Author: Alexandra Caspers

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Highlights Tours

Tiger Woods on the Ryder Cup “I Wouldn’t Be Doing the Captaincy Justice”

Tiger Woods at The Open Championship 2024. (Photo: Getty)
Tiger Woods at The Open Championship 2024. (Photo: Getty)

Tiger Woods is in high demand. Not only from fans and journalists, who will be following his every move at The Open Championship 2024, but also in official capacities. So much in demand, in fact, that he has now had to issue a clear cancellation on one point: the Ryder Cup.

Tiger Woods: ‘You only have so many hours in the day’

The decision was very difficult for me to make,’ said Woods at his press conference during The Open Championship. The PGA of America had been waiting a long time to see whether the 15-time major winner would lead the American team in New York after all. But the 48-year-old simply doesn’t have the time.

‘My time has been so loaded with the Tour and everything and what we’re trying to accomplish,’ he explained. ‘I’m on so many different subcommittees that it just takes so much time in the day, and I’m always on calls.’

‘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.’

The Open Championship 2024 – Live Blog

‘That way I can give back to the game in a different way’

A large part of his time is taken up by work for the tour and negotiations with the PIF. Woods never imagined that he would be so involved in the administrative side of things. ‘It’s enjoyable in the sense that I’m able to help the Tour and I’m able to help the next generation of players. Now the players that are coming up now, they have equity in the Tour, and that’s never been done in any major sport in history. It’s a way of me giving back to the game in a different way other than just playing.’ Even if he sometimes wishes he was out on the golf course rather than sitting in a three-hour sub-committee meeting.

The effort seems to be paying off, because he is also happy with the direction in which the negotiations are developing, says Woods. ‘I can tell you that we are making progress,’ he continues, even if he cannot go into details. ‘It’s evolving each and every day. There’s e-mails and chains and texts and ideas that we bounce back and forth from both sides. There’s a good interchange of ideas and thoughts of how the game could look like going forward. It’s just a matter of putting that all together legally. Obviously we have the DOJ with oversight looking into that as well and making sure that we don’t do anything improperly there, as well, but also making sure that all the players benefit from this as well as everyone who’s involved. They want to make money as well. They want to make that return.’

‘We’re now into not just charitable endeavors, we’re into a for-profit model. So we have to make returns.’

‘I will play as long as I feel I can still win the tournament’

And in addition to PIF, PGA and TGL, there is of course Tiger’s own golf game. Because Woods is not yet ready to end the practical part of his career. Only recently, Colin Montgomery called on him to hang up his golf clubs. ‘He didn’t seem to enjoy a single shot at Pinehurst and you think, ‘What the hell is he doing there?’ He’s coming to Troon and he won’t enjoy it there either,’ predicted the 31-time DP World Tour winner, who has a very special connection to Troon, in an interview with the Times of London. ‘There’s a time for all sportsmen to say goodbye, but it’s very difficult to tell Tiger it’s time to go,’ he said. ‘Obviously he still believes he can win. We are more realistic.’

Woods confirms the assumption: ‘I’ll play as long as I can play and I feel I can still win the tournament,’ but also has a very specific answer to Montgomery: ’Well, as a former champion, I’m exempt until I’m 60. Colin is not. He’s not a former champion, so he’s not exempt. So he doesn’t have the ability to make that decision. I do.’ Woods will end his career on his own terms and won’t let Colin Montgomery, a broken back or a car accident dictate the end.

The Open Championship 2024 Tee Times
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PGA Tour

PGA Tour: Rookie Leads With Round of 59

Hayden Springer shoots round of 59 at the PGA Tour's John Deere Classic. (Photo: Getty)
Hayden Springer shoots round of 59 at the PGA Tour's John Deere Classic. (Photo: Getty)

Shots are being fired low at the PGA Tour’s John Deere Classic. Defending champion Sepp Straka started with a round of 66 and is still only in 27th place, while the leader Hayden Springer celebrated the fourth of July with his very own fireworks: a round of 59 and still only matching the course record.

All Scores at the John Deere Classic

PGA Tour: With an eagle-birdie finish to 59

Springer has only been on the PGA Tour since this year and can already count himself among an elite circle of players who have finished a round with fewer than 60 strokes. There have been a total of 14 rounds under 60, 13 including Springer with a 59 and Jim Furyk with a 58. Springer started with an eagle on hole 2 and followed it up with six birdies on the front nine alone. The birdie fireworks then dried up a little on the back nine. It wasn’t until the 15th that he gained a stroke to get to nine under par, by which time the prospect of a 59 was already close. But he kept his chances alive with an eagle hole-out on the 17th and completed the rare result with a birdie on the 18th.

“It’s like something you dream of, right?”, Springer said after his round. “We all want to go out and shoot 59. You don’t ever really — I don’t know how many chances I’ll ever get at doing that again. To pull it off and hole that shot on 17 and give myself a putt at it and make the putt on 18 was pretty special.”

Paul Goydos already managed a round of 59 at the John Deere Classic in 2010, but the course was played as a par 70 on that occasion.

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Europe Travel

Celebrities Come Together For Charity ‘Battle of Stars’ in Mallorca

Marcos Alonso at the Pula Golf Resort in Mallorca. (Photo: Pula Golf Resort)
Marcos Alonso at the Pula Golf Resort in Mallorca. (Photo: Pula Golf Resort)

Some of the biggest names in sport and entertainment came together against ALS and multiple sclerosis in the latest edition of the ‘Battle of the Stars’ last week.

‘Battle of Stars’ in Mallorca’s Pula Golf Resort

The three-day event, which was once again staged at Mallorca’s Pula Golf Resort and Son Servera Golf Club, was won by former FC Barcelona football director and RCD Mallorca president Matheu Alemany – but victory was secondary to the money raised for both causes.

Football icons including Gabriel Batistuta, John Arne Riise, Marcos Alonso, Alain Boghossain, Uli Stielike and more teed off across two days of spirited competition, with many contestants returning from years past.

Fittingly for a Spanish event, a strong contingent of LaLiga EA Sports legends was in attendance, including Miguel Ángel Nadal, Bernd Schuster, Albert Riera, Manu Trigueros and former Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina, while prolific ex-striker Julio Salinas came in second place. Former AC Milan stars Mauro Tassotti, Roberto Donadoni and Stefano Nava flew the flag for Italy.

Away from the sporting world, stars including defending champion and musician David Otero, bullfighter Pepín Liria and actress Verónica Mengod stepped up to the tee – as did Danish businessman Flemming
Østergaard, former chairman of the company that owns FC Copenhagen.

While the golf provided endless entertainment, the Battle of Stars’ true purpose was never far from the spotlight. This year, the event was in support of the fight against two conditions that affect millions of
people worldwide: ALS – which stands for Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis – and multiple sclerosis.

One special guest was former footballer and manager – and FC Sevilla legend – Juan Carlos Unzué, who announced in June 2020 that he had been diagnosed with ALS. Speaking at the event, Carlos Unzué
highlighted the power of sport and its stars as a voice to raise awareness in the battle against both diseases.

“All public demonstrations can help if they make you think,” said Carlos Unzué. “When we look in the mirror, we cannot deceive ourselves. If we have a clear conscience, we will be happy with ourselves.”

“I have always believed in people, but now I am experiencing it on a very high level. It’s a great capacity that people have to adapt and overcome very complicated situations.”

Raising money and awareness in the fight against ALS and multiple sclerosis

It wasn’t just famous faces enjoying the two championship courses, with a visit from the users of the Sa Riera Occupational Centre, a mental health centre in Palma, on Thursday. The users took part in a clinic by Pula Golf Academy and took photos with the participating stars, also showing their support by delivering products they had built in the centre’s workshops for people with ALS and multiple sclerosis.
On Friday, a number of people with ALS visited Son Servera to watch the action unfold.

Arnau Sala, general manager at Pula Golf Resort, said: “Developing the Battle of Stars is something we are extremely proud of at Pula and hosting the event alongside Son Servera is always one of the
highlights of our year.

“Of course, thanks must go to the stars, but also to the teams at both venues and everyone who supported the event and made it such a success.

“It’s important not to forget that we are doing this to raise money and awareness in the fight against ALS and multiple sclerosis, in the hope that we can help make a difference that will one day change
millions of lives.”

Sponsorship was provided by tournament Mallorca’s Cap Vermell Grand Hotel, Banco Santander, the Fundació Mallorca Turisme and estate agent Inmobiliaria Sa Coma.

Before the Battle of Stars brought global celebrities to Pula Golf Resort, it was a happy hunting ground for some of the world’s finest golfers. The José María Olazábal-designed course is a seven-time host on the DP World Tour and has been graced by the likes of Henrik Stenson, Sergio García and Paul McGinley. The resort also boasts 31 rooms and suites for guests, extensive practice facilities and the rustic S’Era de Pula restaurant.

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Highlights Tours

Bryson DeChambeau Wins US Open 2024 in Thrilling Final

Bryson DeChambeau wins the US Open 2024. (Photo: Getty)
Bryson DeChambeau wins the US Open 2024. (Photo: Getty)

Bryson DeChambeau wins his second US Open after holding off Rory McIlroy at Pinehurst No. 2. The day didn’t start promising for the American, whose lead was reduced to two shots by a fast birdie by McIlroy. DeChambeaus first bogey on 4 came at the same time as McIlroys dropped shot in 5, keeping them in position.

But the Northern Irishman really started to get dangerous around the turn when he closed the distance with back to back birdies and even took the lead hole 12. DeChambeau made a costly mistake on 15 but kept a strong finish while McIlroy crumbled and missed two crucial short putts on the last three holes. Meanwhile, DeChambeau saved par from a botched tee shot on the last hole, saving also his second major victory.

US Open 2024 All Scores

Bryson DeChambeau secures victory at US Open 2024

 
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MIKE TIRICO: Congratulations, Bryson. I heard you wanted to wear that hat. We’ll talk about Payne Stewart and his memory and legacy in a second.

First off, you’re reunited with this trophy. Let’s discuss when you won in 2020 at Winged Foot. Your walk up 18 was just polite applause like a Thursday morning out on Tour. You didn’t have all the fans. That was during COVID. You were engaged with the fans unlike any golfer we’ve seen before. What was the connection with the fans and you this week? Why was it so powerful for you?

BRYSON DeCHAMBEAU: Well, Mike, first off, I want to say happy Father’s Day to every father out there. Unfortunately my dad passed a couple years ago, and this one is for him.

Also to Payne Stewart, he was the reason why I went to SMU. He’s the reason why I wore the cap. Pony up, that’s right. Go SMU. Wow. I just can’t thank you guys enough for all the support this week. You guys have meant the world to me. You are the best fans in the world, and I can’t thank you enough. What a group of people.

To my team that’s growing quite a bit and to my best friends and the people that I love the most, I’m surprised you’re here — not really surprised, but I can’t thank you enough for being here. You guys mean the world to me, and I would not be here without you guys. I really appreciate it, team. Thank you, all.

MIKE TIRICO: You have a lead, get to the 13th tee, you’re two back. Obviously with where you were and Rory was, you guys could keep an eye on what was going on. Give me your mindset on 13 tee and how you found the way to steer it home.

BRYSON DeCHAMBEAU: Man, I felt like I was hitting the driver pretty well today. It just wasn’t starting exactly where I wanted it to. Ultimately on 13, I knew I had to make birdie there to give myself a chance because Rory was going on a heater, and he slipped up a couple on the way coming in, and I just kept staying the course, focused on trying to hit as many fairways as I could, even though I didn’t. I was not great today with that.

But I got out of trouble really well, and then, man, I can’t believe that up-and-down on the last. That was overall probably the best shot of my life.

I was just trying to land it pretty much where I landed it and run it out to the right. I remember Payne’s putt and how it broke up there, and I knew that was obviously huge to get up-and-down to win this prestigious championship that will be the highlight of my life. I still can’t believe it. It’s unbelievable.

MIKE TIRICO: You become the 23rd individual to win multiple U.S. Opens, one of whom is back here, two-time U.S. Open champion Andy North. You’re in a special and select club in American golf. What does it mean to you to have this baby for the second time?

BRYSON DeCHAMBEAU: First off, I’ll say to the USGA, thank you for hosting such an incredible event. Mike, you’ve done a great job. John, fantastic. Fred, you’re the man. You know that. I love you, bro.

I’ll tell you the most important thing is the greenskeepers and greens crew out here. They did an incredible job keeping this golf course in spectacular shape. Thank you very much for your continuous hard work every single day out here to keep this championship the way it needed to be. Hats off to you.

What it means. I haven’t really let it sunk in yet. Tonight I want all of you guys somehow, I want you guys to touch this trophy because I want you to experience what this feels like for me. You were a part of this journey this week, and I want you to be a part of it for the after party.

MIKE TIRICO: All right, the after party is funded by Bryson. Ladies and gentlemen, 2024 and now two-time United States Open champion, Bryson DeChambeau.

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Highlights Tours

US Open 2024 – Scottie Scheffler: “I couldn’t hole anything”

Scottie Scheffler's final round at the US Open 2024. (Photo: Getty)
Scottie Scheffler's final round at the US Open 2024. (Photo: Getty)

Scottie Scheffler finishes his US Open 2024 with a two-over 72. With a total score of eight over par he ends the tournament on T43. On his final day the world number 1 didn’t manage to hole a single birdie, ending the third major of the year with four rounds over par. After his round he talked about the struggle to get the ball into the hole

US Open 2024 Live Scores

Scottie Scheffler talks to the media after his final round of the US Open 2024

SCOTTIE SCHEFFLER: It was a long week. Obviously didn’t play my best. A bit frustrating to end. Feel like I have some good takeaways from this week, learned some good things.

Q. What did you feel like was the one thing that might have been off the most?

SCOTTIE SCHEFFLER: I couldn’t hole anything. I could not see the break on these greens. The greens this week kind of had my number. I felt like I hit a lot of really good putts that did weird things at the cup that I was not expecting them to do.

When we come back here in a few years, I’ll probably try to do a lot more work getting things going on the greens. I felt like I did a lot of my work around the greens this week, and maybe I needed to do more — the practice greens weren’t the same speed as the course, and it was hard to find something similar.

I’d say that was definitely an added challenge. So I think as far as the prep work goes, probably try to do more on the course, get to know the greens a little bit better.

But other than that, I feel like I did some good things this week, but overall I definitely need to do some things better.

Follow the US Open 2024 on the live blog

Q. You mentioned takeaways, but what are some other things that you need to do leading into — you were talking about playing the week before or not. What are some other takeaways?

SCOTTIE SCHEFFLER: Yeah, I think playing the week before, a lot of it depends on the golf course, and I think last week with the golf course the way it is, it probably was not the best prep work for me coming into another really challenging event. I think I shot 5-under the first round at Memorial, which would have been the easiest day, and after that I was maybe 3-under from there on out. I mean, that’s pretty U.S. Open-like, and to play that many rounds, especially with what I’ve been dealing with the weeks leading up or really kind of the whole season, really playing a lot of good golf and being in contention, I think maybe my prep would have been a little bit better for this week if I was at home. But I’m obviously not going to skip Jack’s tournament. It’s a tournament I love playing. It’s a tournament that I’m humbled to be the champion at.

But as far as prep for this week, it may not have been the best, but I knew what my schedule was at the beginning of the year. I had it set. That was always the way it was going to be. I feel like going forward, I’ll maybe do things a little bit differently in the weeks leading up to majors, especially when you know it’s going to be a challenging setup at a U.S. Open.

Q. How do you get your rest and get back to Travelers next week?

SCOTTIE SCHEFFLER: Well, we’re going to head home tonight. I haven’t decided exactly when I’ll head up to Travelers, but we’ll assess and see how things are going at home. Right now the plan is to go up Monday night, but we’ll assess and see how we feel at home.

Q. Any big Father’s Day plans?

SCOTTIE SCHEFFLER: No. No. Meredith surprised me this morning with a New York bagel, which was nice. Little man was screaming as I left the house, so it was maybe a good time for me to be leaving on Father’s Day. He was a little upset.

Yeah, actually they came out on the range this morning, and it was pretty awesome. He had his little outfit on. He had a little hat on over his head. It was just hilarious. Yeah, get home as quick as we can, and yeah, just enjoy dinner tonight just us three.

Q. Was it more physically or mentally taxing playing on a hard course the week before a major?

SCOTTIE SCHEFFLER: I’d say it’s mental, but I think there’s definitely a physical aspect to it. Today I made more of a conscious effort to make sure I got kind of my legs going in the swing. That’s maybe something I’ll assess in the off-season, as well. I feel like I’ve played a lot of my best golf not late in the season, maybe a bit early in the season, so that’s maybe something to look at, whether or not I need to get more mental rest as the year goes on or maybe need to have better physical endurance. I’m not really sure which one it is.

But like I said, now I’ve been on a good stretch of golf. Had one tough event following a great event. I’m not really going to look too much into it but focus more on my prep.

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Highlights Tours

US Open 2024 Tee Times: Rory McIlroy Alongside Patrick Cantlay

Goes into the final day of the US Open 2024 as tied second place: Rory McIlroy. (Image: Getty)
Goes into the final day of the US Open 2024 as tied second place: Rory McIlroy. (Image: Getty)

Before the final day of the US Open 2024, Bryson DeChambeau was able to extend his lead to three strokes with a strong Moving Day performance. The American will tee off in the last group with his playing partner Matthieu Pavon. The Frenchman is at a total of -4 and shares second place with Rory McIlroy and Patrick Cantlay, who will start their round together in the second-to-last group of the day at 8:10 PM.

US Open 2024 Live Scores

Tee Times US Open 2024 Round X

Tee Teetime Player 1 Player 2
1 7:30 am Seonghyeon Kim Gunnar Broin (a)
1 7:41 am Matthew Fitzpatrick Jackson Suber
1 7:52 am Brandon Wu Austin Eckroat
1 8:3 am Francesco Molinari Ben Kohles
1 8:14 am Dean Burmester Ryan Fox
1 8:25 am Sepp Straka Martin Kaymer
1 8:36 am Greyson Sigg Cameron Young
1 8:47 am Nico Echavarria Brendon Todd
1 8:58 am Justin Lower Sam Bennett
1 9:9 am Adam Scott Brian Campbell
1 9:25 am Matt Kuchar Frankie Capan III
1 9:36 am Adam Svensson Harris English
1 9:47 am Jordan Spieth Si Woo Kim
1 9:58 am Max Greyserman Sahith Theegala
1 10:9 am Daniel Berger Keegan Bradley
1 10:20 am Scottie Scheffler Tom McKibbin
1 10:31 am Brooks Koepka Tim Widing
1 10:42 am Nicolai Højgaard Emiliano Grillo
1 10:53 am Isaiah Salinda Christiaan Bezuidenhout
1 11:4 am Cameron Smith Wyndham Clark
1 11:15 am J.T. Poston Tommy Fleetwood
1 11:31 am Shane Lowry Zac Blair
1 11:42 am Billy Horschel Chris Kirk
1 11:53 am Denny McCarthy Min Woo Lee
1 12:4 pm Neal Shipley (a) Luke Clanton (a)
1 12:15 pm Sam Burns Stephan Jaeger
1 12:26 pm Brian Harman Mark Hubbard
1 12:37 pm David Puig Thomas Detry
1 12:48 pm Akshay Bhatia Russell Henley
1 12:59 pm Davis Thompson Xander Schauffele
1 1:10 pm Sergio Garcia Taylor Pendrith
1 1:26 pm Aaron Rai Tom Kim
1 1:37 pm Corey Conners Collin Morikawa
1 1:48 pm Tony Finau Tyrrell Hatton
1 1:59 pm Ludvig Åberg Hideki Matsuyama
1 2:10 pm Patrick Cantlay Rory McIlroy
1 2:21 pm Matthieu Pavon Bryson DeChambeau
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Highlights Tours

Tiger Woods Missing Cut at US Open 2024: “Highest Score I Could Have Possibly Shot Today”

Tiger Woods misses the cut at the US Open 2024. (Photo: Getty)
Tiger Woods misses the cut at the US Open 2024. (Photo: Getty)

Tiger Woods misses the cut at the US Open 2024 after a second round of 73 shots. On day 1 he played a round of 74, leaving him with a total score of seven over par.

Like on day 1, Woods holed an early birdie, at the par 4 hole 4. But that was the only birdie he would make during the day and he followed it directly bogey. He lost three additional shots during his round.

US Open 2024 Live Scores

Tiger Woods on his second round at the US Open 2024

TIGER WOODS: Well, it was probably the highest score I could have possibly shot today. I hit a lot of good shots that just didn’t quite go my way, or I hit good putts, and then I put myself in a couple bad spots with some bad lag putts. But again, as I said, it was probably the highest score I could have shot today.

Q. You said yesterday that it’s pick your poison between playing tournaments in the lead-up or not being sharp. Do you think with how your body is feeling, is there a scenario in which you’d try to play a little bit more?

TIGER WOODS: I’ve only got one more tournament this season, so I’m not going to — I don’t think even if I win the British Open I don’t think I’ll be in the Playoffs. Just one more event and then I’ll come back whenever I come back.

Q. You’re a serial winner. You’re used to winning. How much does it hurt to not make the cut, and have you at any point this week felt, hand on heart, this could be your last U.S. Open?

TIGER WOODS: Well, it’s one of those things where in order to win a golf tournament, you have to make the cut. I can’t win the tournament from where I’m at, so it certainly is frustrating.

I thought I played well enough to be up there in contention. It just didn’t work out.

As far as my last Open Championship or U.S. Open Championship, I don’t know what that is. It may or may not be.

Q. How did you feel? It seemed like you were walking stronger, looked stronger, and then the lip-out on 15, how deflating was that?

TIGER WOODS: Yeah, 15 hurt. That was a good — sweet little 7-iron in there and a good putt, high-side lip. If I make that putt, it flips the momentum, and I’m looking pretty good on the last three holes, and instead I’m on the wrong side of the cut line and having to do something good on the last three holes, which I end up hitting a sweet shot out of the trouble on 16 and I thought I holed my bunker shot at 17.

Q. You seem to be walking well, getting good shots off the tee. What will your main takeaways be from this week at Pinehurst?

TIGER WOODS: Frustrating. I’m not here for the weekend. Granted, my ball-striking and felt like my putting was good enough to be in contention, and I’m not.

Yes, it is frustrating because I’m not here to have a chance to win on the weekend.

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Highlights Tours

US Open 2024 Rory McIlroy: “I Don’t See Anyone Running Away with it Today”

Rory McIlroy in round 2 of the US Open 2024. (Photo: Getty)
Rory McIlroy in round 2 of the US Open 2024. (Photo: Getty)

Rory McIlroy secured himself a good position for the weekend in round 2 of the US Open 2024 at Pinehurst No. 2. The Northern Irishmal finished with a round of 72 shots on the par 70 course, dropping to a total score of three under par. Two bogeys on the first nine had him struggling on day two. After the birdie on hole three he strived to go back to even par but instead a final bogey prevented that. At the time of him finishing the round McIlroy was two back from the lead but the afternoon session with Patrick Cantlay and Ludvig Aberg had only started.

US Open 2024 Live Scores

Rory McIlroy about his second round at the US Open 2024

RORY McILROY: Yeah, obviously not quite as well as yesterday, but I feel like the golf course plays a little more difficult, even though we were off in the morning. Some of the hole locations were definitely a little tougher. Sort of had to have your wits about you. I putted it off one green there on 17.

Yeah, overall I felt like I did a pretty good job at keeping some of the mistakes off the scorecard. I wish I had converted a couple more of the chances. Hit the ball pretty well. I think only missed one fairway. So I had plenty of opportunities.

Yeah, wasn’t quite as good with the putter today. Still overall in a great position going into the weekend.

Q. Can you talk about the 5th hole a little bit, how that helped your round as far as the score is concerned.

RORY McILROY: Yeah, that back left hole location on 5 is pretty treacherous. If you miss it left there at all, obviously you saw what Xander and Scottie did. After sealing their two attempts, I was pretty happy with mine just to get it over the other side of the green and get it up-and-down for 5.

Yeah, it’s tough. You’re hitting off a lie with the ball above your feet. It’s hard for that. And the winds a touch off the right as well. It’s hard to not let that ball go left on you with your second shot.

I’d say there’s going to be a lot of guys down in that left sandy area today.

Q. How would you say this golf course challenges you differently than your run-of-the-mill Tour course?

RORY McILROY: Yeah, it just requires a lot more thought. Even though I hit a great drive up the 8th hole, I had 151 adjusted to the hole. I’m trying to land it 146. I can’t land it 144 because it’s not going to get up there. I can’t land it 148 because it’s going to go over the back of the green.

You just need to have a lot of precision. I feel like for the most part I’ve done that well this week. I’ve got the ball pin-high quite a lot, which is really important. I’m not trying to land the ball pin-high. You’re trying to hit it to a number with a wedge, maybe five short of that, and then with a mid-iron you’re trying to land it 30 feet short of the pin to try to get it pin-high.

Just a little more thought, a little more consideration to everything that you’re doing. Very conservative strategy off the tee. And because most of us are playing conservative off the tee, with irons you can aim down one side of the fairway or the other to try to give yourself better angles to these pins.

Rory McIlroy’s Tee Times for the US Open 2024

Q. Is it clear early on it’s going to be hard for somebody to run away, to get that 6- or 8- or 9-under? Is that in your mind at all?

RORY McILROY: Yeah, I mean, I was 2-over pretty early. My goal going into that second nine was if I could get it back to even for the day, I would have been pretty happy. Got that birdie on 3. I was trying to claw one back there. Ultimately I gave one back again.

Yeah, with the way the golf course is and the way some of those hole locations are, I don’t see anyone running away with it today, building up too much of a lead.

That’s certainly what Martin did a few years ago here. It will be interesting to see how it all pans out this afternoon.

Q. 15 had a really tough pin position today.

RORY McILROY: Yeah.

Q. How hard was that playing for you guys? Can you talk about how you had to adjust your strategy for the hole location?

RORY McILROY: It’s funny, I feel like Xander and my shots, we both sort of landed it probably the exact same distance. But his was a little more aggressive and a little more right towards the pin so it stayed on the ledge. Mine was a little further left where the slope is a little steeper. Mine came back down. He’s got a birdie putt from 10 feet, and I’m trying to do well to save par.

As I said, you just have to be so precise. If you’re going left of the hole there, you have to land it at least pin-high, if not a little bit past it. But that’s the great thing about this golf course. If you take a shot on and you pull it off, it rewards you. Xander got that reward on that 15th hole today, and I didn’t.

Q. You said yesterday you didn’t like watching before you went out. Could you explain why. Do you like watching after you finish?

RORY McILROY: I don’t like seeing where other guys are hitting it. I particularly don’t like when I can watch people hit putts on greens because then, whenever I have a similar putt on the golf course, I’m going off the memory of what I think I saw on TV instead of seeing it with my own eyes. I’d rather just not have that option at all.

But yeah, I mean, this afternoon I’ll probably tune in a little bit and watch. But yeah, before I go out to play, I’ve learned the hard way at times that I don’t need to be watching on the TV.

Thank you.

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Highlights Tours

US Open 2024: Pro Makes Hole in One to Make the Cut

Francesco Molinari aces the last hole at the US Open 2024. (Photo: Getty)
Francesco Molinari aces the last hole at the US Open 2024. (Photo: Getty)

Francesco Molinari was in a dire situation when he came to hole 9, his last hole at round 2 of the US Open 2024. Because, bar a small miracle, this would be his last hole of the week, when at seven over par he had to expect to miss the cut. But then the incredible happens: The shot carries the bunker, landed on the green, breaking left to right on the line towards the hole – and goes in, catapulting Molinari into the cut line.

US Open 2024 Live Scores

“It was the last chance to have a chance to play the weekend”, Molinari said after his round. He wasn’t exactly planning for the ace, though. “You’re trying to hit a good shot. I just bogeyed 8. I was hoping I was able to par 8 and then having to make 2 at 9, with that flag, if you hit a good shot, you can get it within birdie range, but when I dropped a shot at 8, standing on the 9th tee it was just put a good swing on it and see what happens.”

It was the second hole in one of the day after Sepp Straka aced hole 9 in the morning already.

Sepp Straka Scores Hole-in-One During Second Round of US Open 2024

Francesco Molinari’s Hole in One at the US Open 2024

 
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Highlights Tours

Watch: Sahith Theegala’s Ridiculous Birdie at the US Open 2024

Sahith Theegala at the US Open 2024. (Photo: Getty)
Sahith Theegala at the US Open 2024. (Photo: Getty)

Missing the green is one of the most dangerous things that can happen at the 2024 US Open at Pinehurst No. 2. Sahith Theegala makes a virtue of this predicament and sinks the ball with a putt from off the green. A truly magical shot.

US Open 2024 Live Scores

US Open 2024: Unbelievable shot by Sahith Theegala

 
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