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Career grand-slam chasing Rory McIlroy in exciting new position heading into The Masters
By Martin Dempster - The ScotsmanNorthern Irishman becomes just eight player to land multiple wins in The Players ChampionshipRory McIlroy is heading to Augusta National for his latest attempt to win The Masters and become just the sixth player to complete a career grand slam in a brand-new position.
For the first time, the Northern Irishman has won twice on the PGA Tour before the season’s first major, having backed up a west coast victory in the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am last month by landing a second success in The Players Championship on the east coast.
McIlroy comfortably beat American J.J. Spaun in a three-hole play-off on the Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach on Monday, becoming just the eighth player to record multiple wins in the US circuit’s flagship event.
He joins the likes of 18-time major champion Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods and current world No 1 Scottie Scheffler on that list and, after ten unsuccessful attempts so far, the 35-year-old certainly has a spring in his step for his latest crack at that career grand slam.
“I did it a different way this week,” said McIlroy as he overcame being wayward off the tee at times to pull off a 28th PGA Tour title triumph. “I had to putt well. I needed to chip the ball well. I played a lot of good escape shots from the pine straw, which I saw way too much of this week.
“But, yeah, I feel if one part of my game isn’t there, I have other parts to bail me out and that is a really nice feeling to have in your golf game.”
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Hide AdAfter being disappointed to let a three-shot lead slip out of his grasp in Sunday’s weather-interrupted final round, the world No 2 showed he meant business in the play-off by booming a 336-yard drive down the par-5 16th to leave himself a wedge to set up a birdie.
Already finding himself a shot ahead, he then piled the pressure on his opponent by finding the heart of the green with a three-quarter 9-iron at the 17th and Spaun, admittedly getting a bit unlucky with a shot that flew through the wind instead of being held up by it, ended up taking a 6 after going long into the water.
Even though McIlroy three-putted, he took a four-shot lead to the 18th and, after staying dry with his tee shot, a repeat of his victory in 2019 had been secured.
“I’m really proud of my body of work,” he added of becoming a multiple winner on the circuit for a ninth season. “I turned pro in 2007. My season on the PGA Tour was 2009 and I’ve tried to get better every year and I feel like I am continually trying to do that.
“The younger guys coming out now are getting better and better every single year and I need to keep working hard to hang with them and I am doing a pretty good job of it and I feel like I still have quite a few years left in the tank. Really happy. Really proud. I can’t wait for what’s ahead.”
This was McIlroy’s third career win on St Patrick’s Day and, if he can stay out of his own way at Augusta National, this could well be the year he finally joins Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Nicklaus and Woods on that career grand slam list.
“Yeah, I’m playing well; I’m in good form,” he said with a smile. “I feel like this form has continued from the back end of last year, when I played a lot of good golf without really getting the wins. I knew if I stayed patient the wins would come and that’s what has happened this year.”
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Bob MacIntyre pockets more than $1m in 'satisfying' Florida flourish
By Martin Dempster - The ScotsmanScot finishes ninth in just his second appearance in The Players ChampionshipBob MacIntyre picked up more than $1 million for what the Oban man described as a “solid two weeks on the road” in his PGA Tour double-header in Florida.
MacIntyre delivered the verdict after following a tie for 11th in the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill by claiming ninth spot in The Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass.
The 28-year-old signed off with a three-under-par 69 on the Pete Dye-designed Stadium Course at the Ponte Vedra Beach venue to finish with an eight-under total.
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I should share my phone with you - PGA Tour chief on his DP World Tour hotline
By Martin Dempster - The ScotsmanJay Monahan insists Wentworth counterpart is “fully understanding” about ongoing talksJay Monahan insists the PGA Tour and DP World Tour are both “fully understanding each other” about ongoing negotiations aimed at establishing a reunification at the top level in golf.
In recent weeks, Monahan has been part of a PGA Tour delegation that has held two meetings with US President Donald Trump in the White House, the second of which was also attended by Public Investment Fund chief Yasir Al-Rumayyan.
Speaking at his annual pre-event media conference at The Players Championship at Sawgrass on Tuesday, Monahan delivered another positive update about what has come out of those meetings, albeit without being able to add any meat to the bare bones.
“The talks are real, they're substantial, and they're being driven at the top levels of both organisations,” said the PGA Tour commissioner. “Those talks have been significantly bolstered by President Trump's willingness to serve as a facilitator.
“President Trump is a lifelong golf fan. He believes strongly in the game's power and potential, and he has been exceedingly generous with his time and influence to help bring a deal together.
“He wants to see the game reunified. We want to see the game reunified. His involvement has made the prospect of reunification very real.”
Monahan was accompanied at the first White House meeting by Adam Scott, a member of the PGA Tour’s Player Advisory Council, with Tiger Woods, who also sits on that, joining the duo for the second meeting a fortnight ago.
“When you're in the midst of complex negotiations, particularly when you may be near a breakthrough, there are ebbs and flows in the discussion,” added Monahan. “The most important thing is the mutual respect that we've built over the last couple of years.
“We appreciate Yasir's innovative vision, and we can see a future where we welcome him on to our board and work together to move the global game forward.
“As part of our negotiations, we believe there's room to integrate important aspects of LIV Golf into the PGA Tour platform. We're doing everything that we can to bring the two sides together.
“That said, we will not do so in a way that diminishes the strength of our platform or the very real momentum we have with our fans and our partners. So while we've removed some hurdles, others remain. But like our fans, we still share the same sense of urgency to get to a resolution.
“Our team is fully committed to reunification. The only deal that we would regret is one that compromises the essence of what makes the game of golf and the PGA Tour so exceptional.”
No mention had been made of the DP World Tour until close to the end of an hour-long session in the media building at the Ponte Vedra Beach until Monahan was asked about its role in the negotiations.
The Wentworth-based circuit entered an alliance with the PGA Tour in November 2020 and was part of the framework agreement agreed with PIF in May 2023.
“I should share my phone with you,” said Monahan. “I'm on the phone with (DP World Tour CEO) Guy Kinnings virtually every single day. Guy and Eric [Nicoli, the European Tour Group chairman) are here for the week. Guy and Eric participated in our board meeting just a few weeks ago. I will be in the UK at their board meeting on March 24th.
“Anything that I and we are doing as it relates to our negotiations or thinking about how we're going to continue to improve as an organization, they are aware of, and I and they themselves go out of their way to make certain that we're both fully understanding each other as these conversations evolve.
“So when you make a commitment like we did to each other when we formed our alliance, that's a commitment, and I feel very proud of the way that we have both together honored that commitment. And again, I can't understate the importance of the role that they're playing as our partners.”
Away from the negotiations, Monahan announced that steps are to be taken by the PGA Tour to try and speed up play, starting with the publication of stats later this season.
In addition, a new speed-of-play policy, which will include assessing penalty strokes for slow play, on the Korn Ferry Tour and PGA Tour Americas will begin next month while range finders will be tested at the six PGA Tour events between The Masters and PGA Championship.
“We're excited to learn more about the impact of increased transparency and accountability through these efforts,” said Monahan of the circuit taking action after the LPGA had already decided to do likewise this year.
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Ryder Cup hopeful makes stunning PGA Tour breakthrough
By Martin Dempster - The ScotsmanThomas Detry creates history as first Belgian to land victory on US circuit !Thomas Detry reckons he’d be ready for a Ryder Cup debut at Bethpage Page Black in September after winning for the first time on the PGA Tour in front of rowdy American fans in the WM Phoenix Open.
The 32-year-old created history by becoming the first Belgian to taste victory on the US circuit and did so in style as he finished with four straight birdies in a closing 65 at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona to win by seven shots.
“Incredible,” said Detry of his success, which came in his 68th start on the PGA Tour. “I felt nervous yesterday morning, and last night didn't sleep great. I woke up this morning early, 4am, couldn't fall back asleep.
“But I kind of really trusted myself. I felt like I've been doing a lot of really good things in the past to put myself in that position, and I felt like I was kind of ready to win. So, deep inside, this one nobody was going to take it away from me.”
Detry, who won on the Challenge Tour in 2016 and had come close a few times to landing a maiden DP World Tour victory before securing his PGA Tour card, is up to second in the FedEx Cup Standings behind Austrian Sepp Straka.
The win also boosted Detry’s hopes of becoming just the third Belgian to play in the Ryder Cup after Nicolas Colsaerts (2012) and Thomas Pieters (2016).
“I feel like the atmosphere at Bethpage would be pretty similar to this, especially for me as a European. Lots of people
“The Ryder Cup is something that I really want to be part of. I don't want to say it's a goal. Like I don't play golf this year to reach that Ryder Cup team. I think my good game and my achieving my goals will kind of naturally qualify me for the Ryder Cup team.
“I've been watching the Ryder Cup now on TV every single year, and being part of it would definitely be a dream. But I'm not really getting ahead of myself. I'm not getting over-excited. It's still a very long way away. There's still lots of golf to be played.”
Bob MacIntyre, who partnered Detry in last year’s Zurich Classic in New Orleans, recorded his first top-ten finish of the new PGA Tour season after ending up in joint-sixth.
The Genesis Scottish Open champion had moved into a tie for second after stiffing his tee shot at the par-3 12th to be four under for the day.
However, he was then unable to make birdies at either the 13th or 15th - two par 5s - as he signed off with a 67 to end up on 15 under par.
The Oban man would have been slightly disappointed at the end but, nonetheless, it was a solid week’s work heading into the next Signature Event, the Genesis Invitational starting at Torrey Pines on Thursday.
Meanwhile, a closing 74 - her worst round of the week - left Gemma Dryburgh having to settle for joint-39th behind American Yealimi Noh in the LPGA’s Founders Cup presented by U.S. Virgin Islands in Florida.
shouting at me,” said Detry with a smile of September’s clash in New York.
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PGA Tour RSM Classic
MAVERICK MCNEALY FIRES 62 FOR SHARE OF LEAD AT RSM CLASSICMaverick McNealy and Michael Thorbjornsen are tied for the lead after one round of The RSM Classic on Thursday in St. Simons Island, Ga.At the finale of the PGA Tour's FedEx Cup Fall series, golfers are playing Sea Island Golf Club's two courses over the first two days of the tournament. McNealy began the week at the par-70 Seaside Course and fired an 8-under-par 62, with one eagle, six birdies and no bogeys on his card.Thorbjornsen, meanwhile, shot a bogey-free, 8-under 64 at the par-72 Plantation Course. They will switch courses on Friday before everyone who makes the cut plays the Seaside Course on Saturday and Sunday.McNealy and Thorbjornsen are one shot ahead of Andrew Novak, who posted a 7-under 65 at the Plantation Course.PGA Tour rookie Adrien Dumont de Chassart of Belgium recorded a career-low 64 at the Seaside Course to get his week going, and he's in a tie for fourth at 6 under with Chandler Phillips (66, Plantation).It's the final opportunity for Dumont de Chassart to climb into the top 125 of the FedEx Cup Fall points standings in order to earn a full PGA Tour card for 2025. As it stands after Thursday, he would jump from No. 142 to No. 124 in the standings. Thorbjornsen can benefit this week, as well; he'd rocket from No. 138 to No. 77 in points if the tournament ended today.McNealy, 29, began his round on the back nine at Seaside and was 2 under par when he reached the par-5 15th. He chipped in for eagle from almost 58 feet away."I drove it awesome. Iron play was about as good as it's been all year," McNealy said. "The last three tournaments it's really been great and that's the part of my game I've wanted to improve the most. I chipped in today, got everything up and down and putted awesome today, too. There's really nothing weak out there."McNealy entered the week No. 52 in the fall standings. He's guaranteed to finish the fall in the top 60, which qualifies him for two signature events in 2025. But to get in the 2025 season opener -- the Sentry in Kapalua, Hawaii -- McNealy must win an event, something he's yet to do in his tour career."I started the fall wanting to be in the top 60 and now that that's pretty much taken care of, (caddie Scout McNealy) and I want to get to Kapalua," he said.Thorbjornsen, 23, was back in contention after he had to withdraw from his last start at the Black Desert Championship with a knee issue."We got an MRI a couple days later and I sprained my ACL and LCL," Thorbjornsen explained. "So really glad that nothing was torn. I thought I might have torn my meniscus or something like that. Yeah, we've just been doing rehab and PT for the past three, four weeks now."Novak, 29, makes his home in St. Simons and would love nothing more than to get his first career PGA Tour victory there."It's a home event so there's always a little bit more pressure maybe just because you've got people in town, it's your home course, you want to win, you want to do well," he said.Swedish star Ludvig Aberg, the defending champion, struggled to a 3-over 73 at the Seaside Course and is on track to miss Friday's cut.Inquirer Golf
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Hayston Golf Club Pro-Am / Friday 21st June
- We are delighted to announce that we are bringing the a Pro AM back to Hayston this year!
This is a fantastic chance to play with one of Scotland’s top PGA Professionals aas well as win some amazing prizes on the day.
The cost to enter is £300 per team of 3 and includes lunch.
If you would like to enter please contact gm@haystongolf.co.uk
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Junior PGA Coaching / Golf Camp - Nairn Golf Club
- https://www.murrayurquhartgolf.com/junior-camps?
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Why business should support The PGA
- Northern Open
Tournaments such as the Northern Open which has been played now for almost 100 years can only go ahead if business get involved.
It is with huge gratitude and thanks from all the players and the PGA Scottish Region that businesses from all over Scotland are willing to support the tournaments and in turn support the rising stars of Scottish Golf 🏴👍⛳️
With that - The PGA of Scotland support many charities and it was fantastic to see their support of Prostate Cancer ❤️
Also it goes without saying that the generosity of the host clubs for PGA events is hugely appreciated and all the clubs give up so much for the players to ply their trade. This week the unbelievable setting at beautiful Cruden Bay Golf Club provided everyone involved with a truly memorable experience.
Finally on behalf of the PGA Scottish Region,
all the players and officials and Cruden Bay Golf Club, a massive thank you goes to the extremely generous sponsors of this week’s Northern Open.
TEXO Group Aberdeen
https/: www.texo.co.uk
Texo
MACKIES of Scotland
https/: www.mackies.co.uk
Mackies Ice Cream
CONTINENTAL ALLOYS & SERVICES Peterhead Ltd
https/: www.contalloy.com
Continental Alloys & Services Limited
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Robert MacIntyre keeps it real
- The stories about money in golf aren't always about greed - in Robert Macintyre Scotland has a proper champion born of grit and determination and honest values we can all relate to. This is more than winning a huge championship… this has given us all hope 🙌⛳️🏴❤️
🏆 After winning his maiden PGA Tour title with his dad as caddie, Robert MacIntyre spoke of his gratefulness to his parents, who have fostered children for many years.
"I mean, I’ve been in tears over it, kids going away from you. They become family. They have been in a tough spot.
“I wasn’t given everything as a kid. I was given a great opportunity. My dad was obviously a really good sportsman, football, golf, shinty, (but) didn’t have the finances to really chase it, and I think it was something that my mum and dad always wanted to do.
“I’ve got two older sisters who are right into their horses, horse riding and stuff, but they even sacrificed quite a lot of that just to give me a chance.
“I mean, I couldn’t play in golf tournaments as a junior because we couldn’t afford it.
“I think that makes me fight and never give up, I think not being given anything. I mean, they gave me quite a bit. They gave me the opportunity, but never was I spoon fed, I was always fighting for every bit of it.”
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