"Growing the game" of golf without deep respect to its inherited traditions will shrink the game
As he was being inducted into the American Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York in 2005, Chicago Cubs great Ryne Sandberg gave a speech about honouring a game that is bigger than himself. Anyone associated with, or considering being associated with, the LIV Golf tour should give the speech a listen.
Norman on Rory's Augusta destiny: "Time will tell"
Greg Norman will forever be associated with his Masters tragedy of 1996 when he led by six strokes from Nick Faldo with a round to play and was intimidated into a 78 by the relentless Englishman and eventually finished five behind. It was an implosion that was to be echoed by Rory McIlroy, albeit in different circumstances, in 2011 and a reminder that nothing is ever certain in the game.
Snails beware — Trump planning Doonbeg revolution
Less than a year after "blowing up" Doral's Blue Monster to create what a radically different challenge for world's elite in this week's WGC-Cadillac Championship, Donald Trump is considering a complete rebuild of Doonbeg that could put him on another environmental collision course.
The Donald to buy Doonbeg?
Donald Trump's interest in Ireland is not new. In 2011, his son Donald Jnr flew to Dublin and trawled through the NAMA properties looking for a potential investment. Nothing happened. Now, according to the Irish Examiner, Trump is set to swoop in and pay €15m for Doonbeg in Co Clare, which went into receivership last month.
Doonbeg comes of age
Winter is coming. But while the rest of the country battens down the hatches, a rare treat awaits in the magnificent southwest at Doonbeg in County Clare, where the golf never stops and the handsome stone of The Lodge stands sentinel against the wild Atlantic - an oasis of pure luxury in one of the most beautiful places on earth.
Shark lesson for Rory et al: "Unfortunately, there's no quit"
Greg Norman knows all about life at the top - he was world No 1 for 331 weeks in his career. And while he might not have won more majors that Rory McIlroy, ending up stuck on “just” two despite his talent, he can still teach the Holywood star a thing or two.
T-Rex silenced but Clarke-asaurus showing signs of life
Jeff the dinosaur oversees proceedings at the PGA Championship at Coolum. Picture via Sydney Morniing HeraldDarren Clarke’s swing changes are plainly taking effect as he opened with a two under 70 to share 19th place behind the unheralded Daniel Popovic in the Australian PGA at the Palmer Coolum Resort.Bourdy sparkles in Crans, Lowry and Hoey in touch
Gregory Bourdy made a hot start in damp Crans. Picture ©Getty ImagesShane Lowry and Michael Hoey were the only Irishmen to break par as Grégory Bourdy carded the joint lowest of his European Tour career to take a two-stroke lead in the Omega European Masters.