https://www.scmp.com/rss/517858/feed The latest stories and features on golfer Rory McIlroy, including professional golf news and updates. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com SCMP Style Reporter SCMP Style Reporter Rolex has long been associated with golf’s biggest stages, and its partnership with the Masters Tournament reflects that positioning. Each April, all eyes turn to the Augusta National Golf Club, where the Masters is the first of the sport’s four major events for the year, bringing together a select field to compete on one of the most scrutinised courses in the sport. Established in 1934, the Masters has consistently set the benchmark for how golf is played and presented. Its format and... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/luxury/watches/article/3349980/style-edit-rolexs-central-role-golfs-star-studded-masters-augusta?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/luxury/watches/article/3349980/style-edit-rolexs-central-role-golfs-star-studded-masters-augusta?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 15 Apr 2026 02:00:11 +0000 Reuters Reuters Defending champion Rory McIlroy won the Masters by one shot over Scottie Scheffler on Sunday to collect his sixth major and become the fourth repeat winner at Augusta National and first since Tiger Woods in 2002. McIlroy, who let a six-shot ‌advantage slip on Saturday and started the final round level with playing partner Cameron Young and one ahead of Sam Burns, closed with a one-under-par 71 to finish the week on 12 under. With victory secured, the world No 2 looked to the blue Georgia skies... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3349825/rory-mcilroy-joins-rarefied-company-back-back-masters-victories?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3349825/rory-mcilroy-joins-rarefied-company-back-back-masters-victories?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 12 Apr 2026 23:47:48 +0000 Tribune News Service Tribune News Service Li Haotong spent Thursday night in the restroom. If all goes well, he might spend Sunday night inside Butler Cabin. Yes, in one of the more bizarre interviews given at Augusta National this week, after he fired a five-under 67 on Friday, Li admitted he was, well, kept up the night before. “Went to the toilet last night a lot of times,” Li said on Friday afternoon. “And this morning when I got to the golf course, [I was] still feeling really bad and kind of, like, [living on] the toilet.” Li was... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3349787/chinas-li-haotong-survives-tummy-issues-enter-masters-final-day-just-4-shots-lead?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3349787/chinas-li-haotong-survives-tummy-issues-enter-masters-final-day-just-4-shots-lead?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 12 Apr 2026 07:44:41 +0000 Reuters Reuters Rory McIlroy seized a commanding six-stroke lead at the ⁠Masters on Friday to leave a leaderboard packed with major title winners looking up at the defending champion as the tournament reached the halfway point. McIlroy is 12-under par heading into the weekend with Americans Sam Burns and Patrick Reed tied for second at six under and Englishman Justin Rose, Ireland’s Shane Lowry and Britain’s Tommy Fleetwood one further adrift. McIlroy came out all guns blazing and finished in spectacular... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3349720/rory-mcilroy-total-command-masters-takes-6-shot-lead-weekend?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3349720/rory-mcilroy-total-command-masters-takes-6-shot-lead-weekend?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 11 Apr 2026 01:50:07 +0000 dpa dpa Defending champion Rory McIlroy basked in the warm Georgia sunshine and the glory of his return to Augusta to lay down a marker in his bid for rare back-to-back Masters wins with a share of the first-round lead. Following a nondescript seven holes in which he struggled with his driving, the Northern Irishman, seeking to become only the fourth man after Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods and Nick Faldo to retain the green jacket, burst into life with five birdies in eight holes. A round of 67 catapulted... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3349584/rory-mcilroy-claims-share-early-lead-hunt-back-back-masters-wins?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3349584/rory-mcilroy-claims-share-early-lead-hunt-back-back-masters-wins?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 10 Apr 2026 02:11:03 +0000 Agence France-Presse,Reuters Agence France-Presse,Reuters Rory McIlroy will launch ⁠the defence of his first Masters title on Thursday alongside ⁠world No 3 Cameron Young and amateur Mason Howell for the first two rounds at Augusta National in firm and fast conditions. McIlroy, bidding to become only the fourth player to repeat as Masters champion, will go out in the 15th group at 10.31am ‌Eastern Time (10.31pm Hong Kong time), two groups behind Bryson DeChambeau, Matt Fitzpatrick and Xander Schauffele, and just behind Americans Collin Morikawa and... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3349358/us-masters-rory-mcilroy-gets-early-start-title-defence-scottie-scheffler-goes-out-late?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3349358/us-masters-rory-mcilroy-gets-early-start-title-defence-scottie-scheffler-goes-out-late?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 08 Apr 2026 07:23:11 +0000 Agence France-Presse Agence France-Presse Rory McIlroy, whose emotional 2025 Masters victory completed an incredible career grand slam, chases an even rarer feat this year – repeating as champion at Augusta National. The 36-year-old from Northern Ireland hopes to join Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus and Nick Faldo as the only golfers to capture back-to-back green jackets when the 90th Masters tees off Thursday. “I know defending the Masters tournament is a pretty rare feat, and it’s something I’d love to do,” McIlroy said. “I’ve won it once... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3349065/rory-mcilroy-aims-join-illustrious-group-rare-masters-repeat-augusta?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3349065/rory-mcilroy-aims-join-illustrious-group-rare-masters-repeat-augusta?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 05 Apr 2026 05:54:24 +0000 Associated Press Associated Press Patrick Reed kept everyone at bay and closed with an even-par 72 on Sunday for a four-shot victory in the Dubai Desert Classic, his first European Tour title that moves him back into the top 30 in the world for the first time since he joined LIV Golf. Reed also made enough money from the Rolex Series event that it should cover his European Tour fines for playing in the Saudi-backed rival league, assuming he can sort out a new LIV contract. “Win early and that will take care of it,” Reed jokingly... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3341215/patrick-reed-wins-dubai-money-earned-can-go-towards-european-tour-fines-playing-liv?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3341215/patrick-reed-wins-dubai-money-earned-can-go-towards-european-tour-fines-playing-liv?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 26 Jan 2026 05:15:08 +0000 Reuters Reuters Rory McIlroy’s long-awaited Masters victory in April made him the first golfer in 25 years to join the sport’s most exclusive club, but Scottie Scheffler’s two-major haul in 2025 raised the possibility that the next career grand slam winner could be just around the corner. McIlroy, in his 11th attempt to complete the career grand slam, had to endure a topsy-turvy final round at Augusta National where he squandered a four-shot lead but then emerged from a crowded pack to prevail in a sudden-death... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3337607/year-golf-rory-mcilroy-finally-joins-elite-club-scottie-scheffler-could-join-soon?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3337607/year-golf-rory-mcilroy-finally-joins-elite-club-scottie-scheffler-could-join-soon?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 25 Dec 2025 04:00:08 +0000 Josh Ball Josh Ball Tom McKibbin romped to a wire-to-wire victory in the Link Hong Kong Open on Sunday, and ripped up the record books in the process. The Northern Irishman’s winning total of 27-under-par was the lowest in the tournament’s history, five better than Patrick Reed last year, with Ian Poulter and Jose Maria Olazabal also reaching 22 under when they won in 2010 and 2001, respectively. And the seven-shot gap between McKibbin and Peter Uihlein, who was second, equalled the largest margin of victory ever... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3331220/tom-mckibbin-rips-record-books-he-romps-link-hong-kong-open-victory?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3331220/tom-mckibbin-rips-record-books-he-romps-link-hong-kong-open-victory?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 02 Nov 2025 08:06:35 +0000 Bernard Chan Bernard Chan My previous column explored how the fear of repercussions is driving widespread self-censorship within institutions and public discourse. Yet, at the same time, the world of sports is experiencing a troubling increase in toxic behaviour, where once-unifying arenas are becoming battlegrounds of hostility and division. At the recent Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black in New York, Rory McIlroy and the European team faced relentless abuse, including verbal taunts, homophobic slurs and even outright... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3329131/hong-kong-can-showcase-true-sportsmanship-national-games?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3329131/hong-kong-can-showcase-true-sportsmanship-national-games?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 17 Oct 2025 01:30:09 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Watching Rory McIlroy being roared on by his army of home fans at the Open Championship has awakened a desire in Kelvin Ngai Si to win in front of his own supporters at this year’s SJM Macau Open. After completing his career grand slam at the US Masters in April, Northern Ireland’s McIlroy received fervent backing for last month’s Open at Royal Portrush, where he finished in a tie for seventh. And Macau’s Si, who is making his Asian Tour debut this year, is hoping for a taste of the adulation... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3322390/us-masters-champion-rory-mcilroy-mania-inspiring-macau-open-home-charge?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3322390/us-masters-champion-rory-mcilroy-mania-inspiring-macau-open-home-charge?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 20 Aug 2025 03:00:12 +0000 Abraham Ancer said he was not seeking perfection when he arrived in Hong Kong, but he can have few complaints about his golf over the first two days. An eight-under-par 62 on Saturday took the Fireballs GC captain to 15 under for the LIV Golf tournament, and a five-shot lead heading into the final round. And in many ways “trying not to be perfect” has resulted in getting close to the opposite. The Mexican hit 18 greens in regulation on Saturday, has missed just four fairways over 36 holes, and... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3254800/liv-golf-hong-kong-ancer-opens-5-shot-lead-despite-not-chasing-perfection-will-have-australian-open?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3254800/liv-golf-hong-kong-ancer-opens-5-shot-lead-despite-not-chasing-perfection-will-have-australian-open?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 09 Mar 2024 10:42:46 +0000 Hideki Matsuyama fired nine birdies in a scintillating nine-under-par 62 on Sunday to rally from six shots back for a three-stroke victory in the Genesis Invitational at The Riviera Country Club. Matsuyama, the 2021 Masters champion, notched his ninth PGA Tour title, breaking a tie with South Korean KJ Choi for most by a player from Asia. It was all the more poignant coming more than two years after his most recent victory at the 2022 Sony Open, and after a neck injury left him fearing he might... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3252368/hideki-matsuyama-sets-new-pga-tour-mark-riviera-triumph-becomes-asias-most-successful-golfer-us?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3252368/hideki-matsuyama-sets-new-pga-tour-mark-riviera-triumph-becomes-asias-most-successful-golfer-us?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 19 Feb 2024 02:42:50 +0000 The third season of the LIV Golf League starts in Mexico on Friday with a new team, a higher profile, and a further thawing of relations between it and one of the Saudi-backed circuit’s fiercest critics. Jon Rahm’s arrival as the captain of Legion XIII has given the tour another major winner, and his recruitment of Ryder Cup teammate Tyrrell Hatton two more players ranked among the top 20 in the world. Recognising the impact their departure from the PGA Tour is likely to have, Rory McIlroy... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3250397/liv-golf-mcilroy-says-pga-tour-wins-diminished-absence-rahm-hatton-and-others-eyes-their-return?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3250397/liv-golf-mcilroy-says-pga-tour-wins-diminished-absence-rahm-hatton-and-others-eyes-their-return?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 31 Jan 2024 06:30:17 +0000 Hong Kong cannot simply buy athletic success and should promote the kind of sporting culture found in places such as Ireland in the hope of punching above its weight globally. That view formed part of the vision outlined this week by the new Hong Kong Sports Institute (HKSI) chief executive Tony Choi Yuk-kwan as the city builds towards this year’s Paris Olympics. He insisted oversight of taxpayer-funded athletes was robust, and cautioned that the institute’s task was not as straightforward as... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3248284/irelands-sporting-tradition-lesson-hong-kong-says-boss-citys-athletes-he-warns-you-cant-buy-olympic?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3248284/irelands-sporting-tradition-lesson-hong-kong-says-boss-citys-athletes-he-warns-you-cant-buy-olympic?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 13 Jan 2024 00:00:18 +0000 At the dawn of 2023, the spectre of Saudi Arabia’s growing influence on professional golf, and sport in general, served not only as a moral conundrum for players and their fans, but also, some argued, as an existential threat to the multibillion-dollar professional-sports industry itself. Twelve months later, it’s a different conversation, now virtually devoid of concern about the supposed menace of “sportswashing” and the line between “right” and “wrong,” and more fixed on just how rich the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3246350/2023-saudis-jumped-further-sports-there-no-sign-them-slowing-down-2024?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3246350/2023-saudis-jumped-further-sports-there-no-sign-them-slowing-down-2024?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 27 Dec 2023 05:30:15 +0000 Lynn Farah Lynn Farah They’re famous for their impressive swings and ability to keep cool during tense moments on the course. Their golfing prowess also brings in major money, as it does in other sports. These golfing sensations have all amassed an impressive wealth portfolio, and are the richest in 2023 according to their estimated net worth. 7. Fred Couples: US$120 million The 15-time PGA Tour winner has an estimated net worth of US$120 million, per Celebrity Net Worth. The 64-year-old professional golfer and... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/entertainment/article/3244682/7-richest-pro-golfers-world-net-worths-ranked-tiger-woods-and-rory-mcilroy-jack-nicklaus-and-greg?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/entertainment/article/3244682/7-richest-pro-golfers-world-net-worths-ranked-tiger-woods-and-rory-mcilroy-jack-nicklaus-and-greg?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 11 Dec 2023 20:00:23 +0000 Patrick Mahomes is arguably the best player in the NFL – and now he can add Skims ambassador to his impressive resume. Mahomes, his wife Brittany, daughter Sterling Skye and son Patrick “Bronze” Lavon III broke the internet with their adorable photos showing off Skims’ Cozy line, which debuted on November 9. The superstar Kansas City Chiefs quarterback has won two Super Bowls, two MVP awards and two Super Bowl MVPs in his career – all before turning 30. And he’s making a not-so-small fortune as... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/entertainment/article/3241341/how-nfl-superstar-patrick-mahomes-makes-his-fortune-his-historic-us450-million-kansas-city-chiefs?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/entertainment/article/3241341/how-nfl-superstar-patrick-mahomes-makes-his-fortune-his-historic-us450-million-kansas-city-chiefs?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 13 Nov 2023 12:00:18 +0000 Typhoon Koinu wrecked the closing round of the Aramco Team Series golf tournament on Sunday, and also put paid to horse racing at Sha Tin, the Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open and domestic football. With the storm barrelling towards the city, moving to within 90km (56 miles) in the afternoon, the Observatory raised the No 8 warning at 12.40pm. Officials were given advanced warning of the decision though, meaning golf and racing were cancelled early on, while the Hong Kong Football Association... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3237222/typhoon-koinu-disrupts-hong-kong-tennis-open-and-sha-tin-racing-aramco-golf-event-settled-dramatic?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3237222/typhoon-koinu-disrupts-hong-kong-tennis-open-and-sha-tin-racing-aramco-golf-event-settled-dramatic?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 08 Oct 2023 11:52:46 +0000 Omega’s history is deeply entwined with that of the high-performance world of professional golf. The Swiss luxury watchmaker has long been a partner and supporter of the sport, sponsoring top tournaments and stars of the game such as Rory McIlroy, Sergio Garcia and Danielle Kang, as well as repeatedly taking inspiration from golf to produce watches worn by many of those leading competitors. The links between the two run deep. Both high-level golf and luxury horology emphasise the importance of... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/article/3235474/style-edit-return-golfs-omega-masters-switzerland-won-rising-star-ludvig-aberg-underlines-brands?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/article/3235474/style-edit-return-golfs-omega-masters-switzerland-won-rising-star-ludvig-aberg-underlines-brands?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 25 Sep 2023 02:00:18 +0000 Tom Kim overcame the twin perils of an ankle injury and foul English seaside conditions to shoot a magnificent final-round 67 and become the youngest Open Championship runner-up in 47 years. Korean Kim, 21, was among a group of four players who finished six strokes adrift of runaway winner Brian Harman, who claimed his first major prize on Sunday and landed a first title of any description in more than six years. Harman established a five-shot lead over the field following a tremendous... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3228721/open-championship-korean-tom-kim-makes-history-harman-claims-golf-seasons-closing-major?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3228721/open-championship-korean-tom-kim-makes-history-harman-claims-golf-seasons-closing-major?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 24 Jul 2023 08:51:23 +0000 American Brian Harman seized control of The Open Championship with a sublime second round then watched the chasing pack huff and puff to little effect in breezy conditions at Royal Liverpool on Friday. Early starter Harman landed a barrage of birdies on his front nine and then eagled the 18th to post a six-under-par 65 that left him five shots clear on 10 under. England’s Tommy Fleetwood, one of three overnight leaders after first round 66s, had raucous support but struggled to make inroads,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3228569/open-championship-american-brian-harman-league-his-own-5-shot-lead-hoylake?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3228569/open-championship-american-brian-harman-league-his-own-5-shot-lead-hoylake?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 22 Jul 2023 01:06:21 +0000 Rory McIlroy needs no reminding of the pitfalls that have prevented him claiming a long-awaited fifth major and his opening round at the 151st Open on Thursday could easily have left his hopes on the rocks once again. The Northern Irishman, the pre-tournament favourite, received loud support from the packed galleries at Royal Liverpool, scene of his Open triumph in 2014 after which he won the US PGA title and looked set for domination. But he endured a frustrating day with his driver a little... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3228414/open-championship-mcilroy-salvages-opening-round-some-bunker-magic-hong-kongs-kho-endures-tough-day?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3228414/open-championship-mcilroy-salvages-opening-round-some-bunker-magic-hong-kongs-kho-endures-tough-day?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 21 Jul 2023 02:10:07 +0000 The negotiators of a business deal between the PGA Tour and the Saudi funders of LIV Golf discussed ousting LIV chief executive Greg Norman and giving Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy their own LIV teams, according to documents obtained by Congress. Those were among the many proposals to unify golf’s rival factions that representatives of the PGA Tour and the Saudi government discussed this spring during their hasty negotiations. The talks culminated in a framework agreement announced last month... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3227431/ousting-norman-giving-woods-and-mcilroy-liv-teams-were-discussed-pga-tour-documents-show?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3227431/ousting-norman-giving-woods-and-mcilroy-liv-teams-were-discussed-pga-tour-documents-show?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 12 Jul 2023 09:09:19 +0000 The region’s best golfers will gather for the Korea Open in the next few days as the Asian Tour resumes after a six-week break, with the deal to merge the PGA Tour and LIV Golf likely to still be the main topic of conversation. While rumour and self-proclaimed experts on social media have filled the large void left by a lack of information, the question of what it means for the Asian Tour, LIV Golf and the game in general remains unanswered. Such is the state of play that Jon Rahm’s brief... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3224565/pga-liv-merger-where-does-asian-tour-stand-after-deal-ended-golfs-civil-war?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3224565/pga-liv-merger-where-does-asian-tour-stand-after-deal-ended-golfs-civil-war?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 19 Jun 2023 07:00:10 +0000 American Wyndham Clark won the US Open by one shot, holding his nerve despite some wobbles at the turn at Los Angeles Country Club to claim his first major title. Clark sank a short par putt on 18 to finish the championship on 10-under par behind an impressive display of power and precision. Rory McIlroy again fell just short, finishing on nine-under, and as with the Open Championship last year, his putting let him down when he needed it most. “I’ve worked so hard and dreamed about this moment... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3224543/us-open-wyndham-clark-holds-nerve-and-holds-mcilroy-win-first-major-title?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3224543/us-open-wyndham-clark-holds-nerve-and-holds-mcilroy-win-first-major-title?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 19 Jun 2023 03:00:32 +0000 The secrecy surrounding the merger of the PGA Tour and LIV Golf was such that not even Greg Norman, the Saudi Arabia-backed circuit’s CEO, was told until hours before it was announced. Players and officials from across the golfing world, including the likes of Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods, were kept in the dark, with most not learning of the shocking move until PGA Tour boss Jay Monahan and Saudi money man Yasir Al-Rumayyan appeared on television to reveal the new venture. Woods is reported to... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3223203/hypocrite-pga-chief-jay-monahan-defends-secrecy-behind-stunning-move-merge-liv-golf?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3223203/hypocrite-pga-chief-jay-monahan-defends-secrecy-behind-stunning-move-merge-liv-golf?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 07 Jun 2023 02:27:52 +0000 Brooks Koepka outdueled Viktor Hovland and Scottie Scheffler in a back-nine battle on Sunday to win the US PGA Championship for his fifth major title, giving Saudi-backed LIV Golf a milestone triumph. The 33-year-old American captured his third PGA Championship and became the first player to win a major since joining LIV, firing a three-under-par 67 to finish 72 holes on nine-under 271 at Oak Hill in New York state. “This is probably the sweetest one of them all because [of] all the hard work... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3221346/us-pga-championship-brooks-koepkas-fifth-major-title-gives-liv-golf-landmark-win-some-boo-him?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3221346/us-pga-championship-brooks-koepkas-fifth-major-title-gives-liv-golf-landmark-win-some-boo-him?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 22 May 2023 02:23:12 +0000 LIV Golf quartet Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter, Sergio Garcia and Richard Bland have resigned from the European tour instead of facing fines of £100,000 (US$125,000) for playing in the league without permission. The foursome were among those who played the inaugural LIV Golf event outside London last June and violated the conflicting tournament regulation policy. In a statement, the DP World Tour thanked the four players for their contributions – particularly Westwood, Garcia and Poulter for their... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3219326/ryder-cup-heroes-lee-westwood-sergio-garcia-ian-poulter-resign-dp-world-tour-over-liv-golf-sanctions?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3219326/ryder-cup-heroes-lee-westwood-sergio-garcia-ian-poulter-resign-dp-world-tour-over-liv-golf-sanctions?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 04 May 2023 02:13:33 +0000 Cameron Smith is already thinking about his defence of his Open Championship title in July, believing he just needs “a little flick of the switch” to get back to winning ways. The Australian won at St Andrews last year after a sizzling final round 64 saw him overtake favourite Rory McIlroy, before stunning the golf world weeks later by defecting to the Saudi-backed LIV Golf tour. While the US PGA Tour banned LIV players and a legal fight is set for a 2024 trial, major tournaments have allowed... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3218048/cameron-smith-already-planning-defence-open-championship-title-says-hes-little-flick-major-winning?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3218048/cameron-smith-already-planning-defence-open-championship-title-says-hes-little-flick-major-winning?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 23 Apr 2023 08:57:44 +0000 On a day when Brooks Koepka was running away from the field, patrons at the Masters found themselves scurrying from three towering trees crashing to the ground. Rain and swirling winds on Friday afternoon caused three Georgia pines to fall near the 17th tee box at Augusta National, narrowly missing the scattering spectators but flattening several chairs. It was a frightening reminder of how quickly a situation can turn tragic. Tournament officials immediately suspended play – for the second time... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3216386/masters-brooks-koepka-leads-three-trees-fall-and-round-2-suspended?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3216386/masters-brooks-koepka-leads-three-trees-fall-and-round-2-suspended?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 08 Apr 2023 01:39:27 +0000 Norway’s Viktor Hovland, Spain’s Jon Rahm and American Brooks Koepka shared the first-round lead at the Masters on Thursday, taking advantage of easier-than-usual conditions to card seven-under-par 65s. Rain in recent days has softened Augusta National, making the often rapid and challenging greens much more benign, and the trio seized a two-stroke lead over American Cameron Young and Australian Jason Day. Favourite, defending champion and world No 1 Scottie Scheffler was one of seven players... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3216262/2023-masters-hovland-rahm-and-koepka-share-lead-augusta-tiger-woods-could-be-fighting-avoid-cut?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3216262/2023-masters-hovland-rahm-and-koepka-share-lead-augusta-tiger-woods-could-be-fighting-avoid-cut?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 07 Apr 2023 02:02:36 +0000 An amazing tee shot by Rory McIlroy led the world No 3 to join top-ranked defending champion Scottie Scheffler and second-ranked Jon Rahm in capturing clutch victories in the second group matches at the WGC Match Play Championship. McIlroy made an epic drive with a stunning 375-yard blast at the 18th hole, landing the ball within four feet of the hole for a tap-in eagle that clinched a 2-up triumph over US 48th seed Denny McCarthy. “It was good,” McIlroy said. “I didn’t think I could get it on... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3214659/wgc-match-play-mcilroys-monster-drive-sets-clutch-victory-austin-scheffler-rahm-also-win?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3214659/wgc-match-play-mcilroys-monster-drive-sets-clutch-victory-austin-scheffler-rahm-also-win?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 24 Mar 2023 03:30:12 +0000 Tiger Woods has apologised for handing Justin Thomas a tampon after outdriving him during the Genesis Invitational. Woods, who was making his return to top-level action for the first time since July, could be seen handing the product to Thomas as they walked off the ninth tee in the first round. Thomas immediately threw it on the floor as Woods could be seen laughing as he put his arm around his playing partner. Woods received criticism on social media following the incident and told a press... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3210674/tiger-woods-says-sorry-tampon-prank-his-return-action-genesis-invitational?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3210674/tiger-woods-says-sorry-tampon-prank-his-return-action-genesis-invitational?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 18 Feb 2023 03:01:08 +0000 John Rahm has called them laughable, Cameron Smith believes they are in danger of becoming obsolete, and Asian Tour boss Cho Minn Thant has said he was “shocked” by the way golf world ranking points were allocated this week. The AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am traditionally has one of the weaker fields on the PGA Tour’s calendar, and this week the likes of Kurt Kitayama, world No 43, and Brandon Wu, world 197, are rubbing shoulders at the top of their respective leader boards with NFL quarterback Aaron... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3209100/pga-tour-pebble-beach-pro-am-highlights-shocking-state-golfs-world-ranking-system-asian-tour-boss?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3209100/pga-tour-pebble-beach-pro-am-highlights-shocking-state-golfs-world-ranking-system-asian-tour-boss?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 04 Feb 2023 09:00:14 +0000 Cameron Smith will spearhead the strongest and deepest field in Asian Tour history when the PIF Saudi International gets under way on Thursday. The Open champion and world No 4 is one of 12 major winners in a tournament that also includes two of the best young amateurs in the game, Ratchanon ‘TK’ Chantananuwat and Ding Wenyi, and Hong Kong’s Matthew Cheung. Cheung received a late invite after earning his tour card in some style little more than a week ago, when he went 10-under over the last two... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3208571/asian-tour-cameron-smith-head-strongest-field-date-hong-kongs-cheung-gets-late-saudi-international?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3208571/asian-tour-cameron-smith-head-strongest-field-date-hong-kongs-cheung-gets-late-saudi-international?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 31 Jan 2023 06:42:58 +0000 The world’s two main golf tours in Europe and North America have signed an agreement with Japan’s professional circuit giving the top three players a direct route to taking on the game’s best. With the Asian Tour’s profile on the rise, the alliance between the DP World Tour, the PGA Tour and the Japan Golf Tour Organisation comes at a time of change in the sport. The Asia region’s top tour has been boosted by Saudi Arabia’s backing of LIV Golf, which will see some US$300 million pumped into it... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3202239/japan-golf-offers-clear-route-pga-tour-and-dp-world-tour-under-new-alliance?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3202239/japan-golf-offers-clear-route-pga-tour-and-dp-world-tour-under-new-alliance?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 06 Dec 2022 08:10:19 +0000 Six-time major winner Phil Mickelson says the breakaway Saudi-backed LIV Golf Series is a “force in the game that is not going away” after world number one Rory McIlroy expressed fear of an “irreparable” split. The LIV season concludes at the Trump National club at Doral, near Miami, this weekend with a team championship featuring an eye-watering $50 million purse. The animosity LIV’s breakaway has caused has left McIlroy worried for the game, but at the media launch for the event, Mickelson... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3197409/phil-mickelson-says-liv-not-going-away-rory-mcilroy-fears-irreparable-split?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3197409/phil-mickelson-says-liv-not-going-away-rory-mcilroy-fears-irreparable-split?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 27 Oct 2022 04:51:35 +0000 Next year’s Phoenix Open, Heritage tournament, Wells Fargo Championship and Travelers Championship will have purses boosted to US$20 million and guaranteed appearances by top golfers, the US PGA Tour announced Wednesday. The moves complete a PGA revamp to combat the Saudi-backed LIV Golf Series that was announced by tour commissioner Jay Monahan in August at the Tour Championship. Star PGA players such as four-time major winner Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm and top-ranked Scottie Scheffler, the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3196577/pga-boosts-2023-purses-four-events-liv-fight-revamp?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3196577/pga-boosts-2023-purses-four-events-liv-fight-revamp?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 20 Oct 2022 04:15:10 +0000 Saudi Arabia sees hosting an Olympics as its “ultimate goal” in a growing sports portfolio, while rejecting criticism of the kingdom over its rights record. Investing in sport is part of a multipronged strategy approved six years ago to diversify the oil-reliant economy, under de facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, 36. Sports Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal spoke to media in the Red Sea city of Jeddah ahead of the heavyweight boxing clash in which Ukraine’s Oleksandr Usyk... https://www.scmp.com/sport/article/3189675/minister-rejects-sportswashing-claims-saudi-arabia-eye-olympics-bid?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/article/3189675/minister-rejects-sportswashing-claims-saudi-arabia-eye-olympics-bid?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 21 Aug 2022 18:00:17 +0000 Kevin Yu missed the cut and still made history at the final Korn Ferry Tour event of the regular season this weekend, the Pinnacle Bank Championship. The Taiwanese professional became just the second golfer from the self-ruled island to secure a PGA Tour card through the second-tier competition, and helped set a record in the process as one of five Asian golfers to earn spots on the elite circuit. It was the perfect birthday gift for Yu, who turned 23 last week. Despite missing the halfway cut,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3188899/korn-ferry-tour-kevin-yu-earns-right-join-games-best-5-asian-golfers?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3188899/korn-ferry-tour-kevin-yu-earns-right-join-games-best-5-asian-golfers?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 15 Aug 2022 05:11:41 +0000 Australia’s Cameron Smith claimed his first major title on Sunday after a stunning final round of 64 saw him win the 150th Open Championship at St Andrews by one stroke. Smith began the day four shots off the lead but his eight-under-par final round lifted him to 20-under for the championship and allowed him to finish a shot clear of Cameron Young of the United States, with Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy another shot back in third. At the age of 28, Smith is the first Australian in almost three... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3185607/australias-cameron-smith-wins-british-open-golf-championship-historic?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3185607/australias-cameron-smith-wins-british-open-golf-championship-historic?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 17 Jul 2022 18:33:43 +0000 Rory McIlroy and Viktor Hovland share the lead going into the final round of the 150th Open Championship on Sunday with St Andrews poised for a shoot-out between the two to decide who takes the Claret Jug. The pair are tied on 16-under par and are four clear of their nearest challengers, Cameron Young of the United States and Cameron Smith of Australia, who had led at the halfway stage. McIlroy and Hovland will go out in the final pairing on Sunday at 2.50pm local time (9.50pm HKT), with Smith... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3185560/150th-open-championship-mcilroy-and-hovland-set-final-round-shoot-out?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3185560/150th-open-championship-mcilroy-and-hovland-set-final-round-shoot-out?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 17 Jul 2022 02:43:30 +0000 Cameron Young seized the lead in the first round of the 150th British Open at St Andrews on Thursday after an outstanding eight-under par 64, while Rory McIlroy sits two strokes back but Tiger Woods endured a woeful afternoon on his return to the Old Course. Woods was determined to feature this week as he continues his recovery from severe leg injuries suffered in a car crash last year, but he toiled for a six-over 78 in a grim round that dragged on over six hours. In contrast Young, the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3185347/150th-open-championship-flawless-young-seizes-early-lead-tiger-woods?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3185347/150th-open-championship-flawless-young-seizes-early-lead-tiger-woods?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 15 Jul 2022 01:37:50 +0000 The 150th Open Championship tees off on the Old Course at St Andrews on Thursday with organisers keen for the focus to remain on the historic tournament despite the ongoing fallout caused by the breakaway LIV Golf series. A clutch of players who joined the Saudi-backed tour are taking part in this week’s Open after the R&A opted not to ban the rebels, in contrast to moves made by the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour. Former Open champion Phil Mickelson, Brooks Koepka, Dustin Johnson and Sergio... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3185213/150th-open-championship-tournament-gets-under-way-amid-ongoing-fallout?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3185213/150th-open-championship-tournament-gets-under-way-amid-ongoing-fallout?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 14 Jul 2022 02:45:13 +0000 Tiffany Y K Chan plans to channel the mindset that helped her qualify for the US Girls’ Junior Championship when she tees off against the world’s best in Kentucky later this month. The 18-year-old needed to battle through a play-off to reach the tournament, which will be played at the Club at Olde Stone, Bowling Green, between July 18 and 24. And the member of the Hong Kong Golf Association’s elite programme knows she will have to be mentally and physically prepared for the biggest competition... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3184591/hong-kong-golf-prodigy-tiffany-y-k-chan-tick-historic-us-girls-junior?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3184591/hong-kong-golf-prodigy-tiffany-y-k-chan-tick-historic-us-girls-junior?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 08 Jul 2022 07:23:03 +0000 The PGA Tour and the LPGA are cancelling tournaments scheduled in Shanghai in October because of ongoing Covid-19 restrictions in China. It’s the third year running that both tours have axed tournaments on the mainland because of the coronavirus pandemic. The Buick LPGA Shanghai was to be held between October 13 and 16 at Qizhong Garden Golf Club and the women’s circuit said in a statement it hoped to “compete in front of our fans at Qizhong Garden Golf Club in the future”. The PGA Tour... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3184400/coronavirus-pga-tour-cancels-wgc-hsbc-champions-event-china-over-covid?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3184400/coronavirus-pga-tour-cancels-wgc-hsbc-champions-event-china-over-covid?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 07 Jul 2022 02:50:05 +0000 Rory McIlroy believes players who have joined the LIV Golf Invitational Series should not be “having their cake and eating it” by being eligible to compete on other tours. On Monday, Ian Poulter was informed he could play at this week’s Scottish Open after an appeal against his ban was upheld, despite the DP World Tour barring him from playing. Poulter was also one of several high-profile players to have been indefinitely suspended by the PGA Tour by signing up with LIV Golf. One of the more... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3184307/rory-mcilroy-takes-another-swing-liv-golf-defectors-saying-they-cannot?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3184307/rory-mcilroy-takes-another-swing-liv-golf-defectors-saying-they-cannot?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 06 Jul 2022 08:12:34 +0000 Asia’s glory-hunters have five tournaments left in the regular Korn Ferry Tour season, plus the three-event tour finals, as they target places on the PGA Tour. China’s Carl Yuan and South Korean duo An Byeong-hun and Kim Seong-hyeon are among those who have already succeeded in getting there, with the top 25 players being awarded PGA Tour cards and a further 25 cards available at the Korn Ferry Tour Finals. The trio may be rubbing their hands gleefully in anticipation of next season following... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3183414/marty-dou-and-kevin-yu-lead-charge-asias-aspirants-chase-pga-tour-cards?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3183414/marty-dou-and-kevin-yu-lead-charge-asias-aspirants-chase-pga-tour-cards?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 29 Jun 2022 02:00:19 +0000