Speaking at a press conference at the Open de España in Madrid, Europe’s all-time leading points scorer admitted that his future with LIV Golf is likely drawing to a close, opening up a potential path back to traditional golf circuits and the biennial tournament.

Shifting Landscapes in Professional Golf

Uncertainty has surrounded Garcia’s professional standing following recent developments with the Saudi-backed LIV Golf circuit. Last month, a bankruptcy filing for the breakaway tour included a restructuring plan expected to release players from their existing contracts ahead of an upcoming relaunch, dubbed “LIV 2.0.”

Demonstrating proactive intent, Garcia successfully petitioned a court to lift the automatic stay on his contract. This legal maneuver gives the 2017 Masters champion the freedom to evaluate his career choices ahead of 2027:

“I think everything is an option… settling the LIV 1.0 matter now avoids potential repercussions related to that contract,” Garcia told reporters. “I don’t really know how things will end up with the DP World Tour regarding LIV 2.0, we’ll have to see, [but] I want to try and give myself the best chance of making that team.”

Hopes for Adare Manor

The iconic Adare Manor in County Limerick, Ireland, will host the prestigious showdown in September 2027, making it a dream destination for veteran players looking to cement their legacy on European soil.

Garcia has already opened dialogue with European Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald regarding his availability and intentions:

• Player Ambition: Garcia is determined to play his way into the qualification mix.
• Backroom Support: If he fails to secure a playing berth, the Spaniard is equally eager to contribute in a non-playing capacity, such as a vice-captain.
• Captain’s Communication: “I told him that I’m going to do everything possible to see if I can get into that team and I also told him that if I don’t get into that team, I’ll help in any way I can,” Garcia revealed.

Overcoming Hurdles: DP World Tour and PGA Tour Options

A return to the European fold will not be without administrative challenges. Garcia previously resigned his DP World Tour membership after being sanctioned for playing in conflicting LIV events. Though he settled roughly €885,000 in fines last year in an unsuccessful bid to make the Bethpage team, he ultimately lost his card due to failing to meet the minimum event-play requirements.

Beyond Europe, the Spaniard has also refused to rule out a future appearance on the PGA Tour or its senior circuit.

“It’s definitely a possibility. I turn 47 in January, and the Champions Tour is a possibility,” Garcia noted. “Besides, I’d like the chance to play some of those tournaments, especially the big ones on the Champions Tour. These are things that I’m starting to consider at my age.”

As the professional golf landscape continues to evolve, Garcia’s relentless drive to wear blue and gold once more suggests the veteran competitor is ready to jump through whatever hoops are necessary to secure his place in Irish golf history.

The post Sergio Garcia Eyes Ryder Cup Return as LIV Golf Chapter Nears Its End appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Family First for the Spanish Star

Rahm, who famously equalled Seve Ballesteros’ record by claiming his third Open de España title in 2022, was slated to be the premier draw at his home tournament. However, his withdrawal is far from a shock. Earlier this summer, Rahm openly discussed the likelihood of missing both the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship—which he sat out last week—and his national open due to the family’s autumn timeline.

“I want to play Dunhill and Spanish Open but that doesn’t seem like [it will happen] because of our due date being in October,” Rahm previously remarked.

“Being our fourth, I don’t think I would have time to fly back and be on time. So most likely I miss those two.”

Implications for DP World Tour Membership

While Rahm’s focus is firmly on his growing family, his absence in Madrid introduces a logistical hurdle regarding his professional commitments. His planned appearance in Spain was set to be his fourth on the DP World Tour this season—the exact minimum requirement to maintain his tour membership for the following year.

Following this week’s action, only two regular events remain in India and South Korea before the tour shifts to the Middle East for the high-stakes, season-ending tournaments in Abu Dhabi and Dubai next month.

The Open de España Field

Even without its marquee home favorite, the tournament boasts a stellar lineup as competitors vie for crucial points:

• Patrick Reed: The Race to Dubai leader is set to tee off in Madrid to defend and extend his standing over Rory McIlroy.
• Shane Lowry: The Irishman adds major pedigree to the field.
• Sergio Garcia: The home favorite will carry local hopes in Rahm’s absence.
• Justin Rose & Tyrrell Hatton: The English duo joins a competitive international contingent.
• Ludvig Åberg: The rising star rounds out the prominent names headlining the week in Madrid.

As Rahm steps away from the fairways to welcome his fourth child, golf fans will look forward to his return to competitive action later in the season.

The post Jon Rahm Withdraws from Open de España Due to Impending Family Addition appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

The Amgen Irish Open, which was won this year by Shane Lowry, will return to The K Club from 1-4 July 2027, joining the Closing Swing for one season.

In the Back 9, the FedEx Open de France will take place from September 9-12 at Le Golf National, the 2018 Ryder Cup venue hosting the tournament the week before the 2027 Ryder Cup.

The 2027 DP World Tour will see the return of three historic tournaments – two in Asia and one in Europe.

The Deutsche Bank Singapore Open from April 15-18 and the Open de Portugal|Cascais-Lisboa from May 13-16, will feature in the Asian Swing and European Swing respectively, with the Hong Kong Open from 21-24 October also returning to the schedule.

The BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth Club will take place from September 23-26, the week immediately after the Ryder Cup. It will be the third Rolex Series event of 2027, following the Hero Dubai Desert Classic (January 21-24) and the Genesis Scottish Open (July 8-11), before the two DP World Tour Play-Off events, the Abu Dhabi Championship (November 4-7) and DP World Tour Championship, Dubai (November 11-14) conclude the season.

In total, the global schedule will feature 42 tournaments in 24 different countries as part of the Race to Dubai. Additionally, along with the 2027 Ryder Cup, team match play will also feature at the start of the calendar year, with the Team Cup taking place from January 15-17.

The complete schedule for the 2027 DP Tour is available here.

The post Amgen Irish Open set for 1-4 July 2027 at The K Club appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

The K Club will be hosting the tournament for the first time, but the Palmer South Course, which was previously known as the Smurfit Course, hosted the European Open three times at the start of the century.

More than 120 players from over 30 nations will compete on this Ladies European Tour (LET) event which runs until Sunday.

As in previous years, Cavan’s Leona Maguire will spearhead the home challenge, which this time will consist of 16 Irish players – the highest in the tournament’s recent history.

Maguire will be strongly backed up by the likes of Áine Donegan, Anna Foster, Beth Coulter and Lauren Walsh, as they all bid to become the first Irish winner of the KPMG Women’s Irish Open.

Commenting on the strength and depth of the 2026 field, Ryan McCarthy, Managing Partner, KPMG in Ireland, said:

“The strength and international depth of this year’s field is a reflection of how far the KPMG Women’s Irish Open has come in a relatively short period of time. As proud sponsors of ambition, we are delighted to see some of the world’s best players competing alongside emerging talent and a record contingent of 16 Irish golfers. The championship continues to provide an important platform to inspire the next generation, showcase Ireland on the global stage, and celebrate the continued growth of women’s golf. We look forward to welcoming players, fans and families to The K Club for what promises to be another exceptional week.”

The international contingent will be lead by Shannon Tan from Singapore, winner of last season’s Order of Merit. Winners from the current LET season such as Noora Komulainen, Leonie Harm, Smilla Tarning Soenderby, Esme Hamilton, Agathe Laisne and Kelsey Bennett are all in the starting field.

Tournament Details

The 2026 KPMG Women’s Irish Open will tee off on Thursday morning at 7.45am.

Check out the Round 1 Draw here

Tickets cost €25 on both Thursday and Friday, and €30 on both Saturday and Sunday.

A weekend pass, which covers both Saturday and Sunday, is available for €50, while a Week Pass, which allows entry to the four days of the tournament, can be purchased for €90.

Children under 16 are free on all days of the tournament.

Tickets can be bought at the gate each day, and are also available to purchase in advance online.

The post 2026 KPMG Women’s Irish Open at The K Club appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

The 22-year-old becomes the first Irish female professional golfer to win a professional tournament on home soil.

Coulter produced a composed display to secure a dream victory at Malahide Golf Club and write her name into the history books.

Speaking after her win, the Co Down golfer admitted:

“To win on home soil, in front of so many family, friends and Irish supporters, is incredibly special and something I’ll remember forever. The atmosphere all week was amazing and the support I received has been incredible.

The course was in fantastic condition and the greens at Malahide were probably the best I’ve played on since coming back to Europe.”

Having announced prior to the tournament that she would begin her professional career at the Women’s Irish Challenge, Coulter could not have scripted a better start. Her victory not only marks the perfect beginning to her life as a professional golfer but also represents a landmark moment for Irish women’s golf.

The triumph is another remarkable milestone in what has already been an outstanding golfing journey. A two-time Curtis Cup representative for Britain & Ireland, Coulter enjoyed one of the most distinguished amateur careers of her generation, representing Ireland around the world at the Augusta National Women’s Amateur, the World Amateur Team Championships, European Team Championships and numerous elite international events.

Tournament organisers hailed the victory as a defining moment for both Irish golf and the Women’s Irish Challenge, reinforcing the event’s growing reputation as one of the premier tournaments on the LET Access Series and a launchpad for future stars of the professional game.

Neil Manchip, High Performance Director at Golf Ireland, said:

“To win your first professional event is an incredible achievement, but to do it on home soil and become the first Irish female professional golfer to win a professional tournament in Ireland makes it truly historic.”

The post Beth Coulter makes history with Women’s Irish Challenge victory appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Renowned for demanding precision, patience, and adaptability, the famous links venue consistently rewards complete players capable of handling changing weather and strategic shot-making.

Several established stars arrive with compelling credentials, while recent performances have reshaped expectations ahead of the season’s final major. Four contenders, in particular, stand out as leading names capable of lifting the Claret Jug.

Scottie Scheffler Enters as the Odds Favourite

2026 Open Odds: +500

Scottie Scheffler arrives at Royal Birkdale as the leading name in The Open 2026 odds, reflecting both his position atop the world rankings and another remarkably consistent campaign. Few players have matched his week-to-week reliability, with regular contention across the PGA Tour reinforcing why bookmakers continue to place him ahead of the field.

His recent form includes multiple victories and high finishes against elite competition, extending a run that has already produced an impressive collection of major championship performances. Scheffler’s résumé now includes multiple major victories alongside countless appearances near the top of leaderboards, highlighting his ability to thrive under the greatest pressure. That consistency remains one of his defining strengths.

Royal Birkdale demands disciplined golf rather than constant aggression, making Scheffler’s exceptional ball-striking particularly valuable. He ranks strongly across key areas such as driving accuracy, greens in regulation, strokes gained approach, and scoring average. His thoughtful course management also minimises costly mistakes, a quality that has repeatedly separated Open champions from the chasing pack.

Compared with the other favourites, Scheffler offers perhaps the highest combination of consistency and statistical excellence. While several rivals possess comparable talent, few maintain such a high baseline every tournament. A victory at Royal Birkdale would further strengthen his standing among golf’s modern greats while adding another Open Championship to an already outstanding major championship legacy.

Rory McIlroy Chases Links Glory

2026 Open Odds: +800

Rory McIlroy once again enters The Open among the leading contenders after producing another strong season across golf’s biggest tournaments. His major championship form has remained competitive, and his combination of experience and proven ability on links courses continues to attract significant attention.

McIlroy’s history with The Open Championship includes memorable victories, close calls, and several weekends spent challenging for a top-10 finish. Growing up playing links golf has given him an instinctive understanding of how to control ball flight, adapt to unpredictable winds, and embrace the unique demands that distinguish this championship from every other major.

Recent tournament performances suggest McIlroy arrives with positive momentum. His combination of length from the tee and exceptional shot-shaping ability allows him to attack difficult holes while remaining flexible when weather conditions change throughout the week. Those strengths have repeatedly translated into success on links layouts that reward creativity alongside technical excellence.

Broader Golf narratives point out that the pursuit of another Claret Jug adds historical significance for one of Northern Ireland’s greatest sporting figures. Public interest inevitably follows McIlroy wherever he competes, but success at Royal Birkdale will depend on disciplined strategy rather than emotion. Limiting mistakes, controlling trajectory in challenging conditions, and capitalising on scoring opportunities remain the tactical ingredients required to stay firmly in contention through Sunday’s closing round.

Justin Rose Brings Experience and Consistency

2026 Open Odds: +2,700

Justin Rose enters Royal Birkdale backed by years of elite-level consistency and an impressive record across golf’s biggest championships. Although younger rivals often dominate pre-tournament headlines, Rose continues to demonstrate the qualities that make experienced competitors dangerous whenever major championships demand patience and strategic execution.

Throughout his career, Rose has regularly featured near the top of Open Championship leaderboards while building one of the strongest major championship résumés of his generation. His experience handling pressure over four demanding rounds gives him an important advantage, particularly on a links course where composure often proves just as valuable as raw power.

Royal Birkdale rewards precise iron play, intelligent decision-making, and disciplined course management, all longstanding strengths of Rose’s game. Recent tournament performances indicate that his swing remains dependable, while his ability to adapt to varying weather conditions keeps him competitive throughout championship week.

A strong performance would also resonate with British supporters, who have followed Rose throughout an accomplished international career. Remaining patient during difficult stretches and positioning himself within striking distance entering the weekend could once again place him firmly in contention. Capturing the Claret Jug would represent another defining achievement, adding one of golf’s most prestigious titles to an already distinguished career.

Jordan Spieth Returns With Open Pedigree

2026 Open Odds: +4,500

Jordan Spieth returns to Royal Birkdale carrying one of the tournament’s most compelling storylines. While his recent form has fluctuated compared with earlier stages of his career, his proven success on this course continues to influence expectations. Few players in the field possess stronger memories of Royal Birkdale than the American.

His unforgettable 2017 Open Championship victory remains one of golf’s greatest major triumphs. Spieth closed with a final-round 69 to secure a three-shot victory after surviving one of the most dramatic championship rounds in modern Open history. The performance demonstrated resilience, imagination, and an ability to respond under extraordinary pressure.

Early in that final round, Spieth surrendered a three-shot advantage before producing the tournament’s defining moment at the 13th hole. Following a wayward drive, officials spent nearly twenty minutes determining relief options before Spieth played his remarkable recovery from a driving range adjacent to the course. A gritty bogey preserved his hopes when disaster seemed likely.

While Spieth may be a longshot for this year’s Open Championship, what followed in 2017 became Open Championship folklore. Spieth nearly aced the 14th, rolled in a spectacular 50-foot eagle putt on the 15th, then added consecutive birdies at the 16th and 17th holes to seize complete control. That extraordinary finish remains central to his Royal Birkdale legacy and continues to shape his standing among the leading contenders as he returns to this historic venue.

Four Players, One Historic Championship

Royal Birkdale promises another demanding examination of every aspect of championship golf. Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, Justin Rose, and Jordan Spieth each arrive with unique strengths, compelling storylines, and realistic ambitions of lifting the Claret Jug.

Whether through recent dominance, proven links expertise, unforgettable history, or veteran consistency, each contender has earned serious consideration. As tournament week unfolds, their performances will help define another memorable chapter in one of golf’s most celebrated major championships.

Content reflects information available as of 2026/07/06; subject to change.

The post The Open 2026 Odds: 4 Contenders Worth Watching at Royal Birkdale appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

The Spaniard, a two-time Major Champion and former World Number One, has won the Amgen Irish Open twice, having claimed victory at Portstewart Golf Club in 2017 and Lahinch Golf Club in 2019.

“I’m really looking forward to getting back to Ireland for the Amgen Irish Open,” said Rahm the 31-year-old ten-time DP World Tour winner. “Winning this tournament twice means a lot to me and it’s always a place I enjoy playing. The courses, the fans and the challenge of links golf make it a special week.”

Six-shot winner at Portstewart

At Portstewart nine years ago, Rahm secured a dominant six-shot win for his maiden DP World Tour title, closing with a 65 to complete a commanding victory. He added a second triumph two years later at Lahinch, where a final-round 62 featuring eight birdies and an eagle saw him overturn a tie for ninth and finish two shots clear of Andy Sullivan and Bernd Wiesberger.

Rahm, who was joint runner up in the US PGA Championship at Aronimink last month, will be part of a strong group of players from Team Europe playing in this year’s Irish Open.

Team Europe players for Doonbeg

He joins Rory McIlroy, Shane Lowry, Tyrrell Hatton, Rasmus Højgaard, and their captain Luke Donald, all of whom have been confirmed so far along with Pádraig Harrington and Séamus Power.

The Amgen Irish Open once again assumes a key position on the DP World Tour’s Global Schedule as part of the Back 9, which encompasses nine of the Tour’s most historic tournaments and national opens.

It features an esteemed roll of honour of champions, including Seve Ballesteros, Nick Faldo, Bernhard Langer, Harrington, Lowry, McIlroy, Colin Montgomerie, José María Olazábal, Rahm and Sam Torrance.

The post Jon Rahm to play in Amgen Irish Open 2026 appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

The former World Number One and two-time Ryder Cup winning Captain will make his first appearance at Trump International Golf Links Doonbeg from September 10-13, 2026.

Donald will again lead Team Europe in the 2027 edition of the Ryder Cup at the J.P. McManus-owned Adare Manor, where the English golfer will bid to become the first Captain to lead a Ryder Cup team to three consecutive victories, having claimed back-to-back victories at Marco Simone in 2023 and Bethpage Black in 2025.

Local Favourites

The world-class Amgen Irish Open field also features defending champion Rory McIlroy, past champions and Major winners Pádraig Harrington and Shane Lowry, alongside local hopes Séamus Power and Tom McKibbin, adding further star power on Ireland’s west coast.

“I had the chance to play at Doonbeg in 2010 and it was a great experience,” said Donald. “I’ve always loved competing in Ireland – the atmosphere, the passionate fans and the challenge of links golf make it such a special place to play, and I’m really looking forward to being part of the Amgen Irish Open.”

Tyrrell Hatton, marking his fourth Ryder Cup appearance, secured the half point that sealed victory in New York last year, as Team Europe defeated the United States 15-13 to record a first away Ryder Cup win since 2012.

“The Amgen Irish Open is always one of the tournaments you look out for on the schedule,” said World Number 21 Hatton. “The fans create a fantastic atmosphere every year and links golf is a challenge that all of us enjoy. I’m looking forward to getting to Doonbeg and hopefully putting myself in contention.”

Former winner Højgaard to compete

Rasmus Højgaard held off the challenge of home favourite McIlroy to win his fifth DP World Tour title at the 2024 Amgen Irish Open, hosted at Royal County Down. His efforts saw him finish second on the Race to Dubai that year and secure the final automatic qualification spot for Bethpage Black, making his Ryder Cup debut in Donald’s victorious 2025 side.

“Winning the Amgen Irish Open was one of the highlights of my career so far and it’s always special returning to a tournament as a past champion,” said Rasmus. “The support we receive from the Irish fans is incredible and I’m excited to be back in Ireland and hopefully make some more great memories.”

Nicolai Højgaard will also arrive at Doonbeg in strong form after recording runner-up finishes on the PGA TOUR at the Truist Championship and Texas Children’s Houston Open, alongside three further top-ten finishes worldwide this season. The Dane enjoyed an impressive Ryder Cup debut at Marco Simone in 2023, helping Team Europe regain the trophy on home soil.

“I’ve always enjoyed playing in Ireland and the atmosphere at the Amgen Irish Open is among the best we experience all year,” Nicolai added. “The course looks like it will provide a great test and I’m excited to be part of such a strong field.”

Amgen Irish Open part of Back 9

The Amgen Irish Open once again assumes a key position on the DP World Tour’s Global Schedule as part of the Back 9, which encompasses nine of the Tour’s most historic tournaments and national opens.

It features an esteemed roll of honour of champions, including Seve Ballesteros, Sir Nick Faldo, Bernhard Langer, Harrington, Lowry, McIlroy, Colin Montgomerie, José María Olazábal, Jon Rahm and Sam Torrance.

The post Donald, Hatton & Højgaard Brothers Confirmed for The Amgen Irish Open appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Here are some of his Masters highlights:

• 24,000+ steps on Sunday
• 91,000+ steps during the tournament

Rory’s heart rate spiked to 135 BPM during his tee shot on 18, dropped to 121 BPM during his approach shot, fell further to 105 BPM during his winning putt, and then jumped back up to 150 BPM during his celebration.

His resting heart rate for the week was 47-49 BPM.

Rory says he follows a strict routine during the PGA Tour season to ensure proper rest and recovery:

• No caffeine after 2 PM
• Last meal at least 2 hours before bed
• Magnesium and theanine for sleep quality
• Blue-light-blocking glasses in the evening
• Sauana or Epsom salt bath when available
• Cool room temperature for sleep

He follows the same three-hour routine before every round: arrive at the course → warm up in the gym → eat breakfast → hit balls on the range → putting green.

Rory says he believes his focus on longevity will help him play another 10+ years at a high level, and his physiological age on Whoop is now 1.5 years younger than his actual age.

Plus, it turned out to be a pretty good investment.

Rory initially invested in Whoop in 2020 when the company was valued at $1.2 billion. While we don’t know exactly how much he invested, Whoop recently raised another round at a $10.1 billion valuation.

That’s an 8.4x multiple in five years.

Not bad, not bad.

The post Rory McIlroy Masters data reveals fitness, heart rate and routine appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

The three-time Major winner will become the 50th player in Tour history to reach that milestone, more than 30 years after making his debut at the 1995 Smurfit European Open.

Illustrious career

Harrington has won 43 professional titles in his illustrious career – 15 of which have come on the DP World Tour – and he has represented Europe six times in the Ryder Cup.

The Irish golfer has become prolific on the over-50s circuit, winning 11 times on the PGA TOUR Champions, and is the reigning U.S. Senior Open and ISPS HANDA Senior Open champion.

Commenting ahead of this week’s tournament, Pádraig Harrington said:

“I’m delighted to be back in Doha for the first time since 2003. It’s nice to come back to a venue you haven’t been for a long time to see the difference and what a great golf course it is. It’s in phenomenal condition and it’s a joy to be back. It’s amazing to see how much the course has changed and they’re putting back tees on nearly every hole which kind of suits it because the rough is heavy, the greens are firm and it’s a nice challenge.

Nice to get to 500

Discussing his DP World Tour achievement of 500 appearances, the Dubliner stated:

“500 appearances isn’t something you envisage or plan for but it’s nice to get there. I’ve probably played close to 800 tournaments in my 30-year professional career. I started a bit later than most people because I didn’t turn pro until I was 24. I’m happy to be out here playing on the DP World Tour and I’m still enjoying it.

“I couldn’t have dreamt of the career that I’ve had. I’m quite an optimist and that’s what I love about golf it always gives you that hope that you’re going to find the secret and I’m still doing that today.

Still loves the game

“I still have a pure love for the game. I’m fascinated by it, I enjoy it, I love coaching and thinking about the game. 20 years ago we pretended we weren’t golf nerds but I’m as biggest a golf nerd as you can get. I’m here now to try and be competitive and I know the only way I can do that is to enjoy it.”

.@padraig_h gets his 500th appearance underway #QatarMasters pic.twitter.com/iS1sjyn6bQ

— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) February 5, 2026

The post Pádraig Harrington set for 500th DP World Tour appearance in Qatar appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.