Category: Home

Rory McIlroy: “I’ll Argue That with Anyone!”

As the 2024 Open Championship approaches, Rory McIlroy’s Ryder Cup teammate Shane Lowry has fervently defended McIlroy’s caddie, Harry Diamond, against a barrage of criticism. This heated defense comes just days before the prestigious tournament, spotlighting the intense scrutiny that accompanies high-stakes golf.

In a passionate interview with BBC Sport Northern Ireland, Lowry expressed his frustration with the ongoing criticism directed at Diamond, emphasizing that it makes his “blood boil.” The criticism stems from McIlroy’s performance in the final round of the 2024 US Open, where his club selection, particularly on the par-three 15th and par-four 18th holes, was called into question. Despite relinquishing a two-shot lead with six holes to play at Pinehurst No.2, the duo’s history of success on established tours and emotional Ryder Cup victories stands in stark contrast to their critics’ harsh assessments.

During the controversial final round, McIlroy opted for a 7-iron on the 15th, resulting in a bogey after missing long, and chose a driver on the 72nd hole, which led to another dropped shot. These decisions were met with disbelief by golf analysts, including Sir Nick Faldo, and fueled the criticism. Bryson DeChambeau seized the moment to secure the third men’s major of the year, further amplifying the scrutiny on McIlroy and Diamond.

McIlroy himself has been vocal in defending his caddie. In a striking rebuttal three weeks after the US Open, he dismissed the critiques from notable figures like Tiger Woods’ former coach, Hank Haney, and ex-PGA Tour pro Smylie Kaufman. “I certainly wouldn’t take advice from Hank,” McIlroy stated bluntly, underscoring his confidence in Diamond’s abilities. He added, “Just because Harry is not as vocal or loud with his words as other caddies, it doesn’t mean that he doesn’t say anything and that he doesn’t do anything.”

McIlroy also questioned the consistency of Diamond’s critics, pointing out their absence during his victories. “They are never there to say Harry did such a great job when I win, but they are always there to criticise when we don’t win,” he remarked. McIlroy referenced his wins at Quail Hollow earlier in the year and his fourth Dubai Desert Classic title as instances where Diamond’s contributions were overlooked.

Lowry, sharing McIlroy’s sentiments, emphasized the dedication and hard work that Diamond brings to his role. “It makes my blood boil, to be honest,” Lowry told BBC Sport NI. “They don’t see how hard Harry works and how good he is for Rory. Just because he’s not standing in the middle of the tee box like other caddies who want to be seen and heard doesn’t mean that his voice isn’t heard by Rory.”

Highlighting Diamond’s work ethic, Lowry added, “When you get to tournaments, he’s always there before Rory, he’s always walking the course. He works harder than any of the caddies out here. He’s the best caddie for Rory, and I’ll argue that with anyone who wants to argue it with me.”

Acknowledging the challenges Diamond faces, especially given the tight-knit communities of Northern Ireland and Ireland, Lowry expressed empathy for his friend. “I’m sure it’s tough for Harry to go home and deal with all that, but he’ll be alright. That’ll make the next one they get together all the sweeter.”

As McIlroy prepares for his 10:09 am BST tee time on Thursday at Royal Troon, alongside Tyrrell Hatton and Max Homa, and Lowry, the 2019 Open champion, readies for his 2:59 pm tee time with Cameron Smith and Matthew Fitzpatrick, the golfing world watches closely, awaiting their performance amidst this backdrop of fervent loyalty and defense.

The official tee times for The Open at Royal Troon have set the stage for an unexpected and intriguing reunion. Tiger Woods will find himself paired with his former caddie, Joe LaCava, for the first time since their professional separation in 2023. LaCava, who left Woods’ bag after a 12-year stint to work full-time with Patrick Cantlay, now reunites with Woods in a star-studded group featuring Xander Schauffele and Cantlay.

This grouping will not only bring Woods and LaCava face-to-face in a competitive setting for the first time since their split but will also spotlight the lingering drama from past interactions. Despite the mutual respect between Woods and LaCava, the caddie has had contentious moments, particularly with other players. Notably, during the Ryder Cup last year, LaCava’s exuberant celebrations over Cantlay’s clutch birdie putt incited a furious reaction from Rory McIlroy.

McIlroy, who was visibly upset by LaCava’s antics, later revealed to the Irish Independent the depth of his frustration. “Here’s what angered me,” McIlroy said. “My relationship with Cantlay is average at best. We don’t have a ton in common and we see the world quite differently. But when I saw he was getting stick on the 17th and 18th greens, I tried to quieten the crowd for him. And I don’t think Fitz (Matt Fitzpatrick) and I were afforded the same opportunity to try and hole those putts to halve the match. I shook Joe’s hand, and Patrick’s hand. As I’m walking back to the locker room I can feel this red mist coming over me. ‘No! That wasn’t right.’”

McIlroy’s anger didn’t subside easily. Shane Lowry intervened to prevent McIlroy from confronting the USA team in their locker room. LaCava’s attempt to make amends the following morning with a text to McIlroy went unanswered. Even efforts by caddie Ricky Elliott and coach Claude Harmon III to smooth things over were futile. McIlroy candidly expressed his view, saying, “Joe LaCava used to be a nice guy when he was caddying for Tiger and now he’s caddying for that d*** he’s turned into an a**.”

As The Open unfolds, McIlroy will avoid immediate proximity to LaCava and Cantlay, as his own grouping with Max Homa and Tyrrell Hatton tees off earlier at 10:09 am BST. McIlroy, still chasing his first major victory in a decade, will be keen to maintain focus, especially given his strong track record at The Open, with six top-six finishes in his last eight starts since his 2014 triumph.

The dynamics at Royal Troon promise compelling narratives, not least the renewed Woods-LaCava partnership and the simmering tensions between McIlroy and LaCava. Golf fans worldwide will watch closely to see how these relationships unfold on one of the sport’s grandest stages.

Scheffler’s Rise: From First Links Experience to British Open Favorite

Scottie Scheffler, the current World No. 1, is having one of the most remarkable seasons since Tiger Woods, yet his first encounter with links golf only dates back to 2021. Despite his limited experience, Scheffler is now the favorite to clinch the 2024 British Open at Royal Troon, starting this Thursday in Scotland.

Reflecting on his early career, Scheffler said during his pre-tournament press conference on Tuesday, “Our Walker Cup was in the States. I never made the Palmer Cup to come over here and play. Didn’t play any junior tournaments or anything like that over here.” This lack of exposure means Scheffler is still acclimatizing to the nuances of links golf, prompting a strategic shift in his preparation for this major championship.

Scheffler’s last tournament appearance was nearly a month ago at the Travelers Championship, where he triumphed over Tom Kim in a playoff. Since then, he has focused on resting and spending quality time with his wife, Meredith, and their daughter, Bennett, before embarking on a demanding schedule that includes the British Open, Olympics, and FedEx Cup Playoffs.

Unlike many top PGA Tour players who competed in last week’s Scottish Open, Scheffler opted for a different approach. He spent time exploring various courses in Scotland and arrived early at Royal Troon to acclimate to its unique conditions, setting his sights on his third major title. “I felt like it was more important for me to get over here to this golf course and prepare, getting used to the conditions of the grass, the bunkers over here,” he explained. “I just feel like you have to be more creative here. I love that part of it. I feel like, when I do come over here, this is really how golf was intended to be played.”

Scheffler’s creativity is evident in his play style, from his distinctive footwork during swings to his ability to master any golf course. At Troon, he faces challenges from the bunkers and wind, both familiar adversaries. “One of the things I liked that the R&A changed this year from last year was the bunkering. Last year I thought it was a bit silly how they flattened out each bunker,” Scheffler noted. “The bunkers are still a penalty enough when the ball isn’t up against the lip. It was a bit of luck whether or not your ball would bury into the face because you have a flat bunker and a wall that’s going to go right into it.”

Scheffler has dedicated time to refining his ability to control shot trajectory and spin in windy conditions, a skill he honed growing up in Texas. However, the Scottish turf presents an additional challenge. “The ball spins a touch more off this turf,” he observed. “It was getting used to how much the ball will actually fly into the wind because when it blows that hard at home, let’s say typically when it does it’s a bit warmer. But with the ball being spinnier off the turf, if I tried to hit the shot that I did at home, it would almost spin even more off the turf and then go even shorter. So I had to learn to adjust and shallow out a little bit and hit it low without as much spin.”

Scheffler’s six victories this season make him the first player since Woods to achieve this feat on the PGA Tour. A seventh win would cement his season as one of the greatest in PGA Tour history. Reflecting on the past, Scheffler mentioned, “In 1962, Arnold Palmer came to the Open Championship at Troon with six wins on the season. He left with seven and the Claret Jug. I love the history of the game, and there’s certain things that I know and certain things that I don’t. That was something that for some reason I just never stumbled across. So I had no idea that that was a thing.”

As Scheffler prepares for the British Open, another stellar performance could further engrave his name in the annals of golf history, marking yet another milestone in his extraordinary season.

Despite Jon Rahm’s impressive streak of never finishing outside the top 10 in a LIV Golf event since joining the Saudi-backed circuit, the Spaniard’s legacy will ultimately be defined by his performance in major championships. In 2024, Rahm, now 29, has struggled to replicate the success he enjoyed in previous years. After a triumphant 2023 that saw him secure a Masters victory and top 10 finishes in both the U.S. Open and British Open, not to mention a 2-0-2 record in a victorious Ryder Cup for Team Europe, Rahm’s 2024 campaign has been fraught with challenges.

The year began unremarkably with a T-45 finish at Augusta National, followed by a missed cut at the PGA Championship at Valhalla. This was Rahm’s first missed cut in a major since the 2019 PGA Championship at Bethpage Black, which had been flanked by top 10 finishes in both the Masters and U.S. Open.

However, the turning point came at the U.S. Open at Pinehurst, where Rahm’s fortunes took a darker turn. Having withdrawn from LIV Houston during the second round due to a foot injury, Rahm arrived at Pinehurst with a flip flop on his injured foot, hoping for a miraculous recovery. Unfortunately, his condition worsened, leading to his withdrawal before the tournament even began. The cause? A severe toe infection that had developed into an abscess.

Rahm detailed the ordeal with graphic candor at a Royal Troon press conference. After withdrawing from Pinehurst, he sought immediate medical attention. “I wish I could post a video,” Rahm remarked. “We went from there to trying to source a podiatrist. Once we found one, we went there. Obviously the X-rays on my foot, we knew there was nothing wrong with my bones. He saw the wound and saw the infection, and he tried to clear it out. It callused over obviously to protect, and we thought we had cleaned it out.”

The procedure was excruciating. Rahm described how the doctor, an ex-military man familiar with such injuries, had to cut away part of the callus to reach the infection. “Basically he numbed my foot and grabbed the swabs they did the PCR test with basically, stuck the cotton part a little bit in, so it was deeper, turned it around and just jammed it in my foot. Pretty much, when I saw that go in, I said, okay, I’m not playing the [U.S.] Open. Took all the infection out. Took another sample to see if I was taking the right antibiotics, and that’s when we made the decision.”

The doctor advised against playing, warning that the infection could spread up his leg if not properly treated. “Had it made it worse, had the infection spread any more, it could have started going up my leg and created a bigger issue. We decided to take the week off as hard as it might have been.”

Reflecting on the painful decision, Rahm acknowledged that resting was the right call. “The next morning I knew I had made the right decision because the pain I was in after that was pretty severe. But it was clean. Then as soon as I could, I went back home and watched the Open. I think I posted on social media on Thursday morning I had the baby monitor, the coffee, and was ready to watch.”

Now, fully recovered, Rahm is back in action at Royal Troon, coming off a 10th place finish at LIV Andalucía. This maintains his perfect record of top 10 finishes in every LIV event he has completed this year. As he prepares for his eighth Open Championship start, Rahm’s focus is on capturing his third major title. Teeing off at 9:36 a.m. local time (4:36 a.m. ET) alongside Tommy Fleetwood and Robert MacIntyre, Rahm is determined to turn his challenging year around with a strong performance at Royal Troon.

Tiger talks up Open chances, dismisses retirement

Tiger Woods’ Defiant Stand Against Retirement Calls

At 48, Tiger Woods has firmly dismissed any notions of retiring from golf. His last major victory was at the 2019 Masters, followed by a win at the Zozo Championship later that year. However, since his near-fatal car accident in 2021, which almost cost him his right leg, Woods has faced significant challenges on the course.

After missing the cut at the US Open last month, former world number two Colin Montgomerie, who never clinched a major, suggested it might be time for Woods, a winner of 82 PGA Tour events, to retire. “There is a time for all sportsmen to say goodbye, but it’s very difficult to tell Tiger it’s time to go,” said Montgomerie. “Obviously, he still feels he can win. We are more realistic.”

Ahead of the Open at Royal Troon, Woods was asked about Montgomerie’s comments. He replied confidently, “Well, as a past champion, I’m exempt until I’m 60. Colin’s not. He’s not a past champion, so he’s not exempt, so he doesn’t get the opportunity to make that decision. I do. I’ll play as long as I can play and I feel like I can still win the event.” When questioned if his belief had wavered over the past two years of struggles, Woods simply said, “No.”

Montgomerie swiftly responded to Woods’ comments via X, stating, “If golf writers want my thoughts on Tiger, please ask me directly, rather than taking a quote from an interview out of context. Wishing Tiger an enjoyable and successful week.”

Despite Woods’ defiant stance, it’s evident he is no longer the dominant force he once was. The evolving nature of golf, with tournaments favoring the biggest hitters, hasn’t helped his cause. However, Woods believes the unique challenges of Royal Troon could work in his favor, where accuracy can trump distance. “The older you get, the less you can carry the golf ball, but over here, you can run the golf ball 100 yards if you get the right wind and the right trajectory,” Woods said. He noted that this aspect of the course often benefits older champions.

Reflecting on his preparation, Woods shared, “I’ve been training a lot better. We’ve been busting it pretty hard in the gym, which has been good. The body’s been feeling better to be able to do such things, and it translates on being able to hit the ball better.”

During the same press conference, Woods also expressed his confidence in Keegan Bradley as a future Ryder Cup captain after declining the role himself. “I think Keegan is going to be a great leader,” Woods said. “He’s very passionate about the event.” Bradley’s selection to lead the home side at Bethpage Black in September 2025 came as a surprise after Woods informed PGA of America officials that he could not commit the necessary time.

“I’ll put my hat in the ring again when I have more time and I feel like I can devote myself to a Ryder Cup,” Woods explained. “Right now, I’ve got so many different things I’m juggling and trying to get right at the same time for all the players that are a part of the PGA Tour. It’s one of those things where you just can’t get it wrong.”

In the twilight of his illustrious career, Tiger Woods remains resolute, undeterred by doubts and still driven by an unwavering belief in his ability to compete and win.

Tiger Woods’ Heartfelt Message to Rory McIlroy

In the world of sports, even the greatest champions face moments of crushing defeat. Tiger Woods, one of golf’s most iconic figures, recently reached out to Rory McIlroy following McIlroy’s disappointing performance at the US Open. Woods, who has experienced his fair share of setbacks, joined other sports legends like Michael Jordan and Rafael Nadal in offering words of support and encouragement.

Woods revealed, “I just sent him a nice text. That was it. I waited a week before I sent it. I wanted to let it calm down. I know he was being besieged by a lot of different things going on and just let it cool down for a week. Just basically, as you know, I’m your friend. I know this is a difficult moment. We’ve all been there as champions. We all lose. Unfortunately, it just happened and the raw emotion of it, it’s still there. And it’s going to be there for, I’m sure, some time. The faster he’s able to get back on a horse and get back into contention, like he did last week, the better it is for him.”

Woods’ message highlighted a universal truth in sports: setbacks are an integral part of a champion’s journey. He reflected on his own experiences, stating, “There’s a lot of times I felt discomfort. Absolutely. Nervous, shaky, uncomfortable, all of it. That’s part of it. That’s why you love it. That’s why we practice, to build up ourselves in that one uncomfortable situation and bury it.”

When asked how he copes with such challenges, Woods emphasized the importance of relentless practice. “I work hard at it and I’ve done it my entire life. I’ve worked hard to put myself there. You look at the highlights, I’ve missed plenty of putts. I’ve missed plenty of shots. Just like Jordan when they said: How many shots have you taken? You see all the game-winning shots, but also he’s missed a ton of game-winning shots, too. The thing is you still take the game-winning shot. And I still want the last putt.”

Woods also recounted one of his most painful losses, the 2009 PGA Championship against YE Yang. “Probably the hardest loss to get over was the YE Yang loss because I had the lead. I had never lost a major championship while leading. That was the first. That took a little bit of time to get over that because I had made some pretty stupid mistakes in the middle part of the round.”

Through his message, Woods conveyed a powerful reminder that even the most successful athletes endure moments of failure. It’s their ability to rise again, to confront and learn from their setbacks, that truly defines their greatness. For McIlroy, Woods’ words are not just a comfort but a call to continue striving, practicing, and embracing every challenge that comes his way.

Colin Montgomerie Calls Out ‘Drinking Culture In America’ As Reason Europe Won’t Win Next Ryder Cup

In a week rife with tension and drama, European golf legend Colin Montgomerie, often referred to as ‘Monty,’ has stirred the pot by suggesting it’s high time for Tiger Woods to retire. Montgomerie’s comments quickly caught fire in the media, leading to a fiery retort from Woods.

Tiger Woods, never one to shy away from defending his legacy, swiftly put Monty in his place. In his characteristic forthright manner, Woods highlighted that as a former champion, he enjoys the privilege of being exempt from qualifying until he turns 60. This privilege, Woods pointedly noted, is something Montgomerie never earned, given that his best finish at the Open Championship was second place in 2005—ironically, to Woods himself, who clinched victory at St. Andrews that year.

Just days before his controversial remarks about Woods, Montgomerie gave another interview with Rick Broadbent of The Times. In this discussion, the Scotsman appeared to take a jab at American drinking culture, implying it could be a factor in Team Europe’s potential loss to Team USA at the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black.

It’s rather ironic for someone from the UK to critique American drinking habits. Unlike the UK, where pub culture is deeply ingrained in society, the American way of life doesn’t revolve around such traditions.

Despite the recent controversy, I hold a certain fondness for Colin Montgomerie. I had the privilege of interviewing him last summer, just before Team USA’s unexpected loss at the Rome Ryder Cup. Monty struck me as a genuinely nice guy with a sharp sense of humor. I suspect his recent comments were made in jest and perhaps didn’t translate well in print. However, implying that Team Europe might lose due to “drunk Americans cheating” crosses a line.

The reality is, Team USA is poised to win because they are simply the superior squad. I am so confident in their victory that Montgomerie’s comments have spurred me to action—I just signed up for advance ticket alerts for the Ryder Cup. I’ll be there, decked out in red, white, and blue, cheering on our team with all the fervor of a true American fan.

It’s clear that Montgomerie’s attempt to stir the pot has only added fuel to the fire of an already heated rivalry. But one thing is for sure—come 2025, the competition at Bethpage Black will be one for the ages.

Why Tiger Woods Turned Down Ryder Cup Captaincy

TROON, Scotland — In a surprising twist, Tiger Woods revealed he declined the chance to captain the United States Ryder Cup team, deeming it a “disservice” to the American players and the prestigious event.

Woods, at 48, was widely expected to lead the American squad for the 2025 match at Bethpage Black. Both Woods and former PGA of America CEO Seth Waugh had acknowledged ongoing discussions about Woods’ potential role. However, last week, the golf world was stunned when Keegan Bradley was announced as the American captain instead.

Ahead of the Open Championship at Royal Troon, Woods addressed the media, explaining that his commitments with the PGA Tour’s negotiations with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund left him with no choice but to decline the offer.

“The decision was very difficult for me to make,” Woods confessed. “My time has been so loaded with the tour and everything we’re trying to accomplish. I’m on so many different subcommittees that it just takes so much time in the day, and I’m always on calls.”

Woods emphasized his inability to commit fully to the role: “I told Seth that I just didn’t feel like I could do the job properly. I couldn’t devote the time. I barely had enough time to do what I’m doing right now, and add in the TGL starts next year, as well as the Ryder Cup. You add all that together and then with our negotiations with the PIF, all that concurrently going on at exactly the same time, there’s only so many hours in the day. I just didn’t feel like I would be doing the captaincy or the players in Team USA justice if I was the captain with everything that I have to do.”

Expressing his support for Bradley, Woods stated, “He’s very passionate about what he does. He’s very passionate about the event. I think that this is going to be probably a turnover year for us for the captaincies, whether it’s the captain itself and his vice captains. I think this is the natural progression, one we’ve been looking forward to, and I think it’s that year.”

When asked if he would serve as an assistant to Bradley, Woods revealed that Bradley had not extended such an invitation.

Having led the Presidents Cup team in 2019, Woods is now a potential candidate to captain the Americans at the 2027 Ryder Cup in Ireland. Nevertheless, Woods remains non-committal about future roles.

“I’ll put my hat in the ring again when I have more time and I feel like I can devote myself to a Ryder Cup,” Woods remarked. “As of right now, I’ve got so many different things I’m juggling and trying to get right at the same time for all the players that are a part of the PGA Tour. It’s one of those things where you just can’t get it wrong.”

### The Inside Story: Why Tiger Woods Said No to Ryder Cup Captaincy

TROON, Scotland — In a move that shocked the golfing community, Tiger Woods has revealed why he declined the opportunity to captain the United States Ryder Cup team, stating it would have been a “disservice” to the players and the event itself.

Woods, now 48, had been the frontrunner to lead the American team for the 2025 match at Bethpage Black. Both Woods and former PGA of America CEO Seth Waugh had publicly discussed Woods’ potential captaincy. Yet, in a surprising turn of events, Keegan Bradley was named as the American captain last week.

Speaking ahead of the Open Championship at Royal Troon, Woods cited his obligations with the PGA Tour’s negotiations with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund as the main reason for his decision.

“The decision was very difficult for me to make,” Woods admitted. “My time has been so loaded with the tour and everything and what we’re trying to accomplish. I’m on so many different subcommittees that it just takes so much time in the day, and I’m always on calls.”

He continued, “I told Seth that I just didn’t feel like I could do the job properly. I couldn’t devote the time. I barely had enough time to do what I’m doing right now, and add in the TGL starts next year, as well as the Ryder Cup. You add all that together and then with our negotiations with the PIF, all that concurrently going on at exactly the same time, there’s only so many hours in the day. I just didn’t feel like I would be doing the captaincy or the players in Team USA justice if I was the captain with everything that I have to do.”

Woods voiced his support for Bradley, saying, “He’s very passionate about what he does. He’s very passionate about the event. I think that this is going to be probably a turnover year for us for the captaincies, whether it’s the captain itself and his vice captains. I think this is the natural progression, one we’ve been looking forward to, and I think it’s that year.”

When asked about possibly serving as an assistant to Bradley, Woods disclosed that Bradley had not approached him with such an offer.

Woods, who captained the Presidents Cup team in 2019, is now a leading candidate for the 2027 Ryder Cup in Ireland. Despite this, Woods remains cautious about future commitments.

“I’ll put my hat in the ring again when I have more time and I feel like I can devote myself to a Ryder Cup,” Woods said. “As of right now, I’ve got so many different things I’m juggling and trying to get right at the same time for all the players that are a part of the PGA Tour. It’s one of those things where you just can’t get it wrong.”