bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Oct 20, 2022 3:21:34 GMT
Rory McIlroy: World number two rejects Phil Mickelson 'winning side' comments on LIV.ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/4F52/production/_127260302_philmickbody.jpgRory McIlroy has rejected Phil Mickelson's suggestion that he picked the "winning side" in the dispute between the LIV series and PGA Tour. American Mickelson believes the LIV series is trending higher, and the PGA is on a downward trajectory. McIlroy said: "I don't agree with what Phil said - I certainly don't see the PGA Tour trending downward at all. "I don't think anyone that takes a logical view of the game of golf can agree with what he said." Next year's Phoenix Open, Heritage tournament, Wells Fargo Championship and Travelers Championship will have purses boosted to $20m (£17.8m) and guaranteed appearances by top golfers, the US PGA Tour announced on 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 Northern Ireland's four-time major winner McIlroy, Jon Rahm and top-ranked Scottie Scheffler, the reigning Masters champion, have committed to playing 17 events with elevated purses next year as a way to combat more players departing for the LIV Series. The rival circuit's record $25m purses and guaranteed contracts for 54-hole events have lured away top talent from the PGA, including British Open winner and world number three Cameron Smith of Australia, two-time major winner Dustin Johnson and Masters winners Mickelson, Bubba Watson, Sergio Garcia and Patrick Reed. "The guys that went over to LIV, they're the ones that have made the disruption, they're the ones that have sort of put the golf world in flux right now," added world number two McIlroy. "I guess for them to be talking the way they are, it's bold and I think there's a tonne of propaganda being used and all sorts of stuff." In addition to the four new events, others with increased purses and player commitments include the four major championships, the Players Championship, the three FedEx Cup play-off events, the Tournament of Champions, WGC Match Play, Memorial tournament, Arnold Palmer Invitational and the Genesis Invitational hosted by Tiger Woods.
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Post by Nobbygas on Oct 20, 2022 7:35:42 GMT
LIV is the golf version of what the European Super League wants to be in football.
LIV offers big money whether you win or lose. Most of the players that have joined are way past their prime, like Mickelson, Poulter etc. Just a couple of top players have joined.
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Post by bluetornados on Oct 21, 2022 20:42:33 GMT
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Post by bluetornados on Oct 22, 2022 18:13:07 GMT
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Post by bluetornados on Oct 23, 2022 20:56:39 GMT
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Post by bluetornados on Oct 24, 2022 7:54:27 GMT
Rory McIlroy: Northern Irishman returns to top of world rankings with CJ Cup win..ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/FD85/production/_127310946_roarsmac.jpgThe win sees McIlroy climb to the top of the world rankings for a ninth time Rory McIlroy returned to the top of the world rankings for the first time in more than two years by retaining his CJ Cup title in South Carolina. The Northern Irishman claimed a one-shot win at Congaree Golf Club, shooting a four-under-par 67 to finish the tournament on 17 under. American Kurt Kitayama also hit 67 on Sunday, and briefly drew level with McIlroy thanks to a birdie at the 12th. However McIlroy made three straight birdies of his own to pull clear. "It means a lot," said an emotional McIlroy after claiming his 23rd PGA Tour win. "I've worked so hard over the past 12 months to get myself back to this place. I feel like I'm enjoying this game as much as I ever have. "I absolutely love the game of golf and when I go out there and play with that joy, it has definitely showed over these past 12 months. It feels awesome." 'I'm really proud of myself'
Holding a one shot lead coming into the final day, McIlroy knew a win would take him above Scottie Scheffler and to the top of the world rankings for a ninth time. A second place finish would also have seen him leapfrog Scheffler, because the American finished in a tie for 45th on one under. For McIlroy, birdies at the 14th, 15th and 16th holes gave him a three-shot cushion over his closest rival Kitayama. The lead allowed the four-time major winner to come home in relative comfort despite bogeying the last two holes. "It's a big achievement, I'm really proud of myself right now," he continued. "The journey of trying to get the best out of myself, that's the satisfying thing. "I never feel like I've figured this game out, I don't think I ever will figure it out, but every day I wake up trying to get closer." Final Leaderboard Tablewww.bbc.co.uk/sport/golf/uspga-tour/leaderboard
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Post by bluetornados on Oct 25, 2022 13:59:12 GMT
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Post by bluetornados on Apr 8, 2023 4:49:03 GMT
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Post by bluetornados on Apr 8, 2023 4:55:34 GMT
Masters 2023: Rory McIlroy set to miss cut as Brooks Koepka leads at stormy Augusta..ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/32AA/production/_129307921_tree.jpgRory McIlroy's dreams of landing an elusive Masters title look to be over this year after a stormy day two at Augusta National saw play cut short and fans avoid injury from falling trees. Three trees fell next to the 17th tee, moments before play was suspended in Georgia because of electrical storms. Northern Ireland's McIlroy shot a 77 which puts him five over, with the cut projected to come at two over. Brooks Koepka leads on 12 under from amateur Sam Bennett on eight under. American Koepka, one of three overnight leaders with Jon Rahm and Viktor Hovland, moved clear of the field with a five-under 67 on Friday. Bennett, a 23-year-old American making his Masters debut, is his nearest challenger in the clubhouse after a four-under 68. Rahm birdied the eighth and ninth holes to get to nine under before play was halted, while Hovland is at six under after 10. Collin Morikawa, the 2021 Open champion, shot another 69 to move to six under, with his American Ryder Cup team-mate Jordan Spieth - the 2015 winner - and Australia's former world number one Jason Day a shot behind on five under. Defending champion and world number one Scottie Scheffler struggled with the putter as he carded a three-over 75 to leave him on one under. Another Masters opportunity passes by a subdued McIlroyichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/10284/production/_129308166_rory.jpgMuch of the talk before one of the most exciting weeks in the sporting calendar centred around McIlroy's prospects of finally completing a career Grand Slam. The 33-year-old won the last of his four majors in 2014 and triumphing at the Masters would see him become only the sixth man to earn a clean sweep. Ranked second in the world and with four wins on the PGA Tour in the past 10 months, many felt this would finally be the year when he achieved golfing immortality. McIlroy cut a relaxed yet focused figure in the build-up, but he looked overcome by tension during a second round which started with four bogeys in the opening seven holes. Another bogey on the par-four 11th was caused by pulling his approach left into the pond, leaving him exasperatedly shaking his head as missing the cut looked increasingly likely. There was some respite in the shape of birdies at the par-five 13th and 15th holes, but any hopes of a late recovery were dashed with more bogeys on the 16th and 18th. Barring a miracle, it means one of the pre-tournament favourites - alongside Scheffler and Rahm - looks likely to miss the weekend. The scale of McIlroy's disappointment was made clear by his rare refusal to do any post-round interviews. ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/4/6/9e2cfe83-ae4c-4124-801f-d3c83479e7bd.jpg
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Apr 11, 2023 14:01:33 GMT
Rory McIlroy withdraws from PGA Tour's RBC Heritage event..ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/7686/production/_129324303_mediaitem129324302.jpgRory McIlroy has withdrawn from this week's PGA Tour event, the RBC Heritage at Hilton Head in South Carolina. No reason was given for the withdrawal of the world number three as it was announced by the PGA Tour. The Northern Irishman, 33, shot rounds of 72 and 77 to miss the cut at last week's Masters by two shots - his ninth attempt to complete the career Grand Slam at Augusta National. The RBC Heritage is among the PGA Tour's designated events. Players ranked in the top 20 of the circuit's Player Impact Program (PIP) - created to reward players for boosting engagement and publicity in the PGA Tour - are allowed to skip only one designated event per season. McIlroy has already sat out the season-opening Sentry Tournament of Champions in January. This second absence could potentially cost him bonus money from the PIP, which is distributed at the end of the PGA Tour season and which earned McIlroy £7.5m in 2022. Former world number one Jason Day, who was on the fringes of contention at Augusta, has also pulled out of this week's event. McIlroy won the last of his four majors in 2014 but claiming the Masters would have made him only the sixth player to complete the men's career Grand Slam. He went into the tournament with four wins on the PGA Tour in the past 10 months and with many suggesting this would finally be the year he achieved golfing immortality. McIlroy declined to do any post-round interviews after failing to make the halfway cut. ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/480/cpsprodpb/2866/production/_129324301_mediaitem129324300.jpg
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Post by bluetornados on May 22, 2023 11:06:38 GMT
US PGA Championship 2023: Brooks Koepka beats Scottie Scheffler and Viktor Hovland at Oak Hill..By Steve Sutcliffe, BBC Sport.ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/8C95/production/_129798953_screenshot2023-05-22003125.pngA resurgent Brooks Koepka held off Scottie Scheffler and Viktor Hovland to claim his third US PGA Championship title at Oak Hill in New York state. Koepka, 33, carded a three-under 67 to win his fifth major on nine under, two shots clear of Scheffler and Hovland. Scheffler, who returns to world number one, hit a 65 to get to seven under, while Hovland - who had a double bogey on the 16th - shot a two-under 68. Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy carded a 69 to end joint seventh on two under. There was also a magical moment when south California club professional Michael Block once again illuminated the East Course with a hole-in-one at the 151-yard par-three 15th. The 46-year-old was one of 20 club professionals at the championship, but the only one to make the cut and he has delighted fans all week with his carefree attitude. And they erupted once again to celebrate the ace, although Block was only aware of his feat after he asked his playing partner McIlroy, "Rory, did it go in?" before the two shared a warm embrace. Block's ace is the first at this championship since 2020 and helped him finish joint 15th, which earns him an exemption for next year's tournament at Valhalla. However, even he could not distract from a moment of redemption for his fellow American Koepka, who held a four-shot lead at April's Masters before eventually finishing as runner-up to Jon Rahm. It is the third time in five years that Koepka has played a major championship in the state of New York and come out on top. "This is incredible," Koepka said. "I look back at where we were two years ago. I am just so happy right now, this is just the coolest thing. "I don't know how many guys have won five times, but to be with those groups of names is absolutely incredible and I'll be honest I'm not even sure I dreamed of it as a kid." He joins greats of the game Seve Ballesteros, Peter Thomson, Byron Nelson, John Henry Taylor and James Braid as a quintuple major winner. It is all the more remarkable given it comes just two years after Koepka underwent extensive knee surgery and following his switch to the Saudi Arabian-backed LIV Golf set-up. Koepka collects the Wanamaker Trophy and a hefty cheque of $3.15m [£2.53m]. He also becomes only the sixth player to win the Championship on three or more occasions - joining Walter Hagen and Jack Nicklaus (five), Tiger Woods (four), Gene Sarazen and Sam Snead (three). Koepka back at his brilliant bestKoepka was roundly booed by fans on the first tee on Saturday because of his involvement with LIV Golf. However, his sustained brilliance over the third round and again on Sunday ensured he received the adulation of the galleries as he tapped in his winning putt. On the the face of it his success may well provide a significant boost for those marketing the Saudi-funded circuit but for an emotional Koepka, a player whose career was potentially in jeopardy not so long ago, it appeared to strike a more personal chord. Koepka has spent recent weeks reflecting on "choking" at the Masters, pledging to not simply try to hang on to a lead ever again after faltering badly in defensive mode at Augusta National. True to his word as he went on a birdie blitz across the second, third and fourth holes to open a four-shot lead before his Norwegian playing partner, Hovland, responded. It was an imperious opening. The last 54-hole leader at a major to go three under or better in the first four holes of a final round was Ian Baker-Finch on his way to victory at the 1991 Open Championship at Royal Birkdale. But Koepka saw his lead cut to a single shot after finding the water off the tee on the challenging sixth hole, while both he and Hovland dropped shots at the seventh. Both players then became immersed in a superb duel that ultimately fizzled out on the 16th hole when Hovland drilled his second shot into the face of a fairway bunker - exactly as Corey Conners had done in round three. The Norwegian was given a free drop - but in a horrendous lie in the rough - and could only make double bogey from there. At that stage, Scheffler, who made a late charge with four birdies on the back nine, looked set to finish outright second, but Hovland rolled in a birdie putt on the last to join the American on seven under. It left Koepka, who had bogeyed the 17th, two putts from 15 feet to conclude an impressive victory. Inconsistencies cost McIlroy & Rose
With two of the world's best three players among a stellar cast in the final few pairings, fireworks had been anticipated in Rochester.However, the challenge from those perched just below Koepka - who led by one shot overnight - largely came from Hovland, who is yet to win one of men's golf's coveted four majors but has now finished inside the top 10 in his previous three. Four-time major champion McIlroy, signalled his early intent with a stunning wedge shot to set up a tap-in birdie on the first but he bogeyed two of the next three holes in a round full of inconsistencies before signing for a third consecutive 69. England's Justin Rose was fleetingly within three of the lead when he birdied the first and chipped in to save par on the second. But after making birdie on the sixth, the 2013 US Open champion saw his challenge fade with three bogeys in his next five holes and he eventually recorded a closing 71 to finish one under. Rahm, who has been deposed at the top of the world rankings, also concluded with a 71, leaving him well down the field on seven over par. "It's golf," said Rahm. "When you think 'Oh, I got this' it kicks you in the mouth and you have to start over again. It happens to everybody."
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Post by RiversGas on Jun 6, 2023 16:45:08 GMT
From BBC
The PGA Tour and DP World Tour have agreed to merge with Saudi Arabian-backed circuit LIV Golf in a deal that ends the acrimonious split in the game.
The surprise announcement comes after a year of unprecedented disruption in the men's game following the launch of LIV.
It means pending litigation between the tours will be halted and they will move forward as part of the same enterprise.
"This is a historic day for the game," said Jay Monahan, commissioner of the PGA Tour, golf's leading circuit.
An agreement has been signed that will combine the PGA Tour and LIV's commercial operations and rights into a new, yet to be named for-profit company.
The agreement includes the DP World Tour, formerly known as the European Tour.
The emergence of the LIV circuit fractured men's professional golf over the last year, with several top players lured by its huge prize funds and no-cut events, which include a team format.
LIV Golf is backed by the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund (PIF), an entity controlled by the Saudi crown prince and which has been embroiled in anti-trust lawsuits with the PGA Tour over the last year.
"This is a momentous day - to partner in this new entity is energising and exciting," said DP World Tour chief executive Keith Pelley.
What will golf now look like?
Monahan, his counterpart on the PGA Tour, confirmed that the team element to LIV's format will remain in some form going forward.
Yasir Al-Rumayyan is governor of the Saudi PIF, which is also the majority owner of Premier League club Newcastle United, who Al-Rumayyan serves as chairman.
The board of the new commercial entity will include Al-Rumayyan as chairman and Monahan as chief executive.
"This transformational partnership recognises the immeasurable strength of the PGA Tour's history, legacy and pro-competitive model and combines with it the DP World Tour and LIV - including the team golf concept - to create an organisation that will benefit players, partners and fans," Monahan added.
"I applaud Yasir Al-Rumayyan for his vision and collaborative and forward-thinking approach that is not just a solution to the rift in our game, but also a commitment to taking it to new heights. This will engender a new era in global golf, for the better."
LIV Golf considering women's tour, says Norman
A joint press release added that all parties will work in the months to come to finalise terms of the agreement.
Al-Rumayyan said: "We are committed to unifying, promoting and growing the game of golf around the world and offering the highest-quality product to the many millions of long-time fans globally, while cultivating new fans.
"There is no question that the LIV model has been positively transformative for golf. We believe there are opportunities for the game to evolve while also maintaining its storied history and tradition."
Why was there legal action?
An anti-trust lawsuit against the PGA Tour was originally filed last August by 11 golfers before being taken over by LIV Golf. It was scheduled to be heard in 2024.
In April, the DP World Tour won its legal battle against 12 LIV players who committed "serious breaches" of the Tour's code of behaviour by playing in LIV Golf events without its permission.
The subsequent increased fines and suspensions prompted Lee Westwood, Sergio Garcia, Ian Poulter and Henrik Stenson to resign their memberships and become ineligible for this year's Ryder Cup, which will take place from 29 September to 1 October.
Stenson had been selected as captain of the European team for the matches in Rome, but when he joined LIV he was sacked and replaced by Luke Donald.
Those players could now return to the fold, with the new enterprise pledging to establish a "fair and objective process" for players to re-apply for membership after the end of this season.
What has been the reaction?
The latest event in LIV's 2023 season was played at Donald Trump's course in Sterling, Virginia.
The former US president said on social media: "Great news from LIV Golf. A big, beautiful and glamorous deal for the wonderful world of golf. Congrats to all."
Six-time major winner Phil Mickelson, one of the first big names to switch to LIV, added: "Awesome day today."
American golfer Michael Kim said: "The hell is going on? Very curious how many people knew this deal was happening. About 5-7 people? Player run organisation right?"
Why is Saudi Arabia's involvement in sport controversial?
PIF takes over four Saudi football clubs
'Not likely to sit easily with the PIF's critics' - analysis
BBC golf correspondent Iain Carter
This is a stunning development that has taken the golf world by complete surprise. The PGA and DP World Tours were sworn enemies of the LIV circuit, which had poached some of their best players.
They viewed Greg Norman's breakaway tour as an existential threat and entered into bitter and expensive legal action. But this was becoming increasingly uncomfortable for LIV's Saudi Arabian backers, who faced the prospect of being interrogated under oath during the discovery process.
The PGA Tour were also looking at huge costs to finance a string of $20m (£16.1m) tournaments introduced to counter their new opposition and had already dipped into their reserves.
For both sides there was a significant peace dividend in a sport that could ill afford to be split in the first place. It is an extraordinary climbdown for the PGA and DP World Tours to acknowledge LIV as being "positively transformative for golf".
Nevertheless, this deal appears to signal Saudi Arabia's massive wealth as a unifying force for the men's professional game. That is not likely to sit easily with critics who have regarded the PIF's involvement with LIV as nothing more than sportswashing for a kingdom whose human rights record is often questioned.
How this will transform the game remains to be seen, but all sides will be happy the threat of legal action has gone away. LIV players also now have a pathway back into a more unified game.
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Sept 26, 2023 4:36:26 GMT
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Post by bluetornados on Sept 29, 2023 12:12:20 GMT
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Post by bluetornados on Sept 29, 2023 22:37:46 GMT
Ryder Cup 2023: Europe lead US 6½-1½ after day one at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club..By Peter Scrivener, BBC Sport at Marco Simone Golf Club, Rome.
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Rory McIlroyEurope hold a "sensational" 6½-1½ lead over the United States after a stunning opening day of the Ryder Cup in Rome. The hosts swept the morning session for the first time to race into a 4-0 lead and held off a spirited US fightback to win 2½ -1½ in the afternoon. Viktor Hovland, Jon Rahm and Justin Rose all crucially holed putts on the 18th to pick up half points for Europe. And England's Matt Fitzpatrick, playing with Rory McIlroy, secured his first Ryder Cup point in a memorable 5 & 3 win. Fitzpatrick, the 2022 US Open champion, rattled off four birdies and an eagle from the second hole to put his pairing firmly in command of the bottom match against Xander Schauffele and Collin Morikawa. ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/11E3E/production/_131287237_mcilroy_fleetwood_reuters.jpgRory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood embrace McIlroy also knocked in a birdie of his own on the seventh as they reached six up. It ended a run of five defeats in his previous two appearances for Fitzpatrick, while McIlroy picked up his second point of the day, after earlier partnering Tommy Fleetwood to victory. "Those putts by Viktor, Jon and Rose make a huge difference," Europe captain Luke Donald told BBC Sport. "It was sensational, a dream start for us. This morning was an amazing performance by the guys and this afternoon was tough. "The US came back, we knew they would. They had a stretch there in the middle where the momentum was turning their way but man, did we turn it back." ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/734F/production/_131291592_strakalowry.jpgSepp Straka and Shane Lowry won their opening foursomes on FridayUS captain Zach Johnson said he had been "proud" of his team's "fight and character", insisting "our time's coming". "It looks like the European team executed golf shots a little bit better than we did, and that's golf, so you tip the cap to Luke [Donald] and his team," he added. It was, however, the first time the US have not won a single match in a day and it is the joint-highest lead after day one, level with Europe in 2004 and the US in 1975. "The fact that the Americans didn't win a full point was incredible and just shows the heart, grit and determination that the European team has," McIlroy told BBC Sport Northern Ireland. "We have a ton of momentum and we'll try to ride the crowd's energy to win both sessions [on Saturday]." Saturday's foursomes announcedDonald has kept with the same foursomes pairings for Saturday morning that were so successful on Friday. McIlroy and Fleetwood will be first out and face Spieth and Thomas at 06:35 BST, while Hovland and rookie Aberg will play Scheffler and Koepka. Lowry and Straka are in match three against Homa and Brian Harman, with Rahm and Hatton facing Patrick Cantlay and Schauffele in the final game. Europe need 14½ points to regain the Ryder Cup, with the US requiring 14 to retain it.
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Post by bluetornados on Sept 29, 2023 22:40:22 GMT
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Post by bluetornados on Oct 1, 2023 16:54:26 GMT
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We have won the cup...
Europe 13-7 United States - 'This is how it feels to be Europe.'..
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Tyrrell Hatton has been a rock for Europe this week, going unbeaten in Rome and winning a singles match at the third attempt in the Ryder Cup.
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Shane Lowry is PUMPED - As things stand, he could be the man who seals Europe's victory.
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Europe are going to win the Ryder Cup - Arms aloft, Tommy Fleetwood is taking the acclaim of the massed ranks on the 16th green. He's rolled his putt to within three feet and Rickie Fowler concedes. Fleetwood goes two up with two to play to guarantee a half. And that'll be the half point Europe need to win it. It ain't official till it's over - But everyone can relax now. A tearful Europe captain Luke Donald, speaking to Sky Sports: "I am pretty emotional. It’s been a long process, an amazing journey and I have really enjoyed this one. "It was stressful as the US put up a fight today so hats off to them. But I am so proud of my 12 guys. We formed a bond from day one and they gave me everything. They trusted me and they delivered for me. "We started off great, which was what we needed. Then a few matches changed to red. We kept looking at the board and thinking, where will we find 14 and a half points? "But we always had some guys at the back that looked good so it's not going to be quite as close as I thought it might be. "I can’t even speak." ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/10/1/fd084f00-6f7a-45c9-8cdd-661e8c888f2f.jpgEurope's Tommy Fleetwood, speaking to Sky Sports, after his win secured the Ryder Cup: "I didn't want it to come down to one of us at the back. "I can't wait to see the rest of the guys, the captain, the vice captains, our wives, our families and the staff. "I'm so happy to play a part in it. It's been a bit bigger than I thought it would be when I saw the draw. "I'm so proud. We have an amazing group of people, we always do. This year has been very different and the landscape has changed for Team Europe but I couldn't wish for a better bunch of people to do with this. "We are one gigantic family and the bonds you make last a lifetime. This is just so cool." On the emotions he is feeling: "Relief, pride, joy. I'm proud I'm just one of the people who gets to play a part. I love everybody involved." On Europe captain Luke Donald: "Luke is amazing. We're all so proud of him. From the process starting he has been so so good. We look at Luke on another level. "I'm so happy we could get it done for him." FINAL SCORE:ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/10/1/ebc28943-fcbe-481d-8dc6-0a20f67ce35e.pngUS captain Zach Johnson, speaking to Sky Sports, about his feelings after his side's defeat: "Still pretty fresh and pretty raw. If I have any immediate reaction it is to tip your cap to Europe and to Luke, they played great and they earned it. "It's quite simple, we got outplayed by Europe. We showed grit and heart, it got interesting out there today. It ebbed and flowed, it had momentum. I'm proud of my guys. "[The defeat] is on me, I made some poor decisions and I will reflect. Those 12 guys played so hard and fought for our country." "My competitive juices are flowing too much to function right now. I'll reflect on it and Team USA will be better off at some point. We will use this as motivation. "You put so much time and energy into this and the process and journey is what is special, along with the people around it - my family, the team, the PGA of America and the fans. They're the fuel for the engine. "The Ryder Cup is for golfing people. I'm not sure honour is the right word - it's more than that. "We'll analyse it. I'm not making excuses. Europe outplayed us." ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/10/1/0d824f40-4005-46fb-8cb8-11b9fa4babea.jpg
Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood
Team Europe captain Luke Donald speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live: "I am very proud. It really was a rollercoaster today. I have never felt so many emotions. "It looked good early but then looked like it could be a bad day at one point. Our guys hung in there like I knew they would. "The first two days were key to us to building our lead. The Americans are so strong in singles but we were 12 strong. Everyone contributed. I just love these guys - you need your superstars to show up and they did. "Ive put everything into it and that's just the way I am. I have to prepare, try to do the best job I can and I’m just so glad they were able to win. "I am a bit emotional right now but so happy for these 12 guys that they can remember this week forever." On where this ranks in his list of achievements: "This is the best. This is why the Ryder Cup is so special to me and to these guys. We play for each other and we get to share in this success together. We got to spend this week together and will share these memories forever." On his captaincy: "I gave them a good culture to succeed. Hopefully I laid out a good plan as to why I thought they’d win. Then it was just about getting out of the way and letting them play. "I’m glad they trusted me." ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/10/1/628c3335-08fd-49da-80b9-953159902ee7.jpg"Tonight we're going to a free bar."
ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/10/1/d66e49e5-5fcd-44e1-a5bf-0ed82ec2cb2b.jpg
John Rahm
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Luke Donald hoists the Ryder Cup into the air
ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/10/1/1d124be4-ccc7-4b11-824b-3e12c73fd868.jpg
Not sure that'll bother four-point Rory McIlroy too much..ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/10/1/f83c3fcb-e103-46ae-8005-a3a1f0d26a66.jpgIf you want to talk about Ryder Cup legends, Luke Donald has to be right up there now when you see his record as both a player and now captain. As a player he won four out of four Ryder Cups he appeared in, and has a stellar 10-4-1 record in his matches - including a 3-1-0 singles return. He's now added a superb Ryder Cup victory as a captain to a resume that few can match in the history of the event. Rory McIlroy speaking to Sky Sports: "An incredible day at the end of an incredible week. I am so proud to be a part of this team. "We were all hurting after Whistling Straits and the few of us that were on that team that came to play here wanted to redeem ourselves. We wanted to prove to the world that's not who we truly are. We went out this week and delivered a great performance." On the make-up of the team: "There was a bit of fresh blood that came in. We know the future of this team is Ludvig, Nicolai, Bob, and Rasmus [Hojgaard] is here with his brother. Viktor Rahmbo will also be leaders for a long time. "There has been a bit of a changing of the guard this year and the new guys were definitely embraced. We have one eye on the future. That is them and I hope I can play alongside them." ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/10/1/8a3e0744-ee8e-426d-82ff-7bf3e594b1c3.jpg
A band of brothers
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Viktor Hovland
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Oct 1, 2023 18:11:42 GMT
ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/976/cpsprodpb/364B/production/_131299831_express.jpgRyder Cup: Tears of joy as Rory McIlroy says row fired up Europe's victory chargeichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/302A/production/_131303321_gettyimages-1711492699.jpgRory McIlroy fought back tears of joy instead of disappointment after a career-best performance helped Europe regain the Ryder Cup in Rome. McIlroy's singles victory over Sam Burns ensured he won four matches in the contest for the first time as Europe beat the United States 16½-11½. Having won his first three matches, McIlroy lost his fourball on Saturday and was involved in an angry exchange with Patrick Cantlay's caddie Joe LaCava over his celebrations, which later continued in a car park. "I needed that to fuel me and not let it take away from what has been a great week," he said. McIlroy, 34, added: "I felt like I used it to my advantage and came out with a different level of focus and determination and, in a way, it gave the whole team a bit of fire in our bellies." He also dismissed reports on Sunday that LaCava had apologised for the behaviour which enraged him on Saturday evening. The four-time Major winner was livid after LaCava continued to celebrate a brilliant putt by Cantlay on the 18th green near the Northern Irishman, who was preparing his own effort to tie a tense and crucial fourballs match. McIlroy was later filmed ranting in the car park of the Marco Simone Golf Club, and having to be led away by team-mate Shane Lowry. American media said LaCava requested to see McIlroy on Sunday morning to apologise and clear the air, but the European hero denied any meeting took place.
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Oct 2, 2023 7:58:36 GMT
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bluetornados
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Post by bluetornados on Oct 16, 2023 5:12:41 GMT
Matthieu Pavon: Frenchman wins first DP World Tour event in Madrid..
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Matthieu Pavon has won four times as a professional and is ranked 195th in the worldFrance's Matthieu Pavon secured his first DP World Tour victory at the Spanish Open in Madrid in his 185th start. Pavon, 30, carded a seven-under 64 on Sunday to finish on 23-under par overall, four strokes clear of South Africa's Zander Lombard. England's Nathan Kimsey was a stroke further back in third. World number three and defending champion Jon Rahm finished in a tie for ninth on 14 under. Home favourite Rahm made a fine charge on the front nine with six birdies on his way to a 64 of his own. However, he left himself with too much to do to threaten the top of the leaderboard on Sunday after a shooting a one-over 72 in Friday's second round. Pavon, who was runner-up to Rahm 12 months ago, said: "That was a very long wait - seven years on tour and I didn't have a win yet. But it really was worth it." Germany's Marcel Siem, who was unable to hole his chip from the rough for a remarkable round of 59, managed a superb 10-under 61 which propelled him into a tie for fourth on 17 under. Dan Bradbury, who made his third hole-in-one of the season on Saturday, finished in a tie for sixth with fellow Englishman Richard Mansell.
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