hkg10218701.jpg" />

DSD: You were in India when the PGA Tour abruptly shut down during the Players'&nbsp;Championships, at that time it was just a temporary break but perhaps no one had an idea of what they were dealing with.

Anirban Lahiri: The coronavirus crisis has affected all industries in the world, including sport. But hats off to the PGA Tour for being so proactive and putting a proper schedule out for the players. The PGA is one of the few major sporting organisations which has released a detailed plan to get the sport up and running. I have been involved in some form in the decision-making process and it has been a very difficult period for the PGA Tour. There are a lot of stakeholders in the game and their safety must be the priority. No one could have predicted the extent to which sport and life in general, would be affected by the crisis .it is good to see that there are signs of a return to some sort of normalcy, at least in golf. When the tour resumes, it will probably be a 'new normal' and it'll be interesting to see how the sport adapts. Hopefully, everything will go smoothly and the PGA Tour could also be a model for other sports to follow amid the coronavirus pandemic. I'm disappointed that I'm not going to be part of the tour right from the get-go, but I'm delighted that I'll get to see some live golf again.

DSD: Is it safe to resume the PGA Tour in the USA, given the massive health crisis the country is in.

Anirban Lahiri: I have been part of the players' advisory council for the last three years and i must say that the pga tour has left no stone unturned in trying to set up an environment where everyone involved in the tour can stay as safe as possible in the current climate. There are extremely strict health protocols in place at every step. Players and caddies will be tested for the coronavirus before travelling to the event, upon arrival and also just before the tournament begins. They are going to stay in designated hotels and no family members are allowed to travel with them. Only one coach can accompany the player to the events. Chartered flights have been organised for travel between events, which will only carry essential personnel. These protocols are going to be followed for the first four events after the hiatus. There have been hours of work and a lot of deliberation after which the PGA Tour has come up with these safety measures. I feel that this is the safest possible environment that can be created for players, given the current situation. Obviously it is impossible to guarantee 100% safety of all individuals, there are still chances of people contracting the virus. In fact, there are protocols in place in case an individual on the tour contracts the virus during the event. All contingencies have been covered by the PGA Tour. The players obviously want to get back to action and earn their living, but the last thing they want is to contract the virus and get it home. I think most of the players' concerns have been addressed by the tour and now it is just a case of executing the measures and hoping everything goes well. If I were in America and able to travel to the events, I would definitely play.

DSD: Now the PGA Tour is primarily an American Tour but obviously the biggest and most prestigious professional tour in the world. Now unlike tennis, they do not need everyone to be available before resuming. But it is players like you who are from abroad that will have a problem getting into the US, it's not really fair on the non-American players.

Anirban Lahiri: That's the reality of the situation, it is certainly unfair for certain players but these are unprecedented times and certain compromises have to made. Although to tackle that situation, the PGA Tour has guaranteed that those players who were eligible to play on the tour in 2020, will retain their rights for the 2021 season. The European tour is also having six events in the UK at the start of its season and most countries are going to have mandatory quarantine protocols in place even for athletes, in order to protect the greater population. I don't think any athletes will be exempted from those quarantine periods. The massive advantage that the PGA Tour has is that it can hold the entire season in the USA.

<img alt="Anirban Lahiri" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1940497c-7ab1-4444-be35-cfa2e4584503" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_HC7XX.jpg" />

It might not be fair on players living outside the US, but this is the best we can do at the moment. I can't participate in the first few events of the tour but I'm not complaining because I realise that the sport needs to resume in some form, it is about survival and getting through this tough phase. That is the primary concern. There are still some players who are uncomfortable playing in these circumstances, and it is their right to choose not to play. The ultimate choice to compete for lies with the player and no one has the right to judge that decision. It's a completely personal choice. Also, the other tours are looking at the PGA Tour to set the standard in terms of how to resume golf amid the pandemic. I know that the Asian Tour is definitely employing that strategy. In a sense, the PGA Tour is going to be the industry leader in setting a template for the sport to resume. There are always going to be different opinions, but personally I want to see the sport restart sooner rather than later.

DSD: At some point, you have to get back so then are you looking at a long stint in America till the end of the year because of these quarantine regulations.

Anirban Lahiri: I'm definitely going to have to be in the US for a while, whenever I go there. At some point, I will have to return to America because I live there. I love it here in India and this has almost been like a holiday to me because I'm not working. The problem I have right now is that I have no goal to work towards in a certain time frame, I don't know when flights will resume and when I'll be able to get back to playing competitive golf. As soon as I get a definite timeline, I will start mental and physical preparation for my return to action. Any athlete has to be in the right frame of mind to be able to prepare for an event, it is difficult to do so without a fixed deadline. I am patiently waiting for some decision to be made on international travel.

DSD: The action resume at the Charles Schwab Challenge and there's the stellar lineup on the cards. Does that just show the desperation of everyone to get back to playing again?

Anirban Lahiri: I spoke to some of the golfers who were part of the players' advisory council, including Rory McIlroy and Justin Thomas, and all of them just wanted to get back to the course again. It is how us golfers earn our living and not playing for 3-4 months is very hard on us as competitive athletes. It gets frustrating after a certain point of time and that's why we're seeing such a star-studded entry list at the first tournament after the break. We might see very strong fields heading into the other tournaments as well because so many events have been lost and players are desperate to pick up their ranking points in order to qualify for the fed-ex cup.

DSD: Most of the American golfers stay on golf courses and have been probably playing more regularly than say the likes of you. But there also has been a lack of competition. So are we going to see some strange names up the leaderboard?

Anirban Lahiri: Players will certainly be a bit rusty in the first few rounds, but I don't think it will last very long. Most of my friends in the US have continued to play golf because the lockdown measures there were nowhere near as strict as the restrictions in India. The situation in India would have been exponentially worse if such stringent measures would not have been adopted. I don't feel that we will see a lower standard of golf, we might get to see the depth in the PGA Tour with some of the lesser-known players coming to the fore and doing well, or it might be normal service for the likes of Rory McIlroy and Brooks Koepka. It is hard to say but I don't think the overall standard of golf will drop substantially. As far as I know, no golf course in the US was shut for more than two weeks. Despite the situation being so grave in America, golf courses were still open. A lot of the pros must have practised together which also might be a big help to them.

<img alt="Anirban Lahiri" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2a0ee7c3-0505-4c20-882c-ac715d69604c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_9H4B3.jpg" />

DSD: Actually more than us it is professionals like you who would be able to pick up on minute details. Did you get a chance to watch some of the charity matches which featured the likes Rory McIlroy, Dustin Johnson, Rickie Fowler, Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson?

Anirban Lahiri: I didn't watch any of the exhibition games. At the end of the day, they are just charity matches and they have got absolutely no correlation with what you'll see in competitive tournaments. Some of the golfers might hit great shots, but that isn't a reflection on how they will perform at the proper tour events, it's a completely different ball game.

DSD: Ryder Cup remains a huge talking point, you have played in team competitions before and you know how significant the atmosphere is, some like Ian Poulter thrive off it.so do you see it being held without fans or pushed back?

Anirban Lahiri: Team Europe would certainly prefer the Ryder Cup to be played without fans because it is happening in America. The golf course at Whistling Straits, Wisconsin, is one of my favourites and it is ideal for match-play. I would personally not want to be in a team competition without fans. Team events are the only ones which come closest to golf becoming a stadium sport. There are fans at regular events as well but there is a special atmosphere that is created by fans during team competitions.

PGA Tour card holder and Indian golfer Anirban Lahiri in an exclusive interview with WION's Sports Editor, Digvijay Singh Deo, spoke about variety of things ranging from resumption of practice, life in lockdown, PGA Tour restart, players' form, Ryder Cup and much more.

PGA Tour card holder and Indian golfer Anirban Lahiri in an exclusive interview with WION's Sports Editor, Digvijay Singh Deo, spoke about variety of things ranging from resumption of practice, life in lockdown, PGA Tour restart, players' form, Ryder Cup and much more. Digvijay Singh Deo: Anirban when I messaged you this morning you were set to tee off for a round, so how relieved are you to get back to playing again? Anirban Lahiri: It's great to be back playing again. It was a huge relief when I got the clubs out. This lockdown period has been very tough for us athletes because our lives are centred around sport and it was suddenly taken away from us. So it was great to get back to what I love doing. DSD: Was it an unfamiliar feeling when you hit that golf balls for the first time and did you hit it straight down the fairway? Anirban Lahiri: It felt extremely strange, I don't think I have ever had so much time away from golf since I was in school. It almost felt like I was returning from my summer vacations in school because I didn't have any golf clubs back then. I was just happy to be back playing. Obviously it will take some time to return to my peak skill level. DSD: Now usually such a long period without any action happens only when one is seriously injured, so how did you cope through this lockdown phase? Anirban Lahiri: I don't believe the lockdown has been a terrible period for me as I got to spend some quality time with my 15-month old daughter. I also used this time to read and just get some much-needed rest. It has been a very hectic last five years for me on the PGA Tour, I have constantly been travelling. So it was great to be able to relax for a while, but that too got frustrating after about 30 days. I have been trying to stay fit by doing yoga, working out and eating healthy. DSD: For you personally, a chance to introspect and plot a course to get back to your best form and also a way up the rankings. Also with the Olympics now a year away there is enough time to get back into the mix. Anirban Lahiri: Before the scheduled Indian Open in March, my coach and I had drawn up a phase-wise plan to improve certain areas of my game that needed attention, which would help me get back to my best. My performances over the last two years have been extremely disappointing. We were in phase one of that plan when the lockdown began. Now that I have started playing a bit of golf again, I'm in touch with my coach. My participation in PGA Tour events depends on when international travel will resume. I would also like to spend 15 days with my coach in Ahmedabad, where he's based so that I can work on certain aspects of my game before I return to competitive golf. The Olympic postponement is actually a blessing for me because it gives me more time to secure qualification. This lockdown period has brought a lot of positives in my life and I will try to build on them. DSD: You were in India when the PGA Tour abruptly shut down during the Players' Championships, at that time it was just a temporary break but perhaps no one had an idea of what they were dealing with. Anirban Lahiri: The coronavirus crisis has affected all industries in the world, including sport. But hats off to the PGA Tour for being so proactive and putting a proper schedule out for the players. The PGA is one of the few major sporting organisations which has released a detailed plan to get the sport up and running. I have been involved in some form in the decision-making process and it has been a very difficult period for the PGA Tour. There are a lot of stakeholders in the game and their safety must be the priority. No one could have predicted the extent to which sport and life in general, would be affected by the crisis .it is good to see that there are signs of a return to some sort of normalcy, at least in golf. When the tour resumes, it will probably be a 'new normal' and it'll be interesting to see how the sport adapts. Hopefully, everything will go smoothly and the PGA Tour could also be a model for other sports to follow amid the coronavirus pandemic. I'm disappointed that I'm not going to be part of the tour right from the get-go, but I'm delighted that I'll get to see some live golf again. DSD: Is it safe to resume the PGA Tour in the USA, given the massive health crisis the country is in. Anirban Lahiri: I have been part of the players' advisory council for the last three years and i must say that the pga tour has left no stone unturned in trying to set up an environment where everyone involved in the tour can stay as safe as possible in the current climate. There are extremely strict health protocols in place at every step. Players and caddies will be tested for the coronavirus before travelling to the event, upon arrival and also just before the tournament begins. They are going to stay in designated hotels and no family members are allowed to travel with them. Only one coach can accompany the player to the events. Chartered flights have been organised for travel between events, which will only carry essential personnel. These protocols are going to be followed for the first four events after the hiatus. There have been hours of work and a lot of deliberation after which the PGA Tour has come up with these safety measures. I feel that this is the safest possible environment that can be created for players, given the current situation. Obviously it is impossible to guarantee 100% safety of all individuals, there are still chances of people contracting the virus. In fact, there are protocols in place in case an individual on the tour contracts the virus during the event. All contingencies have been covered by the PGA Tour. The players obviously want to get back to action and earn their living, but the last thing they want is to contract the virus and get it home. I think most of the players' concerns have been addressed by the tour and now it is just a case of executing the measures and hoping everything goes well. If I were in America and able to travel to the events, I would definitely play. DSD: Now the PGA Tour is primarily an American Tour but obviously the biggest and most prestigious professional tour in the world. Now unlike tennis, they do not need everyone to be available before resuming. But it is players like you who are from abroad that will have a problem getting into the US, it's not really fair on the non-American players. Anirban Lahiri: That's the reality of the situation, it is certainly unfair for certain players but these are unprecedented times and certain compromises have to made. Although to tackle that situation, the PGA Tour has guaranteed that those players who were eligible to play on the tour in 2020, will retain their rights for the 2021 season. The European tour is also having six events in the UK at the start of its season and most countries are going to have mandatory quarantine protocols in place even for athletes, in order to protect the greater population. I don't think any athletes will be exempted from those quarantine periods. The massive advantage that the PGA Tour has is that it can hold the entire season in the USA. It might not be fair on players living outside the US, but this is the best we can do at the moment. I can't participate in the first few events of the tour but I'm not complaining because I realise that the sport needs to resume in some form, it is about survival and getting through this tough phase. That is the primary concern. There are still some players who are uncomfortable playing in these circumstances, and it is their right to choose not to play. The ultimate choice to compete for lies with the player and no one has the right to judge that decision. It's a completely personal choice. Also, the other tours are looking at the PGA Tour to set the standard in terms of how to resume golf amid the pandemic. I know that the Asian Tour is definitely employing that strategy. In a sense, the PGA Tour is going to be the industry leader in setting a template for the sport to resume. There are always going to be different opinions, but personally I want to see the sport restart sooner rather than later. DSD: At some point, you have to get back so then are you looking at a long stint in America till the end of the year because of these quarantine regulations. Anirban Lahiri: I'm definitely going to have to be in the US for a while, whenever I go there. At some point, I will have to return to America because I live there. I love it here in India and this has almost been like a holiday to me because I'm not working. The problem I have right now is that I have no goal to work towards in a certain time frame, I don't know when flights will resume and when I'll be able to get back to playing competitive golf. As soon as I get a definite timeline, I will start mental and physical preparation for my return to action. Any athlete has to be in the right frame of mind to be able to prepare for an event, it is difficult to do so without a fixed deadline. I am patiently waiting for some decision to be made on international travel. DSD: The action resume at the Charles Schwab Challenge and there's the stellar lineup on the cards. Does that just show the desperation of everyone to get back to playing again? Anirban Lahiri: I spoke to some of the golfers who were part of the players' advisory council, including Rory McIlroy and Justin Thomas, and all of them just wanted to get back to the course again. It is how us golfers earn our living and not playing for 3-4 months is very hard on us as competitive athletes. It gets frustrating after a certain point of time and that's why we're seeing such a star-studded entry list at the first tournament after the break. We might see very strong fields heading into the other tournaments as well because so many events have been lost and players are desperate to pick up their ranking points in order to qualify for the fed-ex cup. DSD: Most of the American golfers stay on golf courses and have been probably playing more regularly than say the likes of you. But there also has been a lack of competition. So are we going to see some strange names up the leaderboard? Anirban Lahiri: Players will certainly be a bit rusty in the first few rounds, but I don't think it will last very long. Most of my friends in the US have continued to play golf because the lockdown measures there were nowhere near as strict as the restrictions in India. The situation in India would have been exponentially worse if such stringent measures would not have been adopted. I don't feel that we will see a lower standard of golf, we might get to see the depth in the PGA Tour with some of the lesser-known players coming to the fore and doing well, or it might be normal service for the likes of Rory McIlroy and Brooks Koepka. It is hard to say but I don't think the overall standard of golf will drop substantially. As far as I know, no golf course in the US was shut for more than two weeks. Despite the situation being so grave in America, golf courses were still open. A lot of the pros must have practised together which also might be a big help to them. DSD: Actually more than us it is professionals like you who would be able to pick up on minute details. Did you get a chance to watch some of the charity matches which featured the likes Rory McIlroy, Dustin Johnson, Rickie Fowler, Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson? Anirban Lahiri: I didn't watch any of the exhibition games. At the end of the day, they are just charity matches and they have got absolutely no correlation with what you'll see in competitive tournaments. Some of the golfers might hit great shots, but that isn't a reflection on how they will perform at the proper tour events, it's a completely different ball game. DSD: Ryder Cup remains a huge talking point, you have played in team competitions before and you know how significant the atmosphere is, some like Ian Poulter thrive off it.so do you see it being held without fans or pushed back? Anirban Lahiri: Team Europe would certainly prefer the Ryder Cup to be played without fans because it is happening in America. The golf course at Whistling Straits, Wisconsin, is one of my favourites and it is ideal for match-play. I would personally not want to be in a team competition without fans. Team events are the only ones which come closest to golf becoming a stadium sport. There are fans at regular events as well but there is a special atmosphere that is created by fans during team competitions.

Lahiri: PGA Tour restart will set the template for resumption of golf

World number one Rory McIlroy says there's little chance he'd tee it up again with US President Donald Trump, criticizing Trump's handling of the COVID-19 crisis on a golf podcast.

McIlroy told the McKellar Golf Podcast on Thursday that a more settled life away from the golf course has him feeling "more comfortable in my own skin" and more able to voice opinions.

The 31-year-old from Northern Ireland, who has a home in Florida, has not been impressed with Trump's response to the coronavirus pandemic.

"We're in the midst of something that's pretty serious right now and the fact that he's trying to politicize it and make it a campaign rally, saying that (the United States) administers the most tests in the world like it's a contest... It's just not the way a leader should act and there is a bit of diplomacy that you need to show and I just don't think he's shown that, especially in these times," McIlroy said.

Back in 2017, McIlroy was surprised at the "blow-back" he received after accepting an invitation to play a round with the then-recently inaugurated president.

"I'll sit here and say that the day that I did spend with him and others was very enjoyable," McIlroy recalled this week of that round with Trump.

"He's very charismatic. He was nice to everyone. It didn't matter whether you were me or the guys in the cart barn or the pro at the golf club.

"He has something. He obviously has something or he wouldn't be in the White House, right?

"So I will sit here and say that the day I had with him I enjoyed but that doesn't mean I agree with everything -- or, in fact, anything that he says."

And while he once defended that round with Trump as a show of respect to his office, McIlroy indicated he wouldn't accept another such invitation.

"I don't know if he'd want to play with me again after what I just said," McIlroy said. "I know it's very self-serving of me to say, 'No' and if I don't, then it means then I'm not putting myself in position to be put under scrutiny and that I'm avoiding that.

"But I probably wouldn't, no."

World number one Rory McIlroy says there's little chance he'd tee it up again with US President Donald Trump, criticizing Trump's handling of the COVID-19 crisis on a golf podcast.

World number one Rory McIlroy says there's little chance he'd tee it up again with US President Donald Trump, criticizing Trump's handling of the COVID-19 crisis on a golf podcast. McIlroy told the McKellar Golf Podcast on Thursday that a more settled life away from the golf course has him feeling "more comfortable in my own skin" and more able to voice opinions. The 31-year-old from Northern Ireland, who has a home in Florida, has not been impressed with Trump's response to the coronavirus pandemic. "We're in the midst of something that's pretty serious right now and the fact that he's trying to politicize it and make it a campaign rally, saying that (the United States) administers the most tests in the world like it's a contest... It's just not the way a leader should act and there is a bit of diplomacy that you need to show and I just don't think he's shown that, especially in these times," McIlroy said. Back in 2017, McIlroy was surprised at the "blow-back" he received after accepting an invitation to play a round with the then-recently inaugurated president. "I'll sit here and say that the day that I did spend with him and others was very enjoyable," McIlroy recalled this week of that round with Trump. "He's very charismatic. He was nice to everyone. It didn't matter whether you were me or the guys in the cart barn or the pro at the golf club. "He has something. He obviously has something or he wouldn't be in the White House, right? "So I will sit here and say that the day I had with him I enjoyed but that doesn't mean I agree with everything -- or, in fact, anything that he says." And while he once defended that round with Trump as a show of respect to his office, McIlroy indicated he wouldn't accept another such invitation. "I don't know if he'd want to play with me again after what I just said," McIlroy said. "I know it's very self-serving of me to say, 'No' and if I don't, then it means then I'm not putting myself in position to be put under scrutiny and that I'm avoiding that. "But I probably wouldn't, no."

World No. 1 McIlroy 'probably wouldn't' golf again with Trump

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

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

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

Rory McIlroy wins PGA Tour Championship to claim FedEx Cup

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

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

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

Late birdie lifts Brooks Koepka to Tour Championship lead

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

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

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

Emotional McIlroy proud of Open fightback, despite missing cut

Local favourite <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/rory-mcilroy-powers-into-masters-with-tiger-woods-among-many-poised-to-pounce-209159&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwic0tztnL7jAhUaiXAKHaVJDDwQFjAAegQIBBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0fL-7513p_Sjo-53VDdLD-">Rory McIlroy</a> suffered a nightmare start at the British Open on Thursday as he carded a quadruple-bogey eight on the par-four first at Royal Portrush.

The Northern Irishman, the winner in 2014, walked on to the tee to huge roars but drove his tee shot out of bounds, breaking a spectator's phone in the process.

His follow-up attempt off the tee found heavy rough from where he struck his next shot into an unplayable lie in a bramble bush, forcing a penalty drop.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/dustin-johnson-holds-off-mcilroy-to-win-wgc-mexico-championship-199512&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwic0tztnL7jAhUaiXAKHaVJDDwQFjAEegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw384RsEvLGuJxoXWo8HBv5g">McIlroy </a>then chipped on to the green where he eventually picked his ball out of the hole with an eight on his card.

The 30-year-old four-time major winner is tipped as one of the favourites for the first Open in Northern Ireland since 1951 but already found himself eight shots off the early lead held by Ireland's Shane Lowry.

Local favourite Rory McIlroy suffered a nightmare start at the British Open on Thursday as he carded a quadruple-bogey eight on the par-four first at Royal Portrush.

Local favourite Rory McIlroy suffered a nightmare start at the British Open on Thursday as he carded a quadruple-bogey eight on the par-four first at Royal Portrush. The Northern Irishman, the winner in 2014, walked on to the tee to huge roars but drove his tee shot out of bounds, breaking a spectator's phone in the process. His follow-up attempt off the tee found heavy rough from where he struck his next shot into an unplayable lie in a bramble bush, forcing a penalty drop. McIlroy then chipped on to the green where he eventually picked his ball out of the hole with an eight on his card. The 30-year-old four-time major winner is tipped as one of the favourites for the first Open in Northern Ireland since 1951 but already found himself eight shots off the early lead held by Ireland's Shane Lowry.

Nightmare start for Rory McIlroy after eight in British Open

Gary Woodland shot out of the US&nbsp;Open woodwork with an error-free six-under 65 to steal the halfway lead from Justin Rose on Friday, while a fuming Tiger Woods insisted he was still in the ball game after a bogey-bogey finish.

Out in the morning wave, overnight leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/records-on-line-as-tiger-woods-justin-rose-target-us-open-227078">Rose </a>set the target with a grinding one-under 70 and saw off all his early challengers on a chilly day on the Monterey Peninsula.

But as the sun sank into the Pacific Ocean, Woodland knocked him from his perch in style by rolling in a monster 50-foot birdie putt at the last to get to nine-under 133 and take a two-shot lead over the Englishman.

The 65 equalled the lowest round ever at a US&nbsp;Open held at Pebble Beach set by Woods in 2000 and matched by Rose on Thursday.

Having finished no higher than a tie for 23rd in eight previous US&nbsp;Opens, Woodland went about his business in anonymity as headliners Brooks Koepka, Rory McIlroy, Phil Mickelson and Woods took the spotlight.

Only three times in 26 rounds at the US&nbsp;Open had Woodland scored under 70 but the 35-year-old American hardly put a step wrong at the Pebble Beach Golf Links with not a single bogey on his card.

For much of his, career Woodland has been a non-factor at the majors.

Without a top 10 finish in his first 27 majors up to last year, he earned his first with a tie for sixth at the PGA Championship followed by a tie for eighth in the same event this year.

"It's not something that you're proud of. From all those experiences you learn," said Woodland.

"I don't have to be perfect with my ball striking because I have other things that can pick me up, that's been a big confidence boost for me, knowing I don't have to be perfect I can still contend and have a chance to win,"&nbsp;Woodland added.

Lurking three back was South African Louis Oosthuizen, shot a 70, with his erstwhile compatriot Aaron Wise and Northern Irishman McIlroy one shot further adrift at five-under.

McIlroy, US&nbsp;Open winner in 2011, had a heart-stopping afternoon plunging up and down the leaderboard before signing for a two-under 69.

WILD RIDE

The wild ride began when he picked up two birdies on an error-free outward nine and another at 11 to get within one of the lead.

Without a bogey since his opening hole on Thursday, McIlroy picked up his second on the 13 and disaster struck at 14 when he took a double-bogey and skidded out of sight.

The 30-year-old quickly pulled out of the tailspin with back-to-back birdies at 15 and 16 to get right back into contention.

"You're going to make bogeys around here, that's what's going to happen obviously I played a very solid round up until that point," said McIlroy.

"I bounced back well, those birdies on 15 and 16 were huge to get me right back into this golf tournament,"&nbsp;McIlroy said.

Koepka, bidding to become the first player in over a century to sweep three consecutive US&nbsp;Opens, also battled to stay in contention, turning in a 69 for a second straight day to leave him on four-under, five back of the leader.

"I feel great. I'm excited. I've got a chance. That's all you can ask for. I just need to make a few putts," enthused <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/brooks-koepka-tiger-woods-chase-history-at-us-open-226739">Koepka.</a>

Woods began his day five off the pace but picked up what would be his only birdie at his second hole before stringing together 14 pars and stumbling to the finish with back-to-back bogeys that left him fuming.

A one-over 72 left Woods at level par, nine shots off the pace and with work do if he is to contend for a 16th major.

"I'm a little hot right now. Right now I'm still in the ball game. There are&nbsp;so many guys with a chance to win. We've got a long way to go," growled Woods.

Gary Woodland shot out of the US Open woodwork with an error-free six-under 65 to steal the halfway lead from Justin Rose on Friday, while a fuming Tiger Woods insisted he was still in the ball game after a bogey-bogey finish.

Gary Woodland shot out of the US Open woodwork with an error-free six-under 65 to steal the halfway lead from Justin Rose on Friday, while a fuming Tiger Woods insisted he was still in the ball game after a bogey-bogey finish. Out in the morning wave, overnight leader Rose set the target with a grinding one-under 70 and saw off all his early challengers on a chilly day on the Monterey Peninsula. But as the sun sank into the Pacific Ocean, Woodland knocked him from his perch in style by rolling in a monster 50-foot birdie putt at the last to get to nine-under 133 and take a two-shot lead over the Englishman. The 65 equalled the lowest round ever at a US Open held at Pebble Beach set by Woods in 2000 and matched by Rose on Thursday. Having finished no higher than a tie for 23rd in eight previous US Opens, Woodland went about his business in anonymity as headliners Brooks Koepka, Rory McIlroy, Phil Mickelson and Woods took the spotlight. Only three times in 26 rounds at the US Open had Woodland scored under 70 but the 35-year-old American hardly put a step wrong at the Pebble Beach Golf Links with not a single bogey on his card. For much of his, career Woodland has been a non-factor at the majors. Without a top 10 finish in his first 27 majors up to last year, he earned his first with a tie for sixth at the PGA Championship followed by a tie for eighth in the same event this year. "It's not something that you're proud of. From all those experiences you learn," said Woodland. "I don't have to be perfect with my ball striking because I have other things that can pick me up, that's been a big confidence boost for me, knowing I don't have to be perfect I can still contend and have a chance to win," Woodland added. Lurking three back was South African Louis Oosthuizen, shot a 70, with his erstwhile compatriot Aaron Wise and Northern Irishman McIlroy one shot further adrift at five-under. McIlroy, US Open winner in 2011, had a heart-stopping afternoon plunging up and down the leaderboard before signing for a two-under 69. WILD RIDE The wild ride began when he picked up two birdies on an error-free outward nine and another at 11 to get within one of the lead. Without a bogey since his opening hole on Thursday, McIlroy picked up his second on the 13 and disaster struck at 14 when he took a double-bogey and skidded out of sight. The 30-year-old quickly pulled out of the tailspin with back-to-back birdies at 15 and 16 to get right back into contention. "You're going to make bogeys around here, that's what's going to happen obviously I played a very solid round up until that point," said McIlroy. "I bounced back well, those birdies on 15 and 16 were huge to get me right back into this golf tournament," McIlroy said. Koepka, bidding to become the first player in over a century to sweep three consecutive US Opens, also battled to stay in contention, turning in a 69 for a second straight day to leave him on four-under, five back of the leader. "I feel great. I'm excited. I've got a chance. That's all you can ask for. I just need to make a few putts," enthused Koepka. Woods began his day five off the pace but picked up what would be his only birdie at his second hole before stringing together 14 pars and stumbling to the finish with back-to-back bogeys that left him fuming. A one-over 72 left Woods at level par, nine shots off the pace and with work do if he is to contend for a 16th major. "I'm a little hot right now. Right now I'm still in the ball game. There are so many guys with a chance to win. We've got a long way to go," growled Woods.

US Open: Gary Woodland takes lead over Justin Rose, Tiger Woods fumes

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

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

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

Brooks Koepka, Tiger Woods chase history at US Open

Rory McIlroy is in fearsome form as he arrives at Augusta National chasing a rare career Grand Slam, but a renewed Tiger Woods could have something to say about the Northern Ireland star's bid for a breakthrough Masters win.

"I don't think I've ever started a season this well in terms of finishes, and even stats&nbsp;wise, looking at all my stats, they are right up there with some of the best years that I've had," said McIlroy, whose seven top-10 finishes in seven starts this year include a victory at the US PGA Tour's prestigious Players Championship in March.

He owns top-10 Masters finishes the past four years, including a tie for fifth behind American Patrick Reed last year, and with more than a decade of experience on a course where local know-how is key, says there's no reason he can't become the sixth man to win all four of golf's major professional titles.

"I've shot enough good scores around here over the years that if I can put my best effort forward, I'm going to have a good chance to do well here," McIlroy said.

Plenty of his peers agree.

"Rory is playing unbelievable golf," said Spain's Jon Rahm. "I mean, he's playing the best golf he has played in a long time ... Really good golf and it seems like his putting has been lot better. If Rory is hitting the ball the way he is, and he putts good, he's tough to beat."

Hard to handicap

Soaking rain on Monday and Tuesday could heighten long-hitting McIlroy's chances, making the course play longer. The diminished practice time could also play in favor of experienced Masters campaigners.

Rahm noted the difficulty of handicapping the first major championship of the year.

Each of the last four winners -- and seven of the last eight -- have been first-time major winners, a trend Rahm certainly hopes to continue.

But with experience at a premium, multiple winners including Woods, Phil Mickelson and Bubba Watson must always be judged a threat.

World number one Justin Rose and second-ranked Dustin Johnson will be aiming to bulk up resumes highlighted by one US Open win apiece and fourth-ranked Brooks Koepka, the reigning US Open and PGA Champion, has a chance to become the third golfer of the modern era to capture three of four consecutive majors.

"There's so many different ways to do it and there's so many different things that you can do right," Rahm said. "It's one of those weeks where anybody can win at any given point."

And this year, that emphatically includes Woods, who carries not just the hope he had last year -- in his first Masters since spinal fusion surgery -- but real belief that he can claim a fifth green jacket.

"I just feel like I've improved a lot over the past 12, 14 months," said Woods, whose injury return was in its embryonic stages when he teed it up last year.&nbsp;

From a tie for 32nd, he would go on to contend in two majors and win the US PGA Tour championship and says he's "proven to myself that I can play at this level again".

Woods, 43, admits he would never have foreseen the major drought that has followed his 14th major victory at the 2008 US Open.

"After I won my 14th, I felt like I still had plenty more major championships that I could win, but unfortunately I just didn't do it," he said. "I put myself there with chances on the back nine on various Sundays and just haven't done it.

"Hopefully this year, I put myself there again and, hopefully, I'll get it done."

Rory McIlroy is in fearsome form as he arrives at Augusta National chasing a rare career Grand Slam, but a renewed Tiger Woods could have something to say about the Northern Ireland star's bid for a breakthrough Masters win.

Rory McIlroy is in fearsome form as he arrives at Augusta National chasing a rare career Grand Slam, but a renewed Tiger Woods could have something to say about the Northern Ireland star's bid for a breakthrough Masters win. "I don't think I've ever started a season this well in terms of finishes, and even stats wise, looking at all my stats, they are right up there with some of the best years that I've had," said McIlroy, whose seven top-10 finishes in seven starts this year include a victory at the US PGA Tour's prestigious Players Championship in March. He owns top-10 Masters finishes the past four years, including a tie for fifth behind American Patrick Reed last year, and with more than a decade of experience on a course where local know-how is key, says there's no reason he can't become the sixth man to win all four of golf's major professional titles. "I've shot enough good scores around here over the years that if I can put my best effort forward, I'm going to have a good chance to do well here," McIlroy said. Plenty of his peers agree. "Rory is playing unbelievable golf," said Spain's Jon Rahm. "I mean, he's playing the best golf he has played in a long time ... Really good golf and it seems like his putting has been lot better. If Rory is hitting the ball the way he is, and he putts good, he's tough to beat." Hard to handicap Soaking rain on Monday and Tuesday could heighten long-hitting McIlroy's chances, making the course play longer. The diminished practice time could also play in favor of experienced Masters campaigners. Rahm noted the difficulty of handicapping the first major championship of the year. Each of the last four winners -- and seven of the last eight -- have been first-time major winners, a trend Rahm certainly hopes to continue. But with experience at a premium, multiple winners including Woods, Phil Mickelson and Bubba Watson must always be judged a threat. World number one Justin Rose and second-ranked Dustin Johnson will be aiming to bulk up resumes highlighted by one US Open win apiece and fourth-ranked Brooks Koepka, the reigning US Open and PGA Champion, has a chance to become the third golfer of the modern era to capture three of four consecutive majors. "There's so many different ways to do it and there's so many different things that you can do right," Rahm said. "It's one of those weeks where anybody can win at any given point." And this year, that emphatically includes Woods, who carries not just the hope he had last year -- in his first Masters since spinal fusion surgery -- but real belief that he can claim a fifth green jacket. "I just feel like I've improved a lot over the past 12, 14 months," said Woods, whose injury return was in its embryonic stages when he teed it up last year. From a tie for 32nd, he would go on to contend in two majors and win the US PGA Tour championship and says he's "proven to myself that I can play at this level again". Woods, 43, admits he would never have foreseen the major drought that has followed his 14th major victory at the 2008 US Open. "After I won my 14th, I felt like I still had plenty more major championships that I could win, but unfortunately I just didn't do it," he said. "I put myself there with chances on the back nine on various Sundays and just haven't done it. "Hopefully this year, I put myself there again and, hopefully, I'll get it done."

Rory McIlroy powers into Masters with Tiger Woods among many poised to pounce

Gary Woodland followed up a spectacular eagle on 15 with a birdie at the last to restore his three-shot lead over Rory McIlroy at the PGA Tour's Sentry Tournament of Champions in Hawaii on Saturday.

The American, who moved to 17-under 202 after three rounds, said he had to keep his emotions in check during his five-under 68 after learning of the death of his grandmother the night before.&nbsp;

"It was a tough night last night but today was a good day. I played great," Woodland told the Golf Channel.

The 34-year-old provided the shot of the day on the par-five 15th when he banked a curving 64-foot putt off the flagstick for eagle and the outright lead, moments after McIlroy had pulled into a share with a birdie on 14.

McIlroy, on 14-under 205, was alone in second, a shot ahead of Australian Marc Leishman (68) in third on a breezy day at the scenic island course in Maui.&nbsp;

Woodland, who has won three times in 231 starts on the PGA Tour, said he had learned how to turn promising positions into victories.&nbsp;

"I've been in this position before but I'm a completely different kind of player now. I'll use all those experiences to my advantage and take what I can from them," he said.&nbsp; 
"I'll go out and play aggressive tomorrow and make a lot of birdies."

After his bogey-free 68, Northern Ireland's McIlroy said staying patient would be crucial if he was to notch his 15th career PGA Tour victory.&nbsp;

"I played in six final groups last year, most of them coming from behind, and I probably just pushed a little too hard trying to catch up, trying to play a perfect first six holes and it didn't really work out for me," he said.&nbsp;

"I've just got to go about my business. Hit fairways, hit greens again. I didn`t have a bogey today and I can go out and make that a goal tomorrow," he said.&nbsp;

"Try not to make any mistakes and pick off my birdies when I can. That hopefully might be good enough. But with the way Gary is playing, it might not be."&nbsp;

Scoring conditions in the PGA Tour`s first event of the season are expected to be ideal on Sunday as the winds that have gusted throughout the tournament are expected to die down.

Gary Woodland followed up a spectacular eagle on 15 with a birdie at the last to restore his three-shot lead over Rory McIlroy at the PGA Tour's Sentry Tournament of Champions in Hawaii on Saturday.

Gary Woodland followed up a spectacular eagle on 15 with a birdie at the last to restore his three-shot lead over Rory McIlroy at the PGA Tour's Sentry Tournament of Champions in Hawaii on Saturday. The American, who moved to 17-under 202 after three rounds, said he had to keep his emotions in check during his five-under 68 after learning of the death of his grandmother the night before. "It was a tough night last night but today was a good day. I played great," Woodland told the Golf Channel. The 34-year-old provided the shot of the day on the par-five 15th when he banked a curving 64-foot putt off the flagstick for eagle and the outright lead, moments after McIlroy had pulled into a share with a birdie on 14. McIlroy, on 14-under 205, was alone in second, a shot ahead of Australian Marc Leishman (68) in third on a breezy day at the scenic island course in Maui. Woodland, who has won three times in 231 starts on the PGA Tour, said he had learned how to turn promising positions into victories. "I've been in this position before but I'm a completely different kind of player now. I'll use all those experiences to my advantage and take what I can from them," he said. "I'll go out and play aggressive tomorrow and make a lot of birdies." After his bogey-free 68, Northern Ireland's McIlroy said staying patient would be crucial if he was to notch his 15th career PGA Tour victory. "I played in six final groups last year, most of them coming from behind, and I probably just pushed a little too hard trying to catch up, trying to play a perfect first six holes and it didn't really work out for me," he said. "I've just got to go about my business. Hit fairways, hit greens again. I didn`t have a bogey today and I can go out and make that a goal tomorrow," he said. "Try not to make any mistakes and pick off my birdies when I can. That hopefully might be good enough. But with the way Gary is playing, it might not be." Scoring conditions in the PGA Tour`s first event of the season are expected to be ideal on Sunday as the winds that have gusted throughout the tournament are expected to die down.

Woodland maintains lead, McIlroy in pursuit in Hawaii

Rory McIlroy has come a long way from dismissing the Ryder Cup as "an exhibition event" of little importance to becoming fully established as one of the European team leaders who cannot wait to soak up the experience for a fifth time.

McIlroy was a 20-year-old when he derided the biennial event as something not among his goals, but the four-time major winner soon started to understand its special place in the calendar the following year on his debut at Celtic Manor.

"Going into my first Ryder Cup, I didn't know what all the fuss was about. I still thought it was this team event that really doesn`t matter in the big scheme of things," the 29-year-old told a news conference at Le Golf National on Wednesday.

"I was more concerned about individual titles and all that. Once I got on to that first tee on Friday morning, I thought, 'oh, this is a little different than I expected'.

"It doesn't seem that it's been that long and now this is going to be my fifth Ryder Cup," added the Northern Irishman, who last week said that winning majors had provided his proudest moments but Ryder Cups had been his best-golfing experiences.

"But they have all been wonderful experiences for different reasons, and I'm sure this time will be no different.

"I've been excited for this for basically since the last day in Hazeltine, whenever we weren't the ones spraying champagne for a change," the world number six said.

WASTED ENERGY

That contest two years ago featured one of the all-time great singles matches as McIlory took on this year's U.S. Masters champion Patrick Reed in a high-octane, high-volume Sunday showdown.

Sent out first by their captains, the talismen traded shots and celebrations through a terrific match in front of baying galleries, before Reed eventually triumphed on the final hole.

Both have since spoken about how much they enjoyed that battle but McIlroy said on Wednesday that having looked back on how high he was on adrenalin, he had learned an important lesson.

"I could play it for nine holes, and then it suddenly hit me," he said. "The level sort of declined after that and reached its crescendo on the eighth green, and the last 10 holes weren't quite as good. I hit a wall on that back nine and it cost me.

"I look back as those videos, it wasn't just Sunday. It was Friday and Saturday. I'm surprised I had a voice left at the end of the week. It looked tiring to have to play golf like that for three days.&nbsp;

"I learnt a lot from that and learnt that it`s good to get excited and to have that, but at the same time, if I need to play a late match on Sunday or whatever it is, I want to have all my energy in reserve so I can give everything for 18 holes."

Rory McIlroy has come a long way from dismissing the Ryder Cup as "an exhibition event" of little importance to becoming fully established as one of the European team leaders who cannot wait to soak up the experience for a fifth time.

Rory McIlroy has come a long way from dismissing the Ryder Cup as "an exhibition event" of little importance to becoming fully established as one of the European team leaders who cannot wait to soak up the experience for a fifth time. McIlroy was a 20-year-old when he derided the biennial event as something not among his goals, but the four-time major winner soon started to understand its special place in the calendar the following year on his debut at Celtic Manor. "Going into my first Ryder Cup, I didn't know what all the fuss was about. I still thought it was this team event that really doesn`t matter in the big scheme of things," the 29-year-old told a news conference at Le Golf National on Wednesday. "I was more concerned about individual titles and all that. Once I got on to that first tee on Friday morning, I thought, 'oh, this is a little different than I expected'. "It doesn't seem that it's been that long and now this is going to be my fifth Ryder Cup," added the Northern Irishman, who last week said that winning majors had provided his proudest moments but Ryder Cups had been his best-golfing experiences. "But they have all been wonderful experiences for different reasons, and I'm sure this time will be no different. "I've been excited for this for basically since the last day in Hazeltine, whenever we weren't the ones spraying champagne for a change," the world number six said. WASTED ENERGY That contest two years ago featured one of the all-time great singles matches as McIlory took on this year's U.S. Masters champion Patrick Reed in a high-octane, high-volume Sunday showdown. Sent out first by their captains, the talismen traded shots and celebrations through a terrific match in front of baying galleries, before Reed eventually triumphed on the final hole. Both have since spoken about how much they enjoyed that battle but McIlroy said on Wednesday that having looked back on how high he was on adrenalin, he had learned an important lesson. "I could play it for nine holes, and then it suddenly hit me," he said. "The level sort of declined after that and reached its crescendo on the eighth green, and the last 10 holes weren't quite as good. I hit a wall on that back nine and it cost me. "I look back as those videos, it wasn't just Sunday. It was Friday and Saturday. I'm surprised I had a voice left at the end of the week. It looked tiring to have to play golf like that for three days. "I learnt a lot from that and learnt that it`s good to get excited and to have that, but at the same time, if I need to play a late match on Sunday or whatever it is, I want to have all my energy in reserve so I can give everything for 18 holes."

Golf: Ryder Cup convert Rory McIlroy ready for event he once dismissed

Jason Day needed to get his feet wet at the final hole to salvage a four-under-par 67 and take a two-stroke lead after the third round of the Wells Fargo Championship in North Carolina on Saturday.

The Australian took off his shoes and socks and stood in a small creek to play a shot to the green at the 18th before coming through with a par putt to stand at 10-under 203, two strokes ahead of Nick Watney (66).

Tiger Woods, who has struggled with his putting this week, was nine strokes off the lead after a 68 while Rory McIlroy rebounded from his 76 on Friday by going 10 strokes lower to sit seven off the lead.

Day struggled to get going but four birdies in six holes on the back nine saw him break free of the pack.

"It was a bit of a struggle through eight holes," the former world number one told CBS television.

"Then a nice shot into the ninth hole for a tap-in birdie and a good drive down 10 kinds of really started getting things in the right direction."

Rookie Aaron Wise had tracked Day for most of the afternoon but bogeys on two of his last three holes dropped him into a tie for third with Peter Uihlein, who narrowly missed the course record with a nine-under 62, Bryson DeChambeau (66) and Englishman Paul Casey (69).

Phil Mickelson also took advantage of the softer greens to shoot a seven-under 64 and move into 10th at five-under 208.

Woods picked up six birdies to reach one-under 212 but finished the round on a sour note with a three-putt bogey on 18.

The former world number one had moved to four under with three consecutive birdies from the 13th.

“I was so close to shooting about seven, eight-under today,” he told reporters. “I still didn't have enough pace on a couple that I left on the lip.

"I'm close, I'm hitting the ball well enough to contend, to win this golf tournament, but I just haven't made putts.”

Uihlein had five consecutive birdies from the fifth, an eagle at 10 and added two more birdies at the 14th and 15th as he missed McIlroy's 2015 Quail Hollow record by one shot.

"The way the golf course was set up today it felt like you could get after it a bit," he said. "It played a little easier than it did the first two days."

McIlroy, at three-under 210, had four birdies in a row before also bogeying the last.

"I'm just not that comfortable with anything right now,” McIlroy told Golf Channel. "I'm trying really hard to hit it in the fairway and then trying really hard to get my irons in line. It's all just a little bit of a struggle."

Day struggled to get going but four birdies in six holes on the back nine saw him break free of the pack

Jason Day needed to get his feet wet at the final hole to salvage a four-under-par 67 and take a two-stroke lead after the third round of the Wells Fargo Championship in North Carolina on Saturday. The Australian took off his shoes and socks and stood in a small creek to play a shot to the green at the 18th before coming through with a par putt to stand at 10-under 203, two strokes ahead of Nick Watney (66). Tiger Woods, who has struggled with his putting this week, was nine strokes off the lead after a 68 while Rory McIlroy rebounded from his 76 on Friday by going 10 strokes lower to sit seven off the lead. Day struggled to get going but four birdies in six holes on the back nine saw him break free of the pack. "It was a bit of a struggle through eight holes," the former world number one told CBS television. "Then a nice shot into the ninth hole for a tap-in birdie and a good drive down 10 kinds of really started getting things in the right direction." Rookie Aaron Wise had tracked Day for most of the afternoon but bogeys on two of his last three holes dropped him into a tie for third with Peter Uihlein, who narrowly missed the course record with a nine-under 62, Bryson DeChambeau (66) and Englishman Paul Casey (69). Phil Mickelson also took advantage of the softer greens to shoot a seven-under 64 and move into 10th at five-under 208. Woods picked up six birdies to reach one-under 212 but finished the round on a sour note with a three-putt bogey on 18. The former world number one had moved to four under with three consecutive birdies from the 13th. “I was so close to shooting about seven, eight-under today,” he told reporters. “I still didn't have enough pace on a couple that I left on the lip. "I'm close, I'm hitting the ball well enough to contend, to win this golf tournament, but I just haven't made putts.” Uihlein had five consecutive birdies from the fifth, an eagle at 10 and added two more birdies at the 14th and 15th as he missed McIlroy's 2015 Quail Hollow record by one shot. "The way the golf course was set up today it felt like you could get after it a bit," he said. "It played a little easier than it did the first two days." McIlroy, at three-under 210, had four birdies in a row before also bogeying the last. "I'm just not that comfortable with anything right now,” McIlroy told Golf Channel. "I'm trying really hard to hit it in the fairway and then trying really hard to get my irons in line. It's all just a little bit of a struggle."

Leader Day gets feet wet at Wells Fargo

Be it a green jacket winner or a total greenhorn, the sheer beauty of Augusta National leaves everyone spellbound. I can only imagine the emotions that Patrick Reed must have gone through while putting on that green jacket on Sunday afternoon after winning the 2018 Masters. 
&nbsp; 
The Augusta National is a true celebration of the world of golf - the big stage where the Gods of the golf vie for the honours and glory. 
&nbsp; 
Out of all my trips and commitments around the world, this is the one date I look forward to. I have been coming to Augusta for over a decade now and my fascination with the place has only grown with time. 
&nbsp; 
While the efficiency of the Augusta National, the immaculate course and the seriousness to keep up the traditions are a huge draw for the golfer in me, the smart engagements around the tournament that give a big boost to the economy of Augusta and Georgia are management lessons for everyone. The town has a population of around 600,000, but come Masters week, it attracts upwards of 50,000 spectators each day. At Augusta National, however, they are referred to as 'patrons' of the game. 
&nbsp; 
Tradition and Old-World charm sit comfortably with the latest technology that goes into conducting a world-class sports tournament of this scale and stature. And yet they keep the patrons gushing with reasonably priced food like the famous Pimento sandwiches for just US$ 1.50 and unlimited supplies of draft beer for $1.00 per glass all-day long! 
&nbsp; 
Augusta is a golfing pilgrimage for every golfer.&nbsp; Relaxing with fellow-enthusiasts on the banks of Savannah River, the little moments of indulgence on the Magnolia Lane and private concerts in the land of James Brown - the Godfather of Soul - Augusta during the Masters is a treat for the senses. 
&nbsp; 
I know how excited and eager Tiger Woods was to get to back to golf, and to Augusta National. He missed being at Augusta the past few years but was thrilled to be back to his favourite hunting ground. While he may not have won, he was surely the centre of attraction all this week. It is just a matter of time before he will be vying for the Majors, and winning too.

As an Indian, I am also proud that we have had our share of golfers competing at the Masters. After Jeev Milkha Singh became the first Indian to compete in 2007, Arjun Atwal and Anirban Lahiri have also showed their prowess here. Now we have young Shubhankar Sharma, who has been shining all over the globe with his golf game. While he missed the cut this time around, I am convinced we will hear more about him in the very near future. 
&nbsp; 
It is the likes of Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player who have made Augusta Masters the tournament it has become, and now Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Bubba Watson and Jordan Spieth are carrying on the great legacy ever so gracefully. If there is one place on earth that every golf lover dreams of going, it is the Augusta National during the Masters.

(The author is Chairman, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Hero MotoCorp)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the authors and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The young and the old, the experienced and the rookies, Augusta is a pilgrimage for everyone, and they just wait to return every year.

Be it a green jacket winner or a total greenhorn, the sheer beauty of Augusta National leaves everyone spellbound. I can only imagine the emotions that Patrick Reed must have gone through while putting on that green jacket on Sunday afternoon after winning the 2018 Masters. The Augusta National is a true celebration of the world of golf - the big stage where the Gods of the golf vie for the honours and glory. Out of all my trips and commitments around the world, this is the one date I look forward to. I have been coming to Augusta for over a decade now and my fascination with the place has only grown with time. While the efficiency of the Augusta National, the immaculate course and the seriousness to keep up the traditions are a huge draw for the golfer in me, the smart engagements around the tournament that give a big boost to the economy of Augusta and Georgia are management lessons for everyone. The town has a population of around 600,000, but come Masters week, it attracts upwards of 50,000 spectators each day. At Augusta National, however, they are referred to as 'patrons' of the game. Tradition and Old-World charm sit comfortably with the latest technology that goes into conducting a world-class sports tournament of this scale and stature. And yet they keep the patrons gushing with reasonably priced food like the famous Pimento sandwiches for just US$ 1.50 and unlimited supplies of draft beer for $1.00 per glass all-day long! Augusta is a golfing pilgrimage for every golfer. Relaxing with fellow-enthusiasts on the banks of Savannah River, the little moments of indulgence on the Magnolia Lane and private concerts in the land of James Brown - the Godfather of Soul - Augusta during the Masters is a treat for the senses. I know how excited and eager Tiger Woods was to get to back to golf, and to Augusta National. He missed being at Augusta the past few years but was thrilled to be back to his favourite hunting ground. While he may not have won, he was surely the centre of attraction all this week. It is just a matter of time before he will be vying for the Majors, and winning too. As an Indian, I am also proud that we have had our share of golfers competing at the Masters. After Jeev Milkha Singh became the first Indian to compete in 2007, Arjun Atwal and Anirban Lahiri have also showed their prowess here. Now we have young Shubhankar Sharma, who has been shining all over the globe with his golf game. While he missed the cut this time around, I am convinced we will hear more about him in the very near future. It is the likes of Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player who have made Augusta Masters the tournament it has become, and now Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Bubba Watson and Jordan Spieth are carrying on the great legacy ever so gracefully. If there is one place on earth that every golf lover dreams of going, it is the Augusta National during the Masters. (The author is Chairman, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Hero MotoCorp) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the authors and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Augusta Masters, a grand stage for Gods of Golf

Unheralded Charley Hoffman snatched the first-round lead at the Masters on Thursday as high winds punished the world&#39;s top golfers and favorite Dustin Johnson withdrew injured.

Hoffman, 40, posted a seven-under par 65 in conditions described by one former Masters winner as &#39;borderline&#39; unplayable. He took a four-stroke lead on a day of high drama that saw world number one Johnson pull out following a freak accident. &nbsp;

Johnson had a serious fall on the eve of the tournament and despite showing up at the course and practicing his swing ahead of his scheduled tee time, decided the pain from a lower back injury would prevent him from competing at his best.

&quot;I&#39;m very sad I have to do it but it&#39;s just a freak accident. I wanted to try and play but I&#39;m not going to be able to compete,&quot; he said.

&quot;It just sucks.&quot;

Hoffman, with one top-10 finish this year, put together a run of four birdies over the back nine to open an impressive lead over fellow American William McGirt.

England&#39;s Lee Westwood, 43, still looking for a major title after 75 starts, was in third place a shot further back on 70 on a day when top contenders suffered in difficult conditions on the 7,435-yard Augusta National course.

Reigning US Open champion Johnson had been the oddsmakers&#39; favorite in the year&#39;s first major golf championship after winning his three prior starts but hurt himself in a fall down stairs Wednesday at a rental house.

Without the world number one, Northern Ireland&#39;s second-ranked Rory McIlroy and Australian world number three Jason Day were tipped to be key contenders for the title.

However, neither had it their own way in the opening round, played in sodden blustery conditions.

Nor did another top contender, former Masters champion Jordon Spieth, who suffered a repeat of last year&#39;s quadruple-bogey disaster.

Beyond tough&nbsp;

The 2013 Masters champion, Adam Scott of Australia, said the conditions were beyond tough.

&quot;It&#39;s very difficult conditions and borderline (unplayable),&quot; he said after returning a three-over 75.

Steady but swirling winds above 20 mph (32 kph) with gusts twice that speed&nbsp;sending tee shots and approaches soaring off target and&nbsp;even kept balls rolling on greens.

Four-time major champion McIlroy appeared to be struggling in the wind and was three-over after the front nine.&nbsp;

He opened with a bogey on the first hole and dropped shots on the third and fifth to make the turn in 39. But on the way back he sank three birdies to salvage a 72 and a share of 12th place.&nbsp;

He was one shot behind England&#39;s 2013 US Open champion Justin Rose, who was in an eight-way share of fourth on 71.

Day also suffered in the conditions, returning a two-over 74 with a double-bogey on the 11th hole to share 26th place.

For 2015 Masters champion Spieth, the day turned sour on the back nine in a near repeat of the quadruple-bogey nightmare that cost him back-to-back titles last year.

The American, twice a Masters runner-up, had been five shots ahead on the final day last year before he imploded after taking seven shots on the par-3 12th.

This time out, he negotiated the 12th hole in regulation but took a nine on the par-5 15th, ballooning his score before sinking a birdie at 16 to limit the damage to finish on 3-over 75.

Spieth said the bogey blowout put him under pressure for the following three days.

&quot;I feel like I need to snag something tomorrow,&quot; he said.

One man who thrived in the conditions was former Masters champion Phil Mickelson, who fired a 71.&nbsp;

The 46-year-old US left-hander will replace Jack Nicklaus as the oldest winner in Masters history if he can collect a fourth green jacket on Sunday.

(AFP)

Charley Hoffman has a four-shot lead, while former champion Spieth had a nightmare in the back nine

Unheralded Charley Hoffman snatched the first-round lead at the Masters on Thursday as high winds punished the world's top golfers and favorite Dustin Johnson withdrew injured. Hoffman, 40, posted a seven-under par 65 in conditions described by one former Masters winner as 'borderline' unplayable. He took a four-stroke lead on a day of high drama that saw world number one Johnson pull out following a freak accident. Johnson had a serious fall on the eve of the tournament and despite showing up at the course and practicing his swing ahead of his scheduled tee time, decided the pain from a lower back injury would prevent him from competing at his best. "I'm very sad I have to do it but it's just a freak accident. I wanted to try and play but I'm not going to be able to compete," he said. "It just sucks." Hoffman, with one top-10 finish this year, put together a run of four birdies over the back nine to open an impressive lead over fellow American William McGirt. England's Lee Westwood, 43, still looking for a major title after 75 starts, was in third place a shot further back on 70 on a day when top contenders suffered in difficult conditions on the 7,435-yard Augusta National course. Reigning US Open champion Johnson had been the oddsmakers' favorite in the year's first major golf championship after winning his three prior starts but hurt himself in a fall down stairs Wednesday at a rental house. Without the world number one, Northern Ireland's second-ranked Rory McIlroy and Australian world number three Jason Day were tipped to be key contenders for the title. However, neither had it their own way in the opening round, played in sodden blustery conditions. Nor did another top contender, former Masters champion Jordon Spieth, who suffered a repeat of last year's quadruple-bogey disaster. Beyond tough The 2013 Masters champion, Adam Scott of Australia, said the conditions were beyond tough. "It's very difficult conditions and borderline (unplayable)," he said after returning a three-over 75. Steady but swirling winds above 20 mph (32 kph) with gusts twice that speed sending tee shots and approaches soaring off target and even kept balls rolling on greens. Four-time major champion McIlroy appeared to be struggling in the wind and was three-over after the front nine. He opened with a bogey on the first hole and dropped shots on the third and fifth to make the turn in 39. But on the way back he sank three birdies to salvage a 72 and a share of 12th place. He was one shot behind England's 2013 US Open champion Justin Rose, who was in an eight-way share of fourth on 71. Day also suffered in the conditions, returning a two-over 74 with a double-bogey on the 11th hole to share 26th place. For 2015 Masters champion Spieth, the day turned sour on the back nine in a near repeat of the quadruple-bogey nightmare that cost him back-to-back titles last year. The American, twice a Masters runner-up, had been five shots ahead on the final day last year before he imploded after taking seven shots on the par-3 12th. This time out, he negotiated the 12th hole in regulation but took a nine on the par-5 15th, ballooning his score before sinking a birdie at 16 to limit the damage to finish on 3-over 75. Spieth said the bogey blowout put him under pressure for the following three days. "I feel like I need to snag something tomorrow," he said. One man who thrived in the conditions was former Masters champion Phil Mickelson, who fired a 71. The 46-year-old US left-hander will replace Jack Nicklaus as the oldest winner in Masters history if he can collect a fourth green jacket on Sunday. (AFP)

Masters: Unheralded Hoffman tops day 1 leaderboard

Former number one golfer Rory McIlroy said on Friday that his outing last week with President Donald Trump was not a political endorsement of America&#39;s new leader but rather &quot;simply a round of golf&quot;.

The decision by the Northern Irish golfer to accept the invitation to play with the president at his Trump National golf course in Florida has come under fire on social media by some who saw it as approval of Trump and his policies.

&quot;To be called a fascist and a bigot by some people because I spent time in someone&#39;s company is just ridiculous,&quot; McIlroy, who lives much of the year in Florida, said on Twitter.

&quot;... This wasn&#39;t an endorsement nor a political statement of any kind. It was quite simply a round of golf. Golf was our common ground, nothing else.&quot;

McIlroy, 27, said he respects the office of the president and pointed out that he does not agree with everything his friends and family say, but still plays golf with them.

&quot;I hope to some degree this clarifies my decision to accept the invitation that was extended to me.&quot;

McIlroy&#39;s round with Trump came a week after South African Ernie Els played with the President and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

Professional golfers have long played with American presidents, but the issue has become more controversial as the country has become more polarized in recent decades.

Republican-leaning Australian Greg Norman once chided Jack Nicklaus for playing with then-President Bill Clinton in the early 1990s.

But Norman and Clinton later became friends and Clinton suffered a knee injury that required surgery when he stumbled on the steps outside Norman&#39;s home in 1997.

McIlroy, who has been injured, plans to return to competition next week at the WGC-Mexico Championship in Mexico City.

(Reuters)

The former world number one tweeted that him being slammed as a bigot is 'ridiculous'

Former number one golfer Rory McIlroy said on Friday that his outing last week with President Donald Trump was not a political endorsement of America's new leader but rather "simply a round of golf". The decision by the Northern Irish golfer to accept the invitation to play with the president at his Trump National golf course in Florida has come under fire on social media by some who saw it as approval of Trump and his policies. "To be called a fascist and a bigot by some people because I spent time in someone's company is just ridiculous," McIlroy, who lives much of the year in Florida, said on Twitter. "... This wasn't an endorsement nor a political statement of any kind. It was quite simply a round of golf. Golf was our common ground, nothing else." McIlroy, 27, said he respects the office of the president and pointed out that he does not agree with everything his friends and family say, but still plays golf with them. "I hope to some degree this clarifies my decision to accept the invitation that was extended to me." McIlroy's round with Trump came a week after South African Ernie Els played with the President and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Professional golfers have long played with American presidents, but the issue has become more controversial as the country has become more polarized in recent decades. Republican-leaning Australian Greg Norman once chided Jack Nicklaus for playing with then-President Bill Clinton in the early 1990s. But Norman and Clinton later became friends and Clinton suffered a knee injury that required surgery when he stumbled on the steps outside Norman's home in 1997. McIlroy, who has been injured, plans to return to competition next week at the WGC-Mexico Championship in Mexico City. (Reuters)

McIlroy denies round of golf with Trump as 'endorsement'

Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy capped a stunning comeback with a birdie at the fourth playoff hole to win the season-ending Tour Championship on Sunday, along with FedEx Cup honours and the mind-boggling $10 million bonus. 
 
McIlroy rolled in a 15-foot putt at East Lake&#39;s par-four 16th to beat American Ryan Moore, sending the large gallery into a frenzy that might more likely be expected at next week&#39;s Ryder Cup. 
 
&quot;It was incredible,&quot; former world number McIlroy said at the victory presentation. &quot;Sorry for the hoarse voice. I sort of lost my voice screaming at the end. 
 
&quot;I feel my game is coming together at the right time. Two wins in the last three feels pretty nice.&quot; 
 
McIlroy, 27, vaulted into the playoff with a barnstorming finish to his final round, holing out from 140 yards to eagle the same hole where he would clinch the win 90 minutes later. 
 
He closed his final-round 64 with a tap-in birdie at the par-five 18th and only joined the playoff with American Kevin Chappell (66) and Moore (64) when the latter&#39;s eight-footer to win in regulation lipped out. 
 
McIlroy then squandered a golden chance to win it at the first extra hole when he missed a six-footer. Chappell was eliminated on the first extra hole. 
 
McIlroy looked shell-shocked but regrouped to sink a seven-footer and stave off defeat at the third extra hole, before clinching it at the next. 
 
&quot;It was such a nice one, uphill, just outside the right edge,&quot; McIlroy he said of his winning putt. 
 
&quot;I knew if I hit a good putt it had a great chance of going in. To see that ball drop, everything has come together for me. To be able to come here and pull it off is really special. 
 
&quot;I&#39;ve won the money list a few times in Europe but never been able to quite do it here, the FedExCup in the U.S. When you put your mind to it, great things happen.&quot; 
 
McIlroy&#39;s gain was Dustin Johnson&#39;s loss as the US Open champion would have won the FedExCup had either Moore or Chappell won the playoff. 
 
Johnson started the final round tied for the lead with Chappell, but struggled to a 73 in ideal conditions to plunge to into a tie for sixth at five-under. 
 
So instead it was McIlroy, the only member of the European Ryder Cup team in the field at East Lake, who clinched the season-long points race and $10 million bonus along with $1.53 million for the tournament victory. 
 
(Reuters) 
&nbsp;

McIlroy rolled in a 15-foot putt at East Lake's par-four 16th to beat American Ryan Moore

Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy capped a stunning comeback with a birdie at the fourth playoff hole to win the season-ending Tour Championship on Sunday, along with FedEx Cup honours and the mind-boggling $10 million bonus. McIlroy rolled in a 15-foot putt at East Lake's par-four 16th to beat American Ryan Moore, sending the large gallery into a frenzy that might more likely be expected at next week's Ryder Cup. "It was incredible," former world number McIlroy said at the victory presentation. "Sorry for the hoarse voice. I sort of lost my voice screaming at the end. "I feel my game is coming together at the right time. Two wins in the last three feels pretty nice." McIlroy, 27, vaulted into the playoff with a barnstorming finish to his final round, holing out from 140 yards to eagle the same hole where he would clinch the win 90 minutes later. He closed his final-round 64 with a tap-in birdie at the par-five 18th and only joined the playoff with American Kevin Chappell (66) and Moore (64) when the latter's eight-footer to win in regulation lipped out. McIlroy then squandered a golden chance to win it at the first extra hole when he missed a six-footer. Chappell was eliminated on the first extra hole. McIlroy looked shell-shocked but regrouped to sink a seven-footer and stave off defeat at the third extra hole, before clinching it at the next. "It was such a nice one, uphill, just outside the right edge," McIlroy he said of his winning putt. "I knew if I hit a good putt it had a great chance of going in. To see that ball drop, everything has come together for me. To be able to come here and pull it off is really special. "I've won the money list a few times in Europe but never been able to quite do it here, the FedExCup in the U.S. When you put your mind to it, great things happen." McIlroy's gain was Dustin Johnson's loss as the US Open champion would have won the FedExCup had either Moore or Chappell won the playoff. Johnson started the final round tied for the lead with Chappell, but struggled to a 73 in ideal conditions to plunge to into a tie for sixth at five-under. So instead it was McIlroy, the only member of the European Ryder Cup team in the field at East Lake, who clinched the season-long points race and $10 million bonus along with $1.53 million for the tournament victory. (Reuters)

Golf: McIlroy wins Tour Championship, $10 million bonus

Severe thunderstorms drenched Baltusrol with heavy rain on Monday, cutting short the first practice session for the 98th PGA Championship and soaking greens that had been fast in afternoon heat. 
 
Sweltering heat greeted players in the early afternoon, but the day ended with standing water puddled across many areas of the course after thunder, lightning and downpours. 
 
PGA of America officials halted play at 4:38 pm (IST) and had spectators seek shelter, several dozen huddling in the massive souvenir tent until a break between storms allowed them a chance to leave. 
 
It was a signal that players could face a lot of extremes in this week&#39;s quest for the Wanamaker Trophy, with forecasts for hot conditions until storms are set to return for the weekend. 
 
World number one Jason Day of Australia will try to defend his first major title, which he won last year at Whistling Straits.&nbsp;&quot;I feel good about my game,&quot; Day said. &quot;I&#39;m hitting a lot of good shots and that has given me confidence. I should be good to go.&quot; 
 
Day was won seven titles in the past year and flirted with major success, sharing 10th at the Masters and eighth at the US Open.&nbsp;His mindset is less about repeating as champion, especially on a different course, than it is about achieving new feats.&nbsp;&quot;I never really look at it as defending,&quot; he said. &quot;I try to win it again. That&#39;s the mentality.&quot; 
 
World number two Dustin Johnson made his major breakthrough last month by winning the US Open at Oakmont.&nbsp;The American also won a WGC event at Firestone and shared ninth at the British Open, enough good finishes to bolster his confidence entering the final major tournament of the year. 
 
&quot;I think the game is in really good shape,&quot; Johnson said. &quot;Do a little practice on the putting in the next few days, but other than that, I`m really confident in the game right now. I feel like everything is going really well.&quot; 
 
Day will play the first two rounds alongside four-time major champion Rory McIlroy, the 2014 PGA Championship winner, and Phil Mickelson, the 46-year-old US left-hander who won the last PGA Championship played at Baltusrol in 2005. 
 
Mickelson battled British Open winner Henrik Stenson into the final holes before settling for second to the Swede at Royal Troon two weeks ago. 
 
Johnson will play on Thursday and Friday alongside Stenson and Masters champion Danny Willett of England in the annual threesome of the season&#39;s prior major winners. 
 
Each won his first major this year and none of them wants to see another first-timer take the trophy this week. 
 
(AFP)

World number one Jason Day of Australia will try to defend his first major title, which he won last year at Whistling Straits

Severe thunderstorms drenched Baltusrol with heavy rain on Monday, cutting short the first practice session for the 98th PGA Championship and soaking greens that had been fast in afternoon heat. Sweltering heat greeted players in the early afternoon, but the day ended with standing water puddled across many areas of the course after thunder, lightning and downpours. PGA of America officials halted play at 4:38 pm (IST) and had spectators seek shelter, several dozen huddling in the massive souvenir tent until a break between storms allowed them a chance to leave. It was a signal that players could face a lot of extremes in this week's quest for the Wanamaker Trophy, with forecasts for hot conditions until storms are set to return for the weekend. World number one Jason Day of Australia will try to defend his first major title, which he won last year at Whistling Straits. "I feel good about my game," Day said. "I'm hitting a lot of good shots and that has given me confidence. I should be good to go." Day was won seven titles in the past year and flirted with major success, sharing 10th at the Masters and eighth at the US Open. His mindset is less about repeating as champion, especially on a different course, than it is about achieving new feats. "I never really look at it as defending," he said. "I try to win it again. That's the mentality." World number two Dustin Johnson made his major breakthrough last month by winning the US Open at Oakmont. The American also won a WGC event at Firestone and shared ninth at the British Open, enough good finishes to bolster his confidence entering the final major tournament of the year. "I think the game is in really good shape," Johnson said. "Do a little practice on the putting in the next few days, but other than that, I`m really confident in the game right now. I feel like everything is going really well." Day will play the first two rounds alongside four-time major champion Rory McIlroy, the 2014 PGA Championship winner, and Phil Mickelson, the 46-year-old US left-hander who won the last PGA Championship played at Baltusrol in 2005. Mickelson battled British Open winner Henrik Stenson into the final holes before settling for second to the Swede at Royal Troon two weeks ago. Johnson will play on Thursday and Friday alongside Stenson and Masters champion Danny Willett of England in the annual threesome of the season's prior major winners. Each won his first major this year and none of them wants to see another first-timer take the trophy this week. (AFP)

Defending champion Day confident at storm-soaked PGA

Treacherous and unfamiliar challenges lie in wait as the British Open returns to Royal Troon this week, and Rory McIlroy returns to the hunt for the Claret Jug. 
 
McIlroy, who leads a host of the sport&#39;s biggest names to have withdrawn in controversial circumstances from next month&#39;s Rio Olympics, is bidding to win his fifth major and second Open after his victory at Hoylake in 2014.&nbsp; 
 
Twelve months ago McIlroy was missing from the field in St Andrews after suffering an ankle injury while playing football, but he will tee off on Thursday morning in the same group as Bubba Watson and Japan&#39;s Hideki Matsuyama. 
 
&quot;I&#39;m excited to be back and to a golf course that I&#39;ve never played before,&quot; the Northern Irishman, number four in the world, told reporters on Tuesday.&nbsp;&quot;I don&#39;t really have any experience here at Troon, so it was good to get a couple of good looks at it last week, and then I just played another 18 holes this morning.&quot;&nbsp; 
 
Troon is where Tiger Woods first played in the Open as a professional in 1997. The ailing 14-time major winner is not in this year&#39;s field and instead the focus is on the current &#39;Big Four&#39; of McIlroy, Jordan Spieth, Jason Day and recent US Open winner Dustin Johnson.&nbsp; 
 
They have all withdrawn from the Rio Games amid much-publicised fears about the Zika virus, with Spieth pulling out at the last minute on Monday. 
 
The 22-year-old Texan will be relieved to be able to focus on the Open now after being hit with a barrage of questions about the Olympics on Tuesday.&nbsp;He is targeting the Claret Jug and a third major title having won the Masters and US Open last year.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;This is a very, very special tournament; everybody knows that.&nbsp;I crave to have that trophy in my possession at some point, and to reach a third leg of the Grand Slam this week would be a fantastic achievement and a life-long goal of mine,&quot; said Spieth, who is not in the best of form but has history on his, or at least his country&#39;s, side. 
 
The Open has been played at Troon eight times, with the last six winners all American, most recently Todd Hamilton in 2004. In 1997 the winner was Justin Leonard, a Texan just like Spieth. 
 
&quot;I don&#39;t think it impacts you, but I think it&#39;s very cool to walk through the clubhouse halls to see that,&quot; said Spieth of Troon`s history. 
 
Dustin Johnson may be the favourite and Day the world number one, but all of the sport&#39;s leading players must beware the potential pitfalls in store.&nbsp;Troon is home to one of golf&#39;s most iconic and deeply unpredictable holes, the 123-yard par-three eighth known as the Postage Stamp.&nbsp;Here is where German amateur Herman Tissies took 15 in 1950 but also where a 71-year-old Gene Sarazen had a hole-in-one in 1973. 
 
&quot;I think I took an eight or a nine, so that didn&#39;t go too well,&quot; McIlroy said of his efforts in practice.&nbsp;&quot;If you make four threes there this week, you&#39;re probably going to gain a bit of ground on the field.&quot; 
 
Then there is the 11th, a 482-yard par-four with the Glasgow to Ayr railway line immediately over a four-foot high stone wall to the right side. Jack Nicklaus took 10 here in 1962. 
 
&quot;They&#39;re both incredibly difficult, yeah,&quot; acknowledged England&#39;s Justin Rose of the two holes. 
 
With this being the first Open at Troon since 2004, the younger stars of modern golf are unfamiliar with the course, but one man who knows it all too well is Colin Montgomerie.&nbsp;This is the veteran Scot&#39;s home-town Open, and his 86-year-old father will become club president next week. 
&nbsp; 
Montgomerie came through qualifying and will hit the championship&#39;s first tee shot at 6:35 am local time (0535 GMT) on Thursday as he goes out with Luke Donald and Australia&#39;s Marc Leishman. 
&nbsp; 
The latter was involved in a three-way play-off in St Andrews last year that was won by the American Zach Johnson. It was played out in gloomy conditions on the Monday after wind and rain delayed the finish. 
 
The hope is for calmer weather this year, although Friday is expected to be particularly wet and the wind coming in from the Firth of Clyde is bound to make life difficult. 
 
&quot;If you get it breezy, like in any Open venue, this place really shows its teeth. I think it&#39;s a fantastic Open venue and a fantastic test of golf,&quot; acknowledged the current Masters champion Danny Willett. 
 
(AFP)

Rory McIlroy is targeting the Claret Jug and a third major title, having won the Masters and US Open last year

Treacherous and unfamiliar challenges lie in wait as the British Open returns to Royal Troon this week, and Rory McIlroy returns to the hunt for the Claret Jug. McIlroy, who leads a host of the sport's biggest names to have withdrawn in controversial circumstances from next month's Rio Olympics, is bidding to win his fifth major and second Open after his victory at Hoylake in 2014. Twelve months ago McIlroy was missing from the field in St Andrews after suffering an ankle injury while playing football, but he will tee off on Thursday morning in the same group as Bubba Watson and Japan's Hideki Matsuyama. "I'm excited to be back and to a golf course that I've never played before," the Northern Irishman, number four in the world, told reporters on Tuesday. "I don't really have any experience here at Troon, so it was good to get a couple of good looks at it last week, and then I just played another 18 holes this morning." Troon is where Tiger Woods first played in the Open as a professional in 1997. The ailing 14-time major winner is not in this year's field and instead the focus is on the current 'Big Four' of McIlroy, Jordan Spieth, Jason Day and recent US Open winner Dustin Johnson. They have all withdrawn from the Rio Games amid much-publicised fears about the Zika virus, with Spieth pulling out at the last minute on Monday. The 22-year-old Texan will be relieved to be able to focus on the Open now after being hit with a barrage of questions about the Olympics on Tuesday. He is targeting the Claret Jug and a third major title having won the Masters and US Open last year. "This is a very, very special tournament; everybody knows that. I crave to have that trophy in my possession at some point, and to reach a third leg of the Grand Slam this week would be a fantastic achievement and a life-long goal of mine," said Spieth, who is not in the best of form but has history on his, or at least his country's, side. The Open has been played at Troon eight times, with the last six winners all American, most recently Todd Hamilton in 2004. In 1997 the winner was Justin Leonard, a Texan just like Spieth. "I don't think it impacts you, but I think it's very cool to walk through the clubhouse halls to see that," said Spieth of Troon`s history. Dustin Johnson may be the favourite and Day the world number one, but all of the sport's leading players must beware the potential pitfalls in store. Troon is home to one of golf's most iconic and deeply unpredictable holes, the 123-yard par-three eighth known as the Postage Stamp. Here is where German amateur Herman Tissies took 15 in 1950 but also where a 71-year-old Gene Sarazen had a hole-in-one in 1973. "I think I took an eight or a nine, so that didn't go too well," McIlroy said of his efforts in practice. "If you make four threes there this week, you're probably going to gain a bit of ground on the field." Then there is the 11th, a 482-yard par-four with the Glasgow to Ayr railway line immediately over a four-foot high stone wall to the right side. Jack Nicklaus took 10 here in 1962. "They're both incredibly difficult, yeah," acknowledged England's Justin Rose of the two holes. With this being the first Open at Troon since 2004, the younger stars of modern golf are unfamiliar with the course, but one man who knows it all too well is Colin Montgomerie. This is the veteran Scot's home-town Open, and his 86-year-old father will become club president next week. Montgomerie came through qualifying and will hit the championship's first tee shot at 6:35 am local time (0535 GMT) on Thursday as he goes out with Luke Donald and Australia's Marc Leishman. The latter was involved in a three-way play-off in St Andrews last year that was won by the American Zach Johnson. It was played out in gloomy conditions on the Monday after wind and rain delayed the finish. The hope is for calmer weather this year, although Friday is expected to be particularly wet and the wind coming in from the Firth of Clyde is bound to make life difficult. "If you get it breezy, like in any Open venue, this place really shows its teeth. I think it's a fantastic Open venue and a fantastic test of golf," acknowledged the current Masters champion Danny Willett. (AFP)

Mcllroy of the 'Big Four' braces for Troon test in British Open

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