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Swedish Double Win at the Girls’ and Boys’ Amateur Championships

Torstensson surged to a 8&7 triumph over Matylda Krawczynska of Poland in the 36-hole Final at Alwoodley to win the 95th staging of the Girls’ Amateur. In the 97th edition of the Boys’ Amateur at nearby Moortown, Olsson Mörk came back from five down after 12 holes to defeat Scott Woltering from the Netherlands 4&3 in their showdown. Both players emerged victorious from the global 144-player fields at the renowned West Yorkshire venues this week.

Boys’ Amateur Championship

Olsson Mörk capped a glorious week for Sweden with his impressive comeback in the Final. By virtue of his win, he earns exemptions into Final Qualifying for The Open, The Amateur Championship and the US Junior Boys’ Championship. The first Swedish winner since his friend, Albert Hansson in 2022, he joins other past champions including Sir Michael Bonallack, José María Olazábal, Sergio Garcia, Matthew Fitzpatrick and David Howell.

While Woltering was more attack-minded with the driver, the 17-year-old – who went to the same high school as PGA TOUR winner and Ryder Cup team member Ludvig Åberg – opted for a different strategy and used his long irons regularly.

In a topsy-turvy morning session, Woltering, 18, settled quickest and surged to a four-up lead after only seven holes. Birdies at the 1st and 7th and bogeys from his opponent at the 5th and 6th secured the advantage. Woltering then made key putts from 15 feet and five feet to halve both the 10th and 11th before he highlighted the Final at the par-5 12th.

Having pushed his tee shot into the right rough, Woltering chipped out before flighting a pitching wedge down the hill from 160 yards into the hole for a stunning eagle. Olsson Mörk refused to buckle and replied with a winning birdie at the 13th and soon claimed three holes in-a-row after costly errors from Woltering at the 14th and 15th to reduce his deficit to two.

A roar of delight took the Netherlands player back three ahead after a nine-feet birdie putt on the 16th, but he took two shots from a greenside bunker on the short 17th and then pulled his drive on the 18th to take a penalty drop and lose both holes.

Woltering – winner of the Dutch national open match play this year – claimed the 19th with a birdie but a run of three bogeys then allowed his rival to lead for the first time at the 22nd. Woltering immediately replied after a glorious tee shot set up a winning birdie at the next but he was one down again when Olsson Mörk birdied the par-5 25th. He then misjudged his approach putt at the 28th for bogey and a two-hole deficit. As the Swede continued his steady play, Woltering bogeyed at the 31st to fall three down and another bogey at the 33rd ended the contest.

Girls’ Amateur Championship

Havanna Torstensson savoured the biggest win of her young career at the Girls’ Amateur. The 16-year-old put in a composed and clinical display to beat Krawczynska and join a decorated roll of honour which includes major champions and Solheim Cup players such as Suzann Pettersen, Anna Nordqvist, Azahara Munoz and Georgia Hall.

Torstensson’s victory also gains her an exemption into Final Qualifying for the AIG Women’s Open, The Women’s Amateur Championship, the US Girls’ Junior Championship and, by tradition, an invitation to compete at the Augusta National Women’s Amateur.

Torstensson seized an early advantage with a six-feet birdie putt on the 3rd hole of the morning’s opening round and, from then on, she was in total control.

As Krawczynska, a three-time Polish junior champion, struggled to replicate the form that had swept her into the Final, Torstensson’s assured play fortified her position of authority and she was six-up through 11 holes. Krawczynska could not gain a foothold in the tussle but the 18-year-old trundled in a 25-footer on the 15th for a birdie to give herself a much-needed lift.

The Pole then clawed another hole back on the 17th when Torstensson shanked her second shot into the trees but the Swede moved back into a five-hole lead on the 18th.

Having won the opening two holes of the afternoon to extend her lead to seven, Torstensson was in charge and Krawczynska’s day would unravel on the 28th hole when she thinned a bunker shot over the green and lost her ball.

Her concession there meant that Torstensson was seven-up with just eight to play and the victory was sealed on the short 29th when Krawczynska’s par putt lipped-out and Torstensson tidied up a title-winning three.

She becomes just the third Swede, after Nordqvist and Maria Hjorth, to win the Girls’ Amateur.

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Panorama

Video: Scary Moment during Crash Landing on the Practice Green

Unsuspectingly, an amateur golfer in Sacramento in the US state of California took his time for a short game on the practice green of the Arcade Creek Course in Haggin Oaks. Just as he approached his ball, a small plane sped towards him in the corner of his eye and narrowly missed him as he jumped a few meters to the side at the last moment. Within a few seconds, the plane hit the ground, came to a halt and gave the golfer a good shock.

Crash landing on the golf course due to technical failure

At an altitude of 400 feet, the technology of the small plane, in which only the pilot was in, failed, which is why the plane had to make an emergency landing. It finally reached the ground unbraked on the grounds of a golf course in Sacramento, where a golfer was playing his short game. The plane narrowly missed the golfer and finally came to a halt a few meters away against the wall of the clubhouse. Miraculously, both parties involved were largely unharmed. Only the pilot suffered cuts to his hand. A surveillance camera recorded the situation.

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Panorama

World Golf Ranking: Tommy Fleetwood Leading Englishman

The World Golf Ranking has seen significant shifts this week, particularly among the leading English, Welsh, and Scottish players. Tommy Fleetwood remains the highest-ranking player from these regions, climbing to 11th with an average of 4.2640 points, up from 14th last week. Rory McIlroy holds firm in 3rd place with an average of 8.8280 points, showing no change from the previous week.

World Golf Ranking: Continued Shifts for British Players

Robert MacIntyre maintains his position as the leading Scottish player, staying steady at 16th with an average of 3.5306 points. Matt Fitzpatrick holds the 22nd position, showing no change from the last ranking, with an average of 3.1284 points. Tyrell Hatton, however, has dropped from 25th to 28th, carrying an average of 2.9608 points.

World Golf Ranking: Top-10 Overview

Scottie Scheffler remains the top player in the World Golf Ranking, with no change in his position or average points. Xander Schauffele stays in 2nd place, and Rory McIlroy holds 3rd. Other notable performances in the Top-10 include no changes for Ludvig Aberg, Wyndham Clark, Collin Morikawa, Viktor Hovland, Patrick Cantlay, Bryson DeChambeau, and Jon Rahm, each holding their previous week’s positions.

Rank Last Week Nationality Player Name
11 14 ENG Tommy Fleetwood
16 16 SCO Robert MacIntyre
22 22 ENG Matt Fitzpatrick
28 25 ENG Tyrell Hatton
35 34 ENG Justin Rose
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Panorama

These Four Golfers are among the Top 100 Most Successful Athletes

Whether Olympic champions, world champions, Grand Slam winners or footballers of the year, the 21st century has seen some incredible achievements from legendary sportsmen and women. In a wide variety of sports, personalities stand out whose successes set them apart from their competitors.

The US television channel ESPN looked back over the last 25 years and published a list of the 100 most successful athletes. ESPN editors from all over the world contributed to the nominations and the voting process. Voters were instructed to only consider an athlete’s accomplishments since 2000. The top 100 includes three male and one female golfer: Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Annika Sörenstam and Rory McIlroy.

Most successful athletes of the 21st century: Tiger Woods in the top 10

First and foremost from a golfing perspective is none other than Tiger Woods. His greatest achievements include 13 major victories (the most of any player in this period) and eleven major victories as world number one (nine more than any other player of all time). In total, Woods has won 131 times around the world and has left his mark on golf like no other, and not just with his sporting achievements. He is ranked 8th in ESPN’s rankings, beating the likes of Michael Phelps (1st place, swimming), Serena Williams (2nd place, tennis) and Lionel Messi (3rd place, soccer).

After Woods, the second golfer is some time coming. The second most successful golfer in the ranking is Phil Mickelson in 69th place. Although Mickelson has made negative headlines in recent years, there is no denying the achievements he has previously delivered in golf: With six Major victories and the record as the oldest Major winner of all time at the 2021 PGA Championship (the first Major winner to turn 50), Mickelson played his way into golf history.

Annika Sörenstam as the most successful female golfer

Annika Sörenstam follows in 89th place. With 97 victories around the world, the Swede stands out from most of her rivals. Her tally since the turn of the century includes eight Major wins (the most in that time span) and 54 of her 72 LPGA Tour victories. She is the only woman ever to shoot a 59 in a professional tournament and won eleven times in 2002, the most wins on the LPGA Tour in almost 40 years. The fact that she retired from professional golf in 2008 gives her successes even more significance in terms of the ESPN rankings in the short space of eight years.

Last but not least, Rory McIlroy is ranked 93rd. Although the Northern Irishman has been on a dry spell for ten years in terms of major successes, his other achievements should not be underestimated: He spent 122 weeks at the top of the world rankings with the help of 26 PGA Tour victories (including four majors). McIlroy is “only” one Masters win away from a career Grand Slam to put him on a par with golf legends such as Tiger Woods or Arnold Palmer.

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Panorama

Before Open Championship: Vandalism at Prestwick St. Nicholas Golf Club

Prestwick St Nicholas is what is commonly known as the “Hidden Gem”. The second course at the birthplace of the Open Championship was also laid out by Old Tom Morris – for the tradesmen and labourers of the Scottish west coast town, who could not find a place at the posh Prestwick Golf Course. Old Tom was also only the keeper of the links at the PGC, but a member of “St Nics”, which is only a ten-minute drive from this year’s Open stage at Royal Troon and whose greens have recently been the victim of vandalism.

Prestwick St Nicholas golf club, 10 mins away from Royal Troon was found like this earlier today.
byu/Significant_Scotland ingolf

Consequences for Open Championship 2024

The security measures for the Open and the precautions against attacks by environmental activists, for example, have been stepped up again following this incident at the neighbouring site.

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Euro 2024: English Finalists in a North versus South Golf Battle

Team England, who will be playing the final of the Euro 2024 on Sunday, have been residing at Weimarer Land Resort during their time in Germany. A few days ago England players had a little golf challenge. In this challenge, players from North England competed against those from South England. The video, which was posted on YouTube, features a lot of exciting and funny moments, including Arsenal star Bukayo Saka hitting some serious golf shots after a lesson by Ian Poulter.

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First Statement on the US Open: Rory McIlroy Left his “Own Little World”

After his bitter defeat at the US Open, Rory McIlroy announced that he would be taking a break for a few weeks. He will only return to the public eye for the Genesis Scottish Open and the subsequent Open Championship, according to a statement published by the Northern Irishman on X (formerly Twitter). This week, Rory McIlroy is on the entry list and will attempt to defend the title he won at last year’s Genesis Scottish Open. In the press conference before the start of the tournament, he talks about how he has dealt with the US Open and what comes next for him.

Rory McIlroy: First interview after his defeat at the US Open

Question: They just took a hammer and chisel a little bit to the “L.” Obviously first time we’ve had a chance to speak to you since Pinehurst. Can you put into words the actions and emotions of that final round, if you can, please?

Rory McIlroy: I think the way I’ve described Pinehurst on Sunday was like it was a great day until it wasn’t. I did things on that Sunday that I haven’t been able to do in the last couple years. Took control of the golf tournament. Held putts when I needed to. Well, mostly when I needed to. Made birdies. You know, really got myself in there. And then, look, obviously unfortunately to miss those last two putts, or the putt on 16 and obviously the putt on 18.

Yeah, it was a tough day. It was a tough few days after that, obviously. But I think as you get further away from it happening, you start to see the positives and you start to see all the good things that you did throughout the week. […]

Thinking back, yeah, maybe I was a little too aware of where Bryson was and what he was doing but it was the nature of the golf course and how the golf course flowed. After the 14th tee, you’re sort of looking at 13 green, and then I had to wait on my tee shot on 15 before he hit, or you know, to let him hit his second shot into 14. Just the way the course flowed, it just made me very aware of what he was doing at the same time. So it sort of got me out of my own little world a little bit.”

Question: And next time when you’re in that kind of position at a major on the back nine, who knows, it could be Troon next week, what do you think you would do differently or seek to do differently?

Rory McIlroy: Well, that’s the thing. Not a whole lot different. As I said, it was a great day until it wasn’t. I think I touched on it a little bit. I think if anything, I’d say my pre-shot routine got a little bit long. Started to look at the target a few more times over the ball.

And then, you know, as I said, like being very aware of what maybe some others were doing on the golf course and not really staying in my own little world for the whole 18 holes.

But really, apart from that, there’s not a lot I would do differently.

Confidence ahead of the Scottish Open: “I’m playing great golf”

Question: That point I made about a shot at redemption, is that how you look at it next week?

Rory McIlroy: It’s just another opportunity. I’m playing great golf and it’s another opportunity to see how I can hopefully handle it better than I handled it a few weeks ago.

Question: Last year, it was a remarkable birdie, birdie finish. Can you just take us back to those moments and what you remember of winning?

Rory McIlroy: Yeah, you know it was obviously a really windy day, and you know I felt like Bob he played a much tougher back nine than me with everything that was on the line but trying to win your home open and all that.

I made a couple of good putts on the back nine. I didn’t make birdie on 16 and felt like that was sort of my opportunity gone. And then to finish two, three like I did. You know, everyone talks about the 2-iron at the last but the 5-iron I hit into 17 was just as good a shot if not a little bit better.

Yeah, to hit two iron shots like that and to hole the putts what I needed to, yeah, it was awesome. Sort of I felt in some ways bad that it came at the expense of Bob but at the same time it was amazing to win a tournament that I had never won before.

Yeah, good memories and good to be back.

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Gareth Bale on Football and Golf: “The German Fans Are Amazing”

With a handicap of 2, Gareth Bale is not only a successful athlete on the football pitch, but also impresses with strong golfing performances at various ProAm tournaments. This was also the case at the 35th edition of the BMW International Open. He already made his PGA Tour debut last year and teed it up at the Pebble Beach ProAm, shortly after he came to Germany to the Munich Eichenried Golf Club. Now he can already look back on his second ProAm at this tournament and, in his press conference after his round in the group with Danny Willett and long driver Martin Borgmeier, was delighted with the course conditions and the German fans. In addition to golf, the current number one football topic was of course also on the agenda. The European Championship in Germany is inspiring the Welsh international, but he did not get carried away with a tip for the outcome of the match between Germany and Spain and chose a diplomatic answer.

Gareth Bale: “The german fans are amazing”

This is Gareth Bale’s second visit to the BMW International Open and the Welshman is delighted with Golfclub München Eichenried and his round: “The golf course is in great condition again. It was great fun and I definitely played better than last year”. There is great anticipation for an exciting 35th edition of the tournament and a look at the strong field of participants also promises high tension. “It is obviously a lot of great players playing. From being here last year, the fans are amazing and very supportive. I am sure it will be another great week”. However, the footballer does not want to commit himself to a possible winner: “There will be a worthy champion at the end”. However, one stands out for Bale too. Bernhard Langer is celebrating his farewell from the DP World Tour and European professional sport this week, which of course also leaves its mark on golf fan Bale: The longevity, the amount of golf he has played and the career he has had is incredible”.

Euro 2024 in Germany: A highlight, also for Gareth Bale

Gareth Bale can look back on a successful football career in which he made a name for himself in various teams with very good performances. He also played for many years in the Welsh national team, where he became the record player with 111 appearances and 41 goals. So the question on the European Football Championship in Germany is an obvious one: “I haven’t been to any games but I’m going to the finals in Berlin. It’s nice to have the tournament back in one country”. However, the football star refrains from making any predictions about the outcome of the match between Germany and Spain this Friday (July 5): “It’s one of those games, whoever turns up on the day. They both have fantastic teams. Germany obviously has the home advantage. Who plays better on that day will win the game”.

The whole interview with Gareth Bale

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DP World Tour and J.Lindeberg Announce Partnership

The DP World Tour and J.Lindeberg are delighted to announce an exclusive, multi-year partnership which sees the global fashion and lifestyle brand become the Official Clothing Supplier of the DP World Tour.

The announcement heralds a significant expansion of J.Lindeberg’s influence in the world of golf, deepening its commitment to the sport. Founded in 1996, the renowned Swedish clothing brand bridges the worlds of sport and fashion, combining sophistication and contemporary fashion, with high performance and comfort to suit the modern active lifestyle.

The DP World Tour – golf’s global Tour with 44 tournaments in 24 countries – attracts top-tier talent from across the globe and this partnership is set to significantly elevate both the on- and off-course experience for staff, fans, and J.Lindeberg ambassadors such as DP World Tour players Viktor Hovland and Matt Wallace. 

J.Lindeberg becomes Supplier for Rolex Series events

Today’s announcement also sees J.Lindeberg become the Official Clothing Supplier of two of the Tour’s most iconic Rolex Series events in 2024 – the Genesis Scottish Open, taking place at The Renaissance Club, North Berwick (10-14 July); and the BMW PGA Championship, at Wentworth Club, Virginia Water (17-22 September).

As part of this exclusive partnership, not only will J.Lindeberg be outfitting DP World Tour personnel with a range of bespoke products, specifically designed to suit their active and travel-intensive lifestyles, but it will also extend its distinctive signature styles and innovative sports apparel to the golfing community who can purchase tournament branded J.Lindeberg ranges at these select events.

DP World Tour X J.Lindeberg: Excellence and innovation

Commenting on the partnership, Hans-Christian Meyer, CEO of J.Lindeberg, said: “We are incredibly proud to partner with the DP World Tour, a prestigious organisation that exemplifies excellence and innovation in golf – qualities that J.Lindeberg stands for and always wants to champion.

“We are especially excited to outfit the Tour’s dedicated staff, ensuring they look great while showcasing the professionalism of the Tour. The Genesis Scottish Open and the BMW PGA Championship offer great touchpoints throughout the 2024 season for us to showcase our latest collections and designs, centred around unique functionality and forward-thinking style.”

Guy Kinnings, Chief Executive Officer of the DP World Tour, added: “Golf has never been more fashionable and this extends to the premium lifestyle brands that are flocking to the sport. J.Lindeberg has been leading this trend for decades, with ranges that perfectly bridge sport and fashion. We’re excited to have a brand of their calibre come on board as our Official Clothing Supplier. Not only will our personnel be wearing J.Lindeberg apparel as they travel the world, but we will be providing opportunities for fans to purchase their ranges online and at select events each season.”

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Fun

EURO 2024: Harry Kane Shows Off Skills on Driving Range

Drives with Harry: The content shared by the English FA’s social media team during the European Football Championship is somewhat entertaining – certainly more entertaining than the Three Lions’ performances so far at this EURO 2024. It is even more worth watching when one of the good golfers in the team appears in front of the camera, of which there are quite a few, and shows off his skills.

England’s Harry Kane on the Driving Range

First and foremost, of course, is captain Harry Kane, who presenter Josh Denzel takes to the driving range of the Spa & GolfResort Weimarer Land in Blankenhain, Thuringia, where the English lions have set up their team base camp in this episode of “Lion’s Den”:

 
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Captain Kane also showed his skills, albeit very late, in last night’s 2:1 win after extra time in the round of 16 match against Slovakia. After all, with the winning goal in the first minute of extra time, the goalscorer fulfilled the golf oracle in Weimarer Land, who had predicted England’s victory with a putt: