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DP World Tour Tee Times: Jamie Donaldson at the Soudal Open

Following the season’s second major, the DP World Tour returns to European soil to usher in the eagerly awaited European Swing. First up: the Soudal Open, hosted once again by the prestigious Rinkven International Golf Club near Antwerp. The historic par-71 course, among Belgium’s finest, will see players vie for a prize fund of $2.75 million. Defending champion Nacho Elvira of Spain is back to protect his title. Coverage begins daily at 1:00 PM (CET) on Sky Sports and DAZN.

DP World Tour Tee Times

Scott Jamieson will be one of the first players out on Thursday morning, teeing off at 07:30 from Tee 1. The Scotsman is paired with England’s Matthew Southgate and Jayden Trey Schaper of South Africa. His second round begins on Friday at 12:30 from Tee 10.

Ewen Ferguson, another Scottish contender, opens his tournament ten minutes later at 07:50 from Tee 1. He plays alongside Daniel Hillier (New Zealand) and Lev Grinberg. Ferguson returns to the course on Friday at 12:50, this time from Tee 10.

Calum Hill, who’s been steadily building form in recent months, starts at 08:40 on Thursday from Tee 1. He’s joined by South African Brandon Stone and Germany’s Yannik Paul. Their second round begins at 13:40 on Friday from Tee 10.

Representing Wales, Jamie Donaldson tees off Thursday afternoon at 13:40 from Tee 1. The veteran is grouped with England’s Callum Shinkwin and American Troy Merritt — a trio with plenty of international experience. Donaldson’s Friday round starts at 08:40 from Tee 10.

Grant Forrest, also flying the flag for Scotland, is among the later starters on Thursday. He begins at 14:30 from Tee 1, alongside Italy’s Francesco Laporta and Jordan Gumberg from the USA. The group returns to action on Friday morning at 09:30 from Tee 10.

RoundTimePlayerNationalityPartners
107:30Scott JamiesonScotlandMatthew Southgate (ENG), Jayden Trey Schaper (RSA)
107:50Ewen FergusonScotlandDaniel Hillier (NZL), Lev Grinberg
108:40Calum HillScotlandBrandon Stone (RSA), Yannik Paul (GER)
212:30Scott JamiesonScotlandMatthew Southgate (ENG), Jayden Trey Schaper (RSA)
212:50Ewen FergusonScotlandDaniel Hillier (NZL), Lev Grinberg
213:40Calum HillScotlandBrandon Stone (RSA), Yannik Paul (GER)
113:40Jamie DonaldsonWalesCallum Shinkwin (ENG), Troy Merritt (USA)
114:30Grant ForrestScotlandFrancesco Laporta (ITA), Jordan Gumberg (USA)
208:40Jamie DonaldsonWalesCallum Shinkwin (ENG), Troy Merritt (USA)
209:30Grant ForrestScotlandFrancesco Laporta (ITA), Jordan Gumberg (USA)
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Live

DP World Tour Tee Times: Sean Crocker and More in Belgium

After the season’s second major, the DP World Tour heads back to European soil to kick off the much-anticipated European Swing. Leading the way is the Soudal Open, once again taking place at the renowned Rinkven International Golf Club near Antwerp. This historic par-71 layout—one of Belgium’s premier courses—sets the stage as players compete for a $2.75 million prize purse. Spain’s Nacho Elvira returns to defend his title. Daily coverage starts at 1:00 PM (CET) on Sky Sports and DAZN.

DP World Tour Tee Times for American Players

Sean Crocker begins his campaign in Belgium on Thursday at 9:00 AM from Tee 1. The American is paired with Ugo Coussaud of France and fellow Englishman Dan Bradbury. Their second round is set for Friday at 2:00 PM, this time from Tee 10.

Brandon Wu, another American in the field, will look to find early rhythm as he tees off Thursday at 9:20 AM from Tee 1, alongside Wil Besseling (Netherlands) and Loris Maquet. Wu’s group returns on Friday at 2:20 PM from Tee 10.

Johannes Veerman opens his tournament on Thursday afternoon at 12:40 PM, starting from Tee 1. He joins Dylan Naidoo (South Africa) and Pablo Larrazábal (Spain) in what promises to be a dynamic group. Their second round gets underway early Friday morning at 7:40 AM from Tee 10.

Veteran Troy Merritt will take on the Rinkven layout starting Thursday at 1:40 PM from Tee 1, paired with South Africa’s Dylan Frittelli and Spain’s Adrian Otaegui. Merritt’s Friday tee time is scheduled for 8:40 AM from Tee 10.

Lucas Bjerregaard (DEN) welcomes Corey Shaun of the U.S. to a group that also features England’s Marcus Armitage. Their first tee time is Thursday at 2:00 PM from Tee 1, with the second round following Friday morning at 9:00 AM from Tee 10.

RoundTimePlayerNationalityPartnersNationality
109:00 AMSean CrockerUSAUgo Coussaud, Dan BradburyFRA, ENG
202:00 PMSean CrockerUSAUgo Coussaud, Dan BradburyFRA, ENG
109:20 AMBrandon WuUSAWil Besseling, Loris MaquetNED, BEL
202:20 PMBrandon WuUSAWil Besseling, Loris MaquetNED, BEL
112:40 PMJohannes VeermanUSADylan Naidoo, Pablo LarrazábalRSA, ESP
207:40 AMJohannes VeermanUSADylan Naidoo, Pablo LarrazábalRSA, ESP
101:40 PMTroy MerrittUSADylan Frittelli, Adrian OtaeguiRSA, ESP
208:40 AMTroy MerrittUSADylan Frittelli, Adrian OtaeguiRSA, ESP
102:00 PMCorey ShaunUSALucas Bjerregaard, Marcus ArmitageDEN, ENG
209:00 AMCorey ShaunUSALucas Bjerregaard, Marcus ArmitageDEN, ENG
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Highlights Tours

PGA Championship 2025: Eric Cole Records First Hole-in-One in

It didn’t take long for the PGA Championship 2025 to deliver its first moment of brilliance. On Thursday afternoon at Quail Hollow Club, American Eric Cole made tournament headlines with a perfectly struck 7-iron on the 184-yard par-3 4th hole – his 13th of the day.

Cole’s tee shot pitched just short of the flagstick, bounced twice on the elevated green, and rolled cleanly into the cup. Initially frozen in disbelief, the 36-year-old quickly turned to celebrate as cheers erupted from the gallery and his playing partners.

Momentum shift after a shaky start at the PGA Championship 2025

Cole’s front nine had been less than ideal. After beginning the round on the 10th tee and reaching the turn at one under, the Californian stumbled with a bogey at the 1st and a costly double bogey on the par-4 2nd. But the ace at No. 4 provided immediate redemption — and a serious momentum swing.

The hole-in-one vaulted Cole from 92nd to T49 on the leaderboard, bringing him back to even par and right into the conversation early in the week at Quail Hollow.

First hole-in-one of the PGA Championship 2025

The PGA Championship’s official X (formerly Twitter) account was quick to capture the moment:

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Live

Golf World Ranking: Two Europeans Enter Top Ten

Straka’s win at Quail Hollow Club was anything but easy. Battling it out with Shane Lowry down the stretch, the Austrian kept his cool, carded a clinical final round, and sealed the deal in style. The win sends him flying up the Official World Golf Ranking from 17th to 9th – a massive leap up the rankings.

Golf World Ranking: Lowry Joins the Party, Hovland Slips Out

Straka wasn’t the only one making moves. Shane Lowry’s runner-up finish was enough to nudge him into the OWGR top 10 as well — he now sits at 10th, while Viktor Hovland just misses out at 11th.

At the top of the leaderboard, it’s business as usual: Scottie Scheffler is still No. 1, McIlroy holds steady at No. 2, and there’s no change among the rest of the other five.

Rank Player Nationality Last Week’s Rank
1 Scottie Scheffler 1
2 Rory McIlroy 3
3 Xander Schauffele 2
4 Collin Morikawa 4
5 Justin Thomas 19
6 Ludvig Aberg 5
7 Hideki Matsuyama 6
8 Russell Henley 17
9 Sepp Straka 36
10 Shane Lowry 27

See the complete Official World Golf Ranking here

European Ryder Cup Race Heats Up

The Ryder Cup standings for Team Europe now reflect the shifting momentum. Rory McIlroy continues to dominate the European Points List by a wide margin, but behind him, the race is tightening. Lowry’s strong form has propelled him into second place, while Straka now sits fifth, solidly in automatic qualification territory.

Fleetwood, Hatton, Rose, and rising star Ludvig Åberg are all clustered closely together, with plenty still to play for as the qualification period unfolds.

Team Europe Ryder Cup Rankings

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PGA Tour

LIV for ladies? The PIF sponsors Charley Hull and Co. a Global Series

Of course, the headline is provocative, and there is certainly no question of a team mode, a franchise concept or even poaching established golfing greats. But the fact that Saudi Arabia is casting covetous glances at women’s golf was already hinted at by its former calorifier Greg Norman during his time in office. Now Riyadh has manifested this interest and donated a Global Series to the European Ladies Tour (LET), initially with five events in five countries, financed and supported by the sovereign wealth fund PIF. In return, the Aramco Team Series has been dropped or renamed.

The PIF Global Series is organized and hosted by the LET, four of the five tournaments are endowed with two million dollars, plus the PIF Saudi Ladies International with a pot of five million dollars. Attentive observers of the women’s golf scene will have noticed that the first two competitions have already taken place: In February, Jeeno Thitikul won 675,000 dollars at the PIF Saudi Ladies International, and last weekend Korean Hyo Joo Kim celebrated a home victory in Seoul. Other venues include the Centurion Club near London (August 8-10), Houston (September 5-7) and Mission Hills in Shenzen, China (November 6-8).

As in the LIV Golf League, the PIF Global Series also has a team and an individual ranking, and PIF boss Yasir Al-Rumayyan is sticking to his vision of team golf. The captains are named based on the world rankings and can then put together their teams. Europe’s figurehead Charley Hull is naturally delighted – and not just because the Englishwoman is an ambassador for Saudi Golf anyway. In view of the generally low prize money at the LET, such multi-million dollar commitments are more than welcome. “Golf Saudi and PIF have shown themselves to be true trailblazers for women’s golf and have once again demonstrated their commitment to equal opportunities,” said Hull. Who would have thought that the Saudis would be talked about like this?

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Uncategorized

Can Rory McIlroy Continue His Major Success in 2025?

Rory McIlroy’s long-awaited Masters victory back in April was the culmination of over a decade of heartache. The long road to the green jacket began all the way back in 2011 when the Northern Irishman held a four-stroke lead heading into Championship Sunday. From there, however, he proceeded to shoot a disastrous seven over par, and it took him 14 years to recover.

In his ultimate success in 2025, it looked as though those same demons would rear their head once again. McIlroy once again held a lead heading into the final round, this time by two strokes rather than the four of 2011. The lead was pushed out to five strokes by the time he reached the back nine, but then, just as they did all those years ago, the wheels well and truly came off.

Wee-Mac bogeyed the 11th, before a double bogey two holes later saw three strokes shaved off his lead. A rallying Justin Rose had emerged as a contender, and McIlroy’s bogey on the 18th meant the two Brits would face a grueling playoff to crown a champion. Ultimately, it was the Northern Irishman who held his nerve, birdying while Rose could only manage a Par to secure the victory.

Now, with the biggest monkey finally off his back, attention turns to the future. Could 2025 be the year of Rory?

PGA Championship: Familiar Territory, Favorable Odds

May’s PGA Championship at Quail Hollow in North Carolina is the first up in McIlroy’s quest for immortality, and online betting odds providers currently price him as the 5/1 joint favorite alongside American sensation Scottie Scheffler. For those unfamiliar with placing bets, using an online betting odds calculator, such as the popular one at Thunderpick, shows that a $100 bet would return $500 in winnings, in addition to the $100 stake already wagered.

Much of his listing as the joint favorite comes from the fact that the venue couldn’t be more suited to McIlroy’s game. The 36-year-old has a sparkling history at the course, having won twice at the Wells Fargo Championship there. Now, though, he is aiming to win one of the game’s biggest prizes at one of his favorite courses, and his relationship with the PGA Championship is equally notable.

McIlroy is a two-time PGA champion, last winning in 2014 when he outdueled Phil Mickelson at Valhalla in dramatic fashion. That particular triumph was his second in three installments of the competition after winning for the first time in 2012, and it remains the only major that Rors has won more than once. This year, he is looking to make it a famous hat trick, 11 years on from his most recent triumph.

His most recent performances at the PGA, though, form a mixed bag. He finished 22nd the last time Quail Hollow hosted the championship in 2017 and hasn’t cracked the top five in the past decade. Yet Quail Hollow’s layout, with its long par-fours and demanding closing stretch nicknamed “The Green Mile,” could play into McIlroy’s hands. His ability to drive the ball monstrous distances and his resurgent putting confidence in 2025 make him a daunting contender. Add three PGA Tour wins already this year, including a statement victory at Augusta, and McIlroy appears poised to banish the ghosts of middling finishes here.

US Open at Oakmont: Can Rory’s Ball-Striking Tame Brutal Conditions?

The US Open has historically been McIlroy’s toughest challenge, even though this was where he first broke through for his maiden major victory at Congressional in 2011. His eight-shot margin of victory that week remains one of the most dominant performances in modern major history, but since then, dominant displays have been sorely lacking.

The Northern Irish star’s track record in the storied tournament has largely faltered over the last decade, especially on punishing setups like Oakmont Country Club. The Pennsylvania course is renowned for its lightning-fast greens, penal bunkers, and narrow fairways, demanding precision over raw power. The last time McIlroy played here, he missed the cut in 2016. It’s no surprise, then, that he’s slightly further down the odds board this year, currently the 6/1 second favorite behind 5/1 frontrunner Scheffler.

That said, McIlroy’s game in 2025 looks more complete than it has in many years. His tee-to-green precision has been as solid as ever this term, and he showcased a sharper short game at Augusta that ultimately propelled him to the green jacket. Oakmont will
test his ability to grind through the brutally difficult stretch of consecutive pars that define US Open success. If McIlroy can avoid the mistakes that often creep into his second and third rounds at majors, he’s talented enough to contend.

The Open at Royal Portrush: Homecoming With a Chance at Legacy

If there’s a major that feels preordained for McIlroy to dominate, it’s The Open. This year’s showdown is back on home soil at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland, marking the first time that the action has taken place in the country since 2019. The venue is particularly meaningful to the hometown hero, who grew up less than an hour from its hallowed links.

He experienced heartbreak the last time The Open was played here six years ago when an opening-round 79 derailed his hopes, only to mount a stirring Day 2 charge that fell agonizingly short. Fast forward to 2025, and McIlroy is carrying a greater sense of purpose than ever before. He previously lifted the Claret Jug in 2014 at Royal Liverpool and has frequently played well on links-style courses, owing to his creativity and ball flight control. His odds of 11/2 reflect both his pedigree and the favorable storyline attached to this major.

The Open’s unpredictable conditions, from gusting winds to changing weather, will challenge him immensely. Yet if the Masters was any indication, McIlroy seems more prepared than ever to handle final-round intensity and lead chases from the pack. He has finally shown that he can see out a victory when leading into the final round, while he has persistently chased down huge deficits in recent majors. Now, the time has come for a homegrown victory at Portrush that would elevate McIlroy into the pantheon of the greats.

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Live

PGA Tour Tee Times: Jordan Spieth Set for Action in Texas

The PGA Tour heads to McKinney, Texas, this week for the CJ Cup Byron Nelson, hosted at TPC Craig Ranch. With a Par-71 layout and nearly $10 million in prize money, the stage is set for a packed leaderboard and plenty of scoring. Local favorite Jordan Spieth, comeback stories like Will Zalatoris and Gary Woodland, and emerging contenders like Jake Knapp and Karl Vilips headline the PGA Tour Tee Times.

The PGA Tour Tee Times

Scotland’s Martin Laird is back in the field this week at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson and will open his tournament alongside American Beau Hossler and Germany’s Matti Schmid. Their first round gets underway Thursday at 1:17 PM local time off the 10th tee. The trio returns for Friday’s second round at 12:00 PM from the same tee.

For Jordan Spieth, this week is more than just another start — it’s a home game. The Dallas native begins his campaign Thursday at 12:33 PM off the 1st tee, grouped with World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and South Korea’s Si Woo Kim. It’s one of the featured groups of the day and promises early leaderboard movement. On Friday, they flip to Tee 10 at 7:23 AM

Will Zalatoris continues his steady return to full competition after a long injury layoff. He’s paired with Ben Griffin, fresh off a breakthrough win at last week’s Zurich Classic team event, and Byeong Hun An. They tee off Thursday at 7:23 AM from Tee 10, with a Friday turnaround to Tee 1 at 12:33 PM.

Jake Knapp has already made noise this season with a maiden PGA Tour win and enters the CJ Cup Byron Nelson with rising expectations. He tees off Thursday at 12:55 PM from Tee 1 in a group that includes Brian Campbell and Sam Burns — the latter a proven closer on tour. Knapp’s second round begins Friday at 7:45 AM from Tee 10.

PlayerNationalityRound 1 Tee TimeRound 1 TeeRound 2 Tee TimeRound 2 TeeCo-Players
Martin LairdSCO1:17 PM10th12:00 PM10thBeau Hossler (USA), Matti Schmid (GER)
Jordan SpiethUSA12:33 PM1st7:23 AM10thScottie Scheffler (USA), Si Woo Kim (KOR)
Will ZalatorisUSA7:23 AM10th12:33 PM1stBen Griffin (USA), Byeong Hun An (KOR)
Jake KnappUSA12:55 PM1st7:45 AM10thBrian Campbell (USA), Sam Burns (USA)
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PGA Tour

Record Crowds Expected at Royal Portrush for 153rd Open Championship

Royal Portrush is set to make history once again. The R&A announced that it expects a staggering 278,000 fans to descend on the famed links this July for the 153rd Open Championship — a figure that would make it one of the most attended Opens of all time.

The turnout will mark the largest sporting event ever staged in Northern Ireland, with an estimated economic impact of £213 million. Ticket demand has been unprecedented, with over one million applications submitted. Only the 150th Open at St Andrews in 2022 — which drew 290,000 spectators — has attracted a larger crowd.

Lowry and McIlroy Set for Homecoming Battle

Portrush last hosted The Open in 2019, when Shane Lowry thrilled the home crowds with a commanding six-shot victory, drawing a then-record 237,750 fans over four days. Six years later, anticipation is reaching a fever pitch as Lowry prepares for a potential showdown with fellow fan favorite Rory McIlroy — fresh off his long-awaited Masters triumph and the favorite to capture more major glory in 2025.

 
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Panorama

McIlroy Family Expanding Roots with New Home at Wentworth Estate

Rory McIlroy’s life, both on and off the course, has long been a source of fascination for the sporting world. His victories, setbacks, outspoken nature, and commitment to the game consistently draw the spotlight. Recent weeks have been no different, as media attention intensified following McIlroy’s appearance at the Masters — not just for his performance, but for his movements beyond Augusta’s fairways.

One stop on McIlroy’s post-Masters itinerary brought him home to Northern Ireland, where he reunited with his parents, Rosie and Gerry, in Holywood. The visit served as a celebration, compensating for their absence at Augusta as they prepared for a relocation of their own.

McIlroy Lays New Foundations at Wentworth Estate

Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, construction is well underway on a significant new project for the McIlroy family: a home in England’s prestigious Wentworth Estate, just outside London. The development, situated near the storied Wentworth Club — host venue for the BMW PGA Championship — signals a new chapter for McIlroy, his wife Erica Stoll, and their young daughter, Poppy. Reports suggest the move was motivated in part by a desire for a fresh start for the couple.

“It’s not every day you get to fulfil one of your lifelong goals and dreams,” McIlroy reflected during the Zurich Classic of New Orleans. “We first went to London with Erica and Poppy to see our new home that we’re building and we made the trip over to Belfast to see a few other people that are important to us. Just to be with them, to be with Erica and Poppy and my mum and dad.”

Artist from Ireland. Found a home for my Rory McIlroy painting, donated the piece to Holywood Golf Club this week, Rory’s home course. Hopefully he gets the chance to see the portrait the next time he plays a round there 👍 byu/mikesartwrks ingolf
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Highlights Tours

Skipping the ball at the Masters Tournament – here’s how!

The practice rounds before the start of the first major of the golf year are usually accompanied by countless spectators. The players are free to decide whether and how they take part in the practice rounds, but most of them logically take the opportunity to sound out the course once again before the Masters Tournament begins. As Augusta National, perhaps the most exclusive club in the world, is not always playable for everyone, even for the professionals, very few miss out on the chance of a dress rehearsal. And towards the end of the round, a special appetiser awaits that the players won’t miss, even without spectators.

Martin Kaymer and Jon Rahm with chip-in at the Masters Tournament

The highlight of the dress rehearsal is the 16th hole. Here the players traditionally try to let the ball flit over the pond of the almost 160 metre long par-3 and then get up the bank onto the green. Martin Kaymer achieved an extraordinary feat in 2012: it felt like 25 taps over the pond and then in it goes! A hole in one of the “once in a lifetime” variety – and the crowd goes wild.

Jon Rahm performed this feat in November 2020 without a spectator – but the video went around the world.

Skipping the ball in style

The fact that Rahm and Martin Kaymer have mastered such a shot is not surprising. But the question is how you can take an extra ten from your flight partner in the next round if you do the same to Martin Kaymer – well, perhaps at least as well. Kelly Rohrbach and Blair O’Neal show you how to do it in the GolfDigest service.

So: long iron or hybrid – the main thing is low loft – then open up the stance and the clubface a little and, most importantly, hit the ball first. Balls that are hit fat rarely make it over the water. A flat punch swing does the rest and before you know it, the reward is secured in the clubhouse.

Flicking balls like at the Masters Tournament- here’s how

Bryson DeChambeau explains the science behind it. The ball has to hit the water at an angle of around 30°, he explains. His theory: the spin of the ball creates a higher water density under the ball than above it. If the ball hits the water with enough force, it will then orientate itself in the direction of the lower water pressure and bounce back up.