Trump posts ‘I hate Taylor Swift’ days after her endorsement of Harris

 

Former President Donald Trump made headlines on Sunday by expressing his strong dislike for pop sensation Taylor Swift on Truth Social, a platform he founded. His post read simply: “I HATE TAYLOR SWIFT!” This outburst came just days after Swift publicly endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, which seems to have sparked the former president’s ire.

 

Swift’s endorsement of Harris was announced following a high-profile debate between Harris and Trump. In an Instagram post earlier that week, Swift described Harris as a “steady-handed, gifted leader,” expressing her belief that the country would benefit greatly from being led by someone who embodies calm rather than chaos. Swift’s public support for Harris was clearly intended as a political statement, reflecting her alignment with the vice president’s approach to governance.

 

The endorsement coincided with the MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) held the night after the debate, where Swift made a notable call to action. During her acceptance speech for the “Video of the Year” award, she urged attendees and viewers to register to vote, emphasizing the importance of participating in the upcoming presidential election. “If you are over 18, please register to vote for something else that’s very important … [the] presidential election,” Swift stated, underscoring her commitment to civic engagement and political advocacy.

 

The reaction to Swift’s endorsement was not limited to the political realm. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, a Democrat, expressed his appreciation for Swift’s support in a public statement. Walz, who is also a cat owner, praised Swift’s endorsement as a sign of courage and eloquence, qualities he believes are necessary in American political discourse. In an interview with MSNBC, he reflected on Swift’s influence and the significance of her public stance, noting that it was a brave move in a polarized political climate.

 

Trump, on the other hand, dismissed Swift’s endorsement during an interview on “Fox & Friends,” a morning news program. He indicated that he was never a fan of Swift, suggesting that her political leanings were predictable and aligned with Democratic preferences. Trump implied that Swift’s support for Harris was unsurprising given her liberal stance and speculated that she might face repercussions in her career for her political choices. “I was not a Taylor Swift fan,” Trump remarked, adding, “It was just a question of time. She couldn’t possibly endorse Biden… But she’s a very liberal person. She seems to always endorse a Democrat, and she’ll probably pay a price for it in the marketplace.”

 

The former president’s comments highlight the ongoing intersection of celebrity influence and political discourse. Swift’s engagement in politics, particularly her support for Harris and her advocacy for voter registration, illustrates the significant role that public figures can play in shaping political narratives and influencing public opinion.

 

As of now, The Hill has reached out to Taylor Swift’s representatives for a response to Trump’s comments. It remains to be seen how Swift will address the former president’s remarks, if at all, and what further impact her political endorsements will have as the election season progresses.

Rory McIlroy prize money after agonising second place finish at Irish Open

 

Rory McIlroy faced a heart-wrenching finish at the Irish Open on Sunday, falling narrowly short of victory at Royal County Down. Despite his valiant efforts, McIlroy ended the tournament in second place, just behind Denmark’s Rasmus Hojgaard, who claimed the title in dramatic fashion.

 

McIlroy’s performance earned him a substantial consolation prize of £503,000. This significant sum reflects his high level of play throughout the tournament, despite the disappointment of missing out on the win. Hojgaard’s impressive finish, which included a thrilling final stretch, saw him take home a considerable prize of £761,934, underscoring the stakes and drama of the competition.

 

In addition to McIlroy’s and Hojgaard’s standout performances, Irish golfer Shane Lowry also had a noteworthy showing. Lowry, who finished tied for 12th place, would have received £78,631 for a solo 12th position. However, even with the tie, Lowry’s earnings from the week are substantial, highlighting his strong performance over the course of the event.

 

The climax of the tournament was marked by an agonizing twist for McIlroy. Heading into the final stretch with a two-shot lead, McIlroy looked set to secure the victory. However, Hojgaard’s exceptional play on the final three holes turned the tide. The Dane delivered three consecutive birdies, culminating in a remarkable 65 for the day and pushing him to a total of -9 under par.

 

McIlroy, meanwhile, encountered a series of challenges in the closing holes. He bogeyed both the 15th and 17th holes, but managed to redeem himself momentarily with a birdie on the 16th. As the final hole approached, McIlroy needed an eagle to force a playoff. He executed a superb iron shot that positioned him close to the hole, giving him a glimmer of hope. Unfortunately, he was unable to sink a 15-foot putt for the eagle, and as a result, fell just one stroke short of Hojgaard’s winning score.

 

Despite the significant prize money, McIlroy’s second-place finish at his home championship is likely to be a bittersweet outcome, as the near miss of victory will linger in his mind. Nevertheless, the high level of competition and McIlroy’s commendable performance are testament to his skills and determination, even as he was edged out in a dramatic finale.

Collin Morikawa Would Have Clinched PGA Tour Finale Without Staggered Start Format

In a dramatic twist, Collin Morikawa would have emerged victorious in the PGA Tour Championship if the tournament had not utilized its traditional staggered start format, which provides players with predetermined starting strokes based on their FedEx Cup standings.

 

The PGA Tour Championship, the season-ending event that determines the FedEx Cup champion, traditionally employs a staggered start to create a more dynamic competition. This format awards players additional strokes based on their position in the FedEx Cup standings prior to the tournament’s start. For the third consecutive year, Scottie Scheffler entered the event with a head start of 10-under par due to his leading position in the standings. However, without this advantage, the outcome of the tournament might have been markedly different.

 

Had the PGA Tour Championship not used the staggered start format, Morikawa would have claimed the top spot. Morikawa’s performance throughout the event showcased his exceptional skill and consistency. He delivered a remarkable display of golf by shooting the lowest 72-hole score among the field of the top 30 players, which, in this case, was a 22-under par aggregate score. His rounds of 66-63-67-66 demonstrated his high level of play across all four days of the tournament.

 

In contrast, Scottie Scheffler, who ultimately won the Tour Championship and the FedEx Cup with a final score of 30-under par, benefitted significantly from the starting strokes. Scheffler’s final tally included the 10 strokes he started with, resulting in a 30-under par finish. When analyzing Scheffler’s performance without the extra strokes, his gross score would have been 20-under par, which placed him in third place based on the raw scoring.

 

In a closer examination, Sahith Theegala would have finished in second place with a gross score of 21-under par. Theegala’s final round of 7-under 64 highlighted his strong finish, which propelled him to this position. His performance, when removed from the influence of the staggered start, was impressive and showcased his potential.

 

Without the staggered start format, the leaderboard for the 2024 Tour Championship would have looked significantly different. Collin Morikawa would have led the tournament with his gross score of 22-under par, demonstrating his outstanding play throughout the event. Sahith Theegala would have claimed second place with his gross score of 21-under par, while Scottie Scheffler, despite a strong performance, would have fallen to third place with a gross score of 20-under par.

 

The rest of the field would have been adjusted accordingly. Russell Henley, with a gross score of 17-under par, would have finished in fourth place, while Adam Scott and Sungjae Im would have completed the top six with gross scores of 16-under and 15-under par, respectively. Notably, Justin Thomas would have ended in seventh place with a gross score of 14-under par.

 

The PGA Tour Championship’s format undeniably adds a layer of excitement and strategy to the tournament, influencing the final outcomes based on players’ performances and their positions in the FedEx Cup standings. While Scottie Scheffler’s victory was a testament to his exceptional season and the advantages of the staggered start format, Collin Morikawa’s raw performance without this format underscores his remarkable capabilities and potential as a top golfer.

 

In summary, Collin Morikawa would have emerged as the Tour Championship winner without the staggered start format, highlighting his prowess and consistency throughout the tournament. The adjustment to the traditional format revealed a different narrative, showcasing the significant impact that starting strokes can have on the outcome of the PGA Tour’s season finale.

Tiger’s injury-cursed season halted after surgery

 

Tiger Woods has recently undergone another surgery on his back, marking the sixth operation on his lower back in the last ten years. This latest procedure, described by Woods as a microdecompression surgery targeting the lumbar spine to address nerve impingement, was performed with the goal of alleviating the significant pain that has plagued him throughout the 2024 golf season. The recovery period for this surgery is estimated to be between eight to twelve weeks.

 

In a statement following the surgery, Woods expressed cautious optimism about the outcome. He mentioned that the procedure had gone smoothly and that he was hopeful it would relieve the back spasms and persistent pain that had affected his performance throughout the year. Woods emphasized his commitment to tackling the rehabilitation process with determination, looking forward to resuming normal life activities and, notably, returning to the sport of golf.

 

At 48 years old, Woods’ 2024 season has been notably disrupted by his ongoing back issues. He has only participated in five tournaments this year, including the four major championships and the Genesis Invitational, which he hosted in Florida. During the Genesis Invitational, Woods openly discussed the impact of his back problems on his game, particularly citing discomfort from back spasms which affected his performance, including an errant shot on the final hole of the opening round. He indicated that these spasms were a significant issue beyond the competitive environment.

 

Woods’ challenges with his health extend beyond just his back. Since a severe leg injury sustained in a car crash in early 2021, Woods has faced a series of medical challenges and subsequent surgeries that have severely limited his ability to play regularly. The car crash marked a pivotal moment in his career, significantly affecting his playing schedule and overall physical condition.

 

Looking ahead, Woods is not scheduled to return to competitive play until the Hero World Challenge, which is set to take place in the Bahamas in December. Additionally, he is set to participate in the PNC Championship, an event that will see him partner with his son, Charlie. The PNC Championship is slated to begin on December 21 in Florida. These upcoming events represent significant milestones for Woods as he continues his journey through recovery and aims to reestablish his presence in the world of professional golf.

Rory McIlroy Faces Heartbreak at Irish Open Following Costly Error at Royal County Down

Rory McIlroy’s pursuit of a second Irish Open title ended in dramatic disappointment as he squandered a commanding four-shot lead, allowing Danish golfer Rasmus Hojgaard to seize victory at Royal County Down. McIlroy, the pride of Co Down, was looking to join the legendary Harry Bradshaw as only the second Irish golfer to secure the prestigious title on multiple occasions. However, despite his promising start, a series of missteps ultimately cost him the championship.

 

The day began with McIlroy in prime position. He started with a one-shot lead over Matteo Manassero, standing at six-under par. His initial play was flawless; he quickly surged to a four-shot advantage within just four holes, buoyed by birdies on the second and third holes and a couple of bogeys from the Italian competitor. But as the round progressed, McIlroy’s momentum faltered.

 

A bogey on the seventh hole, coupled with missed opportunities for birdies on the eighth and ninth, reduced his lead. By the turn, McIlroy’s margin had shrunk to a single shot ahead of Dan Brown. Despite a brief resurgence with a birdie on the 11th hole that restored his two-shot lead, McIlroy’s position became precarious as the final holes approached.

 

The pivotal moments came in the latter stages of the round. A bogey on the 15th hole allowed Hojgaard to close the gap, and the Dane’s birdie on the 16th hole put him level with McIlroy at seven-under par. The tension heightened as both golfers entered the final stretch tied for the lead.

 

McIlroy briefly reclaimed the advantage with a birdie on the 16th hole. However, his fortunes took a turn for the worse on the 17th hole. Hojgaard executed a remarkable bunker shot to secure a birdie, moving him ahead of McIlroy. The Co Down native then faced a crucial test: he three-putted from 26 feet, running his initial birdie attempt nine feet past the hole, which resulted in a bogey and a two-shot deficit.

 

With Hojgaard birdieing the 18th hole to extend his lead, McIlroy’s hopes hinged on a dramatic finish. He needed an eagle on the 18th to force a playoff. Displaying skill and determination, McIlroy struck a superb 191-yard seven-iron shot, landing it just 10 feet from the hole. However, his putt to save the tournament slipped agonizingly past the edge of the cup, sealing his fate as Hojgaard celebrated his narrow, one-shot victory.

 

This defeat marks another setback for McIlroy in what has been a year of near misses. Earlier in the season, he lost the US Open to Bryson DeChambeau after bogeying three of his last four holes. Additionally, McIlroy faced a bitter blow at the Olympic Games in Paris, where a late double bogey dashed his hopes of securing a medal.

 

Despite the heartache, McIlroy’s performance throughout the tournament underscored his skill and competitiveness. Yet, in the cruel twists of golf, it was Hojgaard’s late surge that stole the limelight and left McIlroy grappling with the latest chapter of an “annus horribilis” filled with near triumphs.

“Rory McIlroy experienced a nightmare at the final round of the Irish Open as he could not believe his eyes.”

In an exhilarating climax to the Amgen Irish Open, Rasmus Højgaard’s spectacular late surge has set a formidable clubhouse target, leaving Rory McIlroy with a daunting challenge as the final round reaches its zenith.

 

Rory McIlroy entered the final day at Royal County Down with high hopes and a slender lead, having posted impressive scores of 68, 70, and 69 over the previous rounds. The Northern Irishman, seeking a second victory at the Irish Open, started the final round with an early birdie spree. Despite a bogey at the seventh, McIlroy maintained his advantage, heading into the back nine with a two-shot lead over his closest competitors.

 

McIlroy’s strong start on Sunday included birdies on the 1st and 2nd holes, and a solid performance through the 14th hole kept him comfortably in the lead. However, a series of unfortunate events unfolded in the latter part of his round. A bogey at the 17th, where McIlroy missed a crucial par attempt, saw his two-shot lead evaporate. With a closing hole requiring an eagle to force a playoff, the pressure was palpable.

 

**Dramatic Turn of Events: Højgaard’s Spectacular Finish**

 

As McIlroy struggled, Højgaard, a 23-year-old Danish talent, delivered an electrifying performance. The young golfer finished his round with a remarkable flourish, carding birdies on his final three holes to set the clubhouse target at an impressive nine-under-par. Højgaard’s final round of 65, highlighted by four birdies in the last five holes, showcased his exceptional form and composure under pressure.

 

Højgaard’s ability to maintain his focus and execute critical shots in the closing stretch has been nothing short of extraordinary. His birdie on the 18th hole, a long-range effort, capped off a thrilling round and placed him in a commanding position. The Dane’s finishing prowess left McIlroy and the rest of the field grappling with the challenge of catching him.

 

**McIlroy’s Last Stand: A Bitter Disappointment**

 

With the clubhouse lead firmly in Højgaard’s grasp, McIlroy faced an uphill battle on the 18th hole. Despite a solid drive, McIlroy’s hopes were dashed by a bogey at the 17th. His birdie attempt was well past the hole, and a subsequent missed par putt sealed his fate. As he approached the final hole, McIlroy needed an eagle to force a playoff—a feat that, given the circumstances, seemed increasingly unlikely.

 

McIlroy’s final hole performance saw him finding the fairway with a strong drive, but a challenging approach shot left him with slim chances. His quest for an eagle was ambitious but ultimately fell short as Højgaard’s target proved insurmountable.

 

**Leaderboard Snapshot:**

 

– **Rasmus Højgaard (F)**: -9

– **Rory McIlroy**: -7

– **Daniel Brown (F), Matteo Manassero**: -6

– **Grant Forrest (F)**: -4

 

**Final Updates:**

 

– **Højgaard’s Masterful Approach**: On the 18th, Højgaard’s approach shot was expertly played, leaving him well-positioned for his closing birdie. The crowds, though eager, were cleared to ensure a smooth finish for the Dane.

 

– **McIlroy’s Fight to the End**: Despite a solid approach on the 17th, McIlroy’s efforts to secure a birdie were in vain. His final round showcased both his brilliance and the unforgiving nature of professional golf.

 

In a tournament full of drama and skill, Højgaard’s spectacular final round and McIlroy’s near-miss create a captivating story of triumph and near-tragedy. As the dust settles at Royal County Down, Højgaard’s name shines brightly, marking him as the standout performer of the Amgen Irish Open.