Author: Laura Gailus

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Panorama

Rory McIlroy Takes Break Following Heartbreaking US Open 2024 Defeat

Rory McIlroy announces break after a heartbreaking US Open 2024 loss, aiming to return stronger and more determined. (Photo: Getty)

The Northern Irish golfer took to X on Monday to reveal that he is stepping back temporarily following a disappointing performance at the US Open 2024. McIlroy, who boasts four Major titles, plans to take a few weeks off to recover mentally and physically.

A Painful Loss at the US Open 2024

McIlroy endured a tough defeat at the US Open 2024 in Pinehurst, missing out on his first Major win in nearly a decade. With a two-shot lead and five holes to play, McIlroy seemed poised for victory. However, bogeys on the 16th and 18th holes cost him dearly. The most painful moments came with two missed short putts: a 75-centimeter putt on the 16th hole and a 1.1-meter putt on the 18th, ultimately costing him the title.

McIlroy’s Reaction and Break Announcement

In a statement on X, McIlroy announced his decision to take a break, returning only for the Genesis Scottish Open and The Open. Reflecting on his loss, McIlroy emphasized looking at the positives despite the setbacks. “I have always shown resilience and will do so again,” said McIlroy. He added, “Yesterday was a tough day, probably the toughest in my nearly 17 years as a professional golfer.” Despite the missed putts that cost him the title, McIlroy highlighted, “The positives of the week far outweigh the negatives.”

Seventeen Years of Professional Golf: A Retrospective

McIlroy has been a professional golfer for nearly two decades, starting with a spectacular win at the US Open in 2011, followed by several other Major titles. However, since his victory at the 2014 PGA Championship, he has been chasing another Major win. Despite numerous top-10 finishes in recent years, the breakthrough has eluded him. After missing the crucial putts on the 16th and 18th holes, McIlroy left Pinehurst No. 2 without speaking to the media.

Bryson DeChambeau Wins the US Open 2024

Bryson DeChambeau claimed his second US Open title, making a decisive pitch from a fairway bunker onto the 18th green and sinking the winning putt. In his statement, McIlroy congratulated DeChambeau, calling him a “worthy champion.” McIlroy departed the course shortly after the tournament concluded without addressing the media. “Firstly, I’d like to congratulate Bryson. He is a worthy champion and exactly what professional golf needs right now,” said McIlroy.

Bryson DeChambeau’s US Open 2024 Win

Support from Peers and Fans

McIlroy received an outpouring of support from colleagues and fans on social media. Shane Lowry, who won the Zurich Classic with McIlroy this year, wrote on X: “From the outside looking in, this game looks easy. But in reality, it’s the toughest of all.” Billy Horschel, speaking of his own struggles, called McIlroy “the greatest player of my generation.”

Future Plans for Rory McIlroy

McIlroy will take several weeks off to prepare for upcoming tournaments. The Genesis Scottish Open, which he won in 2023, starts on July 11, followed by The Open at Royal Troon on July 18. McIlroy hopes to return stronger and end his nearly ten-year Major drought. “I’ll take some time to process everything and build up for my title defense at the Genesis Scottish Open and The Open,” McIlroy explained.

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Highlights Tours

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

Sepp Straka scores an ace in his second round. (Photo: Getty)

On Friday morning, Sepp Straka experienced a true magic moment at the US Open 2024 on Pinehurst No. 2. With a hole-in-one, the Austrian catapulted himself into the headlines and brought smiles to the faces of the spectators.

A Early Setback at the US Open 2024

The Friday could have started better for Straka. On the third hole, his second shot bounced off the flagstick and landed in the bunker. What followed was a painful triple-bogey that set him back to three over par—a tough blow for the usually confident player.

The Magical Moment on the Ninth Hole

But then came the moment that changed everything. On the ninth hole, a 177-yard par-3, Straka showed his full class. The 31-year-old hit his tee shot perfectly onto the green—about 26 feet from the pin—and the ball rolled straight into the hole as if by magic. Straka celebrated the first hole-in-one of this year’s US Open together with his caddie Duane Bock and American playing partners JT Poston and Peter Malnati.

A Special Entry in History

With this ace, Straka joins the few players who have achieved a hole-in-one on the ninth hole of Pinehurst No. 2. Before him, only Peter Jacobsen (2005) and Zach Johnson (2014) managed this feat.

The Road to the Cut

The hole-in-one brought Straka back into the tournament, as he was previously within range of the cut. In his career, Straka has already celebrated successes, including victories at the 2022 Honda Classic and the 2023 John Deere Classic. His best result at a major so far was a tied second place at last year’s British Open.

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LIV Tour

LIV Golf Stars Face Luggage Mishap in Houston

Three thirds of Majestic GC arrived in Houston only to find their clubs missing. (Photos: X@MajesticksGC)

Several LIV Golf players encountered an unexpected problem upon arriving in Houston for the upcoming tournament: their luggage and golf clubs were left behind in London. Among those affected were Majesticks GC co-captains Henrik Stenson, Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood, and Legion XIII player Tyrrell Hatton.

Lost Clubs Cause Stir at LIV Golf Houston

Upon landing in Houston, Ian Poulter captured the group’s reactions in a humorous video posted on Majesticks GC’s official X account. The video shows Poulter asking his fellow golfers about their missing luggage, receiving similar frustrated and sarcastic responses from each.

Henrik Stenson, one of the Majesticks GC co-captains, appeared baffled by the situation but responded light-heartedly when Poulter asked, “H, where’s your clubs?” Stenson replied, “Um… hopefully Heathrow.” This incident occurred as the players prepared for LIV Golf Houston, the first event after a mid-season break.

Players Maintain Good Spirits Despite Misfortune

Lee Westwood was seen outside the airport, where Poulter questioned him about his missing case. Westwood’s response, “Heathrow. Where am I? Houston,” highlighted the frustrating situation. Despite the inconvenience, the players managed to stay in good spirits, laughing and joking about the mishap.

Tyrrell Hatton, another player whose clubs were left behind, was equally unamused yet maintained a sense of humor. When Poulter asked Hatton about his clubs and suitcase, Hatton’s blunt responses included expletives, underlining his frustration but also showcasing his ability to laugh off the misfortune.

Ian Poulter was particularly vocal about his disappointment. Mid-flight, he received an email from British Airways informing him that his bag had not traveled with him. Poulter shared his frustration on Instagram, criticizing the airline for the mishap, especially given that he had checked in well in advance.

Implications for LIV Golf Houston

The timing of this incident was far from ideal. With the tournament set to begin on Friday, the players are left in a precarious position. The three Majesticks GC players, in particular, are under pressure t as their team was currently ranked 12th out of 13.

Despite the setback, the players maintained a good sense of humor and were able to laugh, but the situation undoubtedly added stress as they prepared for the tournament.

Looking Ahead to the Tournament

For Tyrrell Hatton, who has had a successful season and is currently 11th in the individual standings, the loss of his clubs is an unwelcome distraction. However, with several days left before the tournament, there is hope that the players will be reunited with their equipment in time.

The LIV Golf Houston event is crucial, not only for individual standings but also for team rankings. The incident with the missing clubs has added an unexpected twist to the lead-up to the tournament.

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Professionals

Road to the Olympic Games 2024: British Golfers Eye Qualification

In August, it gets serious for the English golfers at the 2024 Olympics. Who can hope for success of making the team? (Photos: Getty)

The qualification process for the 2024 Olympics is in full swing, and British golfers Tommy Fleetwood, Matt Fitzpatrick, Charley Hull, and Georgia Hall are among the top contenders aiming for a place in Paris.

Men’s Olympics Qualification

Tommy Fleetwood and Matt Fitzpatrick are leading the British men’s golf contingent. Fleetwood, currently ranked 9th in the Olympic Golf Rankings (OGR) and 11th in the World Golf Rankings (OWGR), has had a successful few years. He won the Nedbank Golf Challenge in 2022, played a key role in Team Europe’s Ryder Cup victory in 2023, and recently secured a top-five finish at the 2024 Masters Tournament.

Matt Fitzpatrick, ranked 10th in the OGR and 14th in the OWGR, is also a strong contender. Fitzpatrick, the 2022 U.S. Open champion, has consistently remained within the top 50 golfers worldwide over the past seven years. His notable victories include the 2023 RBC Heritage and the 2022 U.S. Open, showcasing his readiness for Olympic competition.

Women’s Olympic Qualification

On the women’s side, Charley Hull and Georgia Hall are the top British hopefuls. Hull, ranked 7th in both the OGR and OWGR, recently ended a six-year wait for an LPGA Tour title by winning the Volunteers of America Classic in Texas. Her consistent performance, including five top-10 finishes this year, makes her a strong candidate for Olympic success.

Georgia Hall, ranked 23rd in the OGR and 31st in the OWGR, has also shown impressive form. The former Open champion looks forward to competing in the 2024 Paris Olympics. Hall’s recent appearances include a win at the Aramco Team Series in London.

Olympic Qualification Process

The Olympic Golf Ranking (OGR) determines the qualification for the 2024 Paris Olympics, which will take place from August 1 -10 on Le Golf National in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines. The top 15 golfers in the OGR automatically qualify, with a maximum of four players per National Olympic Committee (NOC). Beyond the top 15, the highest-ranked players are selected until the 60-player field is filled, ensuring no more than two players per NOC unless they are within the top 15.

The men’s qualification period ends on June 17, 2024, while the women’s ends on June 24, 2024. The final lists will be published shortly after these dates, confirming the golfers who will compete in Paris.

The qualification criterie for the Olympic Golf Tournament. (Photo: IGF)

With their strong performances and current rankings, Fleetwood, Fitzpatrick, Hull, and Hall are well-positioned to represent Great Britain at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

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Panorama

Dashcam Video Released Shows Scottie Scheffler’s Encounter with Police

Scottie Scheffler on the first day of the Charles Schwab Challenge in Fort Worth. (Photo: Getty)

A recent dashcam video released by the Louisville Metro Police Department depicts golf star Scottie Scheffler during his encounter with law enforcement on May 17. The involved officer faces disciplinary action for a rule violation.

The dashcam footage captured Scottie Scheffler attempting to bypass a roadblock near Valhalla Golf Club. Scheffler, en route to his second round at the 2024 PGA Championship, was subsequently apprehended by a police officer.

Scottie Scheffler at the PGA Championship: The Police Incident

Detective Bryan Gillis stopped Scottie Scheffler on May 17 as he entered the closed lanes. Gillis reported Scheffler disregarding instructions and proceeding, causing the officer to fall to the ground. Scheffler was charged with aggravated assault, property damage, reckless driving, and disobeying a law enforcement officer, charges he denies. Detective Bryan Gillis did not activate his bodycam during the incident and was disciplined as a result.

Release of Dashcam Footage

The dashcam video released by the police shows Scheffler slowly passing a barrier at around 5 mph on his way to Valhalla Golf Club, before being surrounded and arrested by officers. This blockade was set up due to a fatal traffic accident that occurred on the morning of the PGA Championship’s second round. Scheffler claims he misunderstood police instructions and never intended to disobey them. There are also recordings from a fixed camera capturing the events.

Scottie Scheffler’s View On The Incident

Scheffler explained he was in a chaotic situation and misunderstood the officer’s instructions. His attorney, Steve Romines, emphasized Scheffler never assaulted an officer. The defense is preparing to resolve the case in court.

Disciplinary Action Against Officer Involved in Scottie Scheffler Incident

The officer in question, Detective Bryan Gillis, was disciplined for failing to activate his bodycam during the incident. According to LMPD Chief Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel, this is a violation of departmental guidelines. Gillis received a “corrective action” noted in his personnel file. The police department stressed the importance of all officers activating their cameras in such situations.

The incident has sparked attention both within the police force and among the public. Scheffler himself emphasized his appreciation for law enforcement’s work and regretted the misunderstanding.

Scheffler’s next court appearance has been postponed to June 3. In the meantime, he will continue participating in tournaments, including the PGA Tour’s Charles Schwab Challenge in Fort Worth, Texas, as both parties prepare for a legal resolution.

The Released Video Footage

Categories
Professionals

Scottie Scheffler’s Court Date Postponed Following Arrest

Scottie Schefflers court date was moved back to June following his arrest at the PGA Championship 2024. (Photo: Getty)

Scottie Scheffler’s court date, initially set for May 21st, has been postponed to June 3rd, according to his attorney Steve Romines, who informed the Golf Channel. Scheffler, currently the world’s number one golfer and this year’s US Masters champion, was arrested last Friday before the second round of the 2024 PGA Championship on multiple charges, including aggravated assault on a police officer.

Romines stated that Scheffler will plead not guilty to all charges. “I’ve been defending criminal cases for 30 years and have learned to never be surprised,” Romines commented, adding, “whoever reported [the charges] were going to be dismissed was not accurate.”

What Happened During Scottie Scheffler’s Arrest?

According to the police report, the incident occurred when Scottie Scheffler tried to escape a traffic jam that build because of a deadly accident friday morning. Detective Bryan Gillis stopped him and gave instructions that Scheffler refused to follow. Scheffler then accelerated, causing Det. Gillis to fall to the ground. Scheffler described the incident as a “big misunderstanding” and expressed confidence that the situation would be resolved.

In addition to aggravated assault, Scottie Scheffler was also charged with three other misdemeanors: vandalism, reckless driving, and disregarding an officer’s signals. He was booked into the Louisville Metro Department of Corrections and released at 8:40 AM, allowing him to return in time for his second round at Valhalla.

Scottie Scheffler’s Performance at the PGA Championship Despite Arrest

Scottie Scheffler entered the week as a favorite, having won the US Masters and claimed his fourth PGA Tour victory in five starts at the RBC Heritage. Despite the arrest and tumultuous circumstances, Scheffler managed to finish in a tie for eighth place. “On the course I have always been proud of my toughness out there,” Scheffler told CBS. “I try to keep the off course as quiet as possible and this week was obviously not that way, but I’m proud of the way we competed and posted a decent finish running on fumes.”

Despite the ongoing legal issues, Scottie Scheffler plans to participate in the Charles Schwab Challenge of the PGA Tour in Fort Worth, Texas.

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Highlights Tours

PGA Championship 2024: Top Contenders and Potential Surprises

PGA Championship 2024: Which players are among the favorites? (Photos: Getty)

As the PGA Championship 2024 approaches, the golfing world is focused on Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky. This prestigious event, one of golf’s four major championships, will challenge players with its Jack Nicklaus-designed course, known for its length and strategic demands. Who will lift the Wanamaker Trophy this year? With a field filled with world-class golfers, including top favorites Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, and Brooks Koepka, an exciting tournament is guaranteed. Here’s a look at the leading contenders and their chances.

Top Favorites for the PGA Championship 2024: Scheffler, McIlroy, and Koepka

Scottie Scheffler

Scottie Scheffler enters the PGA Championship 2024 as a clear favorite. Currently ranked number one in the world, Scheffler has already secured four tournament victories this season, including the Masters Tournament 2024. With four wins and a runner-up finish in his last five starts, over $18 million in prize money, and nine top-10 finishes from ten events, he is in exceptional form. Returning from a brief break for the birth of his first child, Scheffler is poised to claim his third major title.

Rory McIlroy

Rory McIlroy is another top contender this year. The Northern Irishman recently won the Zurich Classic alongside Shane Lowry and the Wells Fargo Championship. A previous winner at Valhalla a decade ago and currently second in the world rankings, McIlroy brings confidence to Louisville. With his impressive driving distance and strong long game, McIlroy has a great chance to capture the title.

Brooks Koepka

Reigning PGA Champion Brooks Koepka is also a formidable candidate. Koepka has already claimed a victory on the LIV Golf Tour this year and has a proven track record in major championships. With five major wins, including three PGA Championship titles, Koepka is known for his prowess in big tournaments and poses a significant threat on the challenging Valhalla course.

View all live scores for the PGA Championship 2024

Potential Surprises: Ludvig Åberg and Xander Schauffele

Ludvig Åberg

In his first professional season, Ludvig Åberg has established himself as one of the best players, highlighted by a second-place finish at Pebble Beach and an impressive debut in major tournaments. Over his last four events, the young Swede has gained over 15.5 strokes with his approach shots and is among the top off-the-tee players. Despite limited major experience and a recent knee injury, Åberg has the potential to surprise at the PGA Championship.

Xander Schauffele

Xander Schauffele has consistently performed well over recent years and is currently ranked third in the world. Although he has faced challenges in securing tournament victories, Schauffele’s strength in long games and on the greens could finally lead him to his first major title in Valhalla.

Other Contenders: Max Homa, Collin Morikawa, and Sepp Straka

Aside from the top favorites, other players like Max Homa, Collin Morikawa, and Sepp Straka are also worth watching.

Max Homa

Max Homa has steadily improved over the past few years, recently showcasing a strong performance at the Masters. The American has thrived on long, demanding courses, having won three of his six PGA Tour titles on such layouts, making him well-suited for the conditions in Louisville.

Collin Morikawa

Collin Morikawa has regained his form since adjusting his putting style. The switch to a mallet putter has yielded significant improvements, making him a serious contender in Valhalla. Morikawa’s accuracy off the tee and putting skills make him a formidable competitor.

Sepp Straka

Sepp Straka may not be the longest off the tee, but his accuracy could be advantageous on Valhalla’s demanding layout. Straka has shown consistent performance this season and could spring a surprise. With solid results in recent major tournaments, including a runner-up finish at the British Open 2023, Straka has the potential to reach the top ranks.

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Panorama

Rory McIlroy and Erica Stoll File for Divorce Amid Major Preparations

Rory McIlroy and Erica Stoll announce divorce after seven years of marriage. (Photo: Getty)
Rory McIlroy and Erica Stoll announce divorce after seven years of marriage. (Photo: Getty)

Rory McIlroy, the Northern Irish golfer, filed for divorce from his wife Erica Stoll. The filing, which was submitted in Palm Beach County in Florida, declares their marriage as “irretrievably broken.” This news comes just days before the start of the second major of the year, the PGA Championships of 2024.

McIlroy’s Statement on Divorce

McIlroy’s team confirmed the news and emphasized McIlroy’s desire for a respectful and amicable process. In a statement published by the New York Post his manager, Sean O’Flaherty, stressed the importance of handling this difficult time with dignity.

The divorce petition, asks for the enforcement of a prenuptial agreement. The couple signed this agreement on March 7, 2017, just before their wedding on April 21, 2017, at Ashford Castle in Ireland. The ceremony was a high-profile event attended by celebrities like Ed Sheeran and Chris Martin.

McIlroy and Stoll have one daughter, Poppy Kennedy McIlroy, born in 2020. The divorce documents request shared parental responsibility and a co-parenting plan to ensure equal timesharing. The petition also highlights that both parties are capable of supporting their child financially.

Thomas Julian Sasser, McIlroy’s divorce attorney, is well-known for handling high-profile cases, including those of Tiger Woods and Jeff Gordon.

Divorce Filing Amid PGA Championship Preparations

Erica Stoll has been a supportive presence throughout McIlroy’s career, often seen at tournaments on the PGA Tour and even serving as his caddie on occasion. Public records list their residence in Jupiter, Florida, an estate valued at over $22 million.

McIlroy and Stoll’s relationship began at the 2012 Ryder Cup, where Stoll worked as a PGA transport official. They started dating in 2014, shortly after McIlroy ended his engagement with tennis star Caroline Wozniacki. The 35-year-old recently won the Wells Fargo Championship and is among the favorites for the upcoming PGA Championship.

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PGA Tour

PGA Tour: 16-Year-Old Golfer Kris Kim To Debut in CJ Cup Byron Nelson

Teenage prodigy Kris Kim will debut in Texas this week. (Photo: Getty)

At just 16 years old, British golfer Kris Kim will compete against the creme-de-la-creme of international players, including former world number ones Jordan Spieth, Adam Scott, and Jason Day in the PGA Tour. This major sports milestone for the teenage prodigy will occur on Thursday, May 2nd at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson, hosted in McKinney, Texas.

Kim has rapidly ascended the ranks in the junior golf world, drawing attention after his critical contributions to Europe’s victory in last year’s Junior Ryder Cup. His recent achievements also include winning the Boys’ Amateur Championship, the European Individual Championship, and the McGregor Trophy.

The Rising Star from a Golfing Lineage

Kris Kim’s entry into the professional golf scene is bolstered by his lineage; his mother, Ji-Hyun Suh, is a former LPGA player from South Korea. Suh, who started her professional career in the late 90s, has been instrumental in coaching her son. Kris mentioned the invaluable advice and strategic insights he receives from his mother, emphasizing her role in his mental and technical preparation for the game.

Educational Commitments and Inspirations

Despite his rigorous sports schedule and now the PGA Tour, Kim is also managing academic responsibilities, specifically his preparation for the GCSE exams. He acknowledged the difficulty in balancing his studies with his golf career but remains committed to excelling in both arenas.

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Panorama

Tiger Woods Discusses Sun Day Red and Masters Memes on Jimmy Fallon

Tiger Woods visited Jimmy Kimmel's Talkshow on Tuesday. (Source: Youtube)

Tiger Woods appeared on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” where he offered both humor and deep insights into his illustrious career and recent ventures. Beyond his unmatched legacy in golf, Woods is now making waves in the fashion world with his Sun Day Red apparel line, which was a key topic of discussion during the show.

An Evening of Insights and Laughter with Tiger Woods on Jimmy Fallon

Woods described the line as being crafted to boost athletic performance, bringing a fresh aesthetic to golf wear. He emphasized that the focus is on the athlete, aiming to enhance performance through thoughtful design.

He also delved into the history behind the brand, linking it to the red shirts he famously wore during Sunday tournaments—a nod to his mother’s belief that red was his “power color.” Despite experimenting with blue, Woods shared with a chuckle that he quickly realized red truly was the better choice as his game seemed off in other colors.

“The red story is actually a good one. It comes from my mom. My mom thought it was, being a capricorn, whatever, it was power color, some BS thing like that. I end up wearing red and winning some junior golf tournaments. And then to spite her, I wore blue and I did not win those tournaments, so, Mom is always right.”

The episode wasn’t solely about fashion; it also included a humorous discussion about a viral meme from this year’s Masters Tournament, showing Woods seemingly greeting a tree.

Woods shared personal anecdotes as well, particularly about his children, shedding light on his role as a father amidst his sporting achievements. He recounted how his son Charlie started imitating golf swings early on, using whatever was at hand around the house.

The friendly banter continued with Woods challenging Fallon to a ping-pong match, hinting at a lighthearted rivalry beyond the golf greens.

While delving into new fields, Woods’ passion for golf remains steadfast. He discussed his recent play at the Masters and his preparation for the upcoming PGA Championship, underscoring his readiness to compete at elite levels.

Watch Tiger Woods full appearance on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon”