The price hikes hurt, but it's wonderful to see The Open bring a business bonanza to Portrush
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Daily Mirror
6 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Golf icon's plea will leave 'bad taste' in Rory McIlroy's mouth after he called him out
Ernie Els has called for The Open to return to Muirfield, a course that past adversary Rory McIlroy admitted would leave him with a 'bad taste in his mouth' whenever he played there Rory McIlroy once confessed he'd be left with a sour taste whenever he teed off at Muirfield, but Ernie Els has now urged The Open to make its comeback to the Scottish venue. Muirfield was stripped from the major championship's hosting schedule in 2016. That decision was made following a contentious ballot which maintained the prohibition on female membership. Whilst this ruling was overturned just 12 months later, the harm had already been inflicted in McIlroy's view. The Open hasn't made its way back to Muirfield since being reinstated to the rota in 2017. Yet now Els, who has previously locked horns with Masters winner McIlroy, has delivered a heartfelt plea regarding the links course. "Yes, Muirfield should host [The Open] as soon as possible," the two-time Open winner told reporters at the unveiling of his Els Club Vilamoura, a new Algarve golf venue. "I'm not sure why it's not gone back there. It's been more than 10 years. Normally there is a 10-year gap between Opens at a particular course. In my view, Muirfield is up there, it's in my top three [courses]." Muirfield previously staged The Open in 2013, when Phil Mickelson secured the Claret Jug. Despite being restored to the rotation eight years ago, golf's oldest tournament has yet to make its return, reports Belfast Live. Should McIlroy's remarks from 2017 be taken into account, Northern Ireland's top golfer would probably prefer it never does, as he exclaimed: "In this day and age where you've got women who are the leaders of certain industries and heads of state, not being able to join a golf course, I think it's obscene and ridiculous. "They sort of saw sense, but I still think [the fact that] it got to this stage is horrendous. We'll go back and play the Open because they've let women members in, but every time I go to Muirfield now I won't have a great taste in my mouth." Much to McIlroy's probable dismay, R&A chief executive Mark Darbon has revealed that talks are taking place about Muirfield staging an Open Championship, with the sole obstacle being the venue's practice facilities. "We love the golf course at Muirfield," confessed Darbon. "We're in discussions with the venue right now. There are some things we need to evolve at Muirfield, the practice ground, in particular is a challenge for us with a modern Open. "There's some work to facilitate some infrastructure we need, but there's some good dialogue and we'd love to go back there in the future." It appears that both McIlroy and Els are at odds over The Open's seemingly certain comeback to Muirfield, and this isn't the first occasion both have clashed. Earlier this year, McIlroy was questioned about when he'd retire from the sport and responded bluntly to an enquiry about the Champions Tour, previously known as the Senior PGA Tour. When asked whether he'd contemplate ever competing on the aforementioned tour, McIlroy didn't hold back and declared: "Absolutely not. "I will not play Champions Tour golf. Look, I've said a lot of absolutes in my time that I've walked back, but I do not envision playing Champions Tour golf. Something has gone terribly wrong if I have to compete at golf at 50." Els appeared to take offence at such a harsh dismissal, and he turned to social media, writing: "Interesting to read Rory McIlroy's comments today. At 35 years old I was also bullet proof saying things about not playing past 50. I'm 55 now and laughing at my comments from back then. "The Champions Tour is so fulfilling with a great bunch of players we all grew up together from junior golf. Our sponsors and partners are wonderful companies and people. Competition is a powerful tool!"
Otago Daily Times
a day ago
- Otago Daily Times
Show me some emotion
Is Scottie Scheffler's dominance good or bad for golf? Otago Daily Times correspondent Neville Idour attempts to answer that question following Scheffler's dominant win at The Open. We have had the Norman era, the Nicklaus era and the Tiger era. Now we have entered the Scheffler era. Many commentators and fans are asking if this is going to be good for golf and fan engagement. Until the final few holes on the final day at The Open, the answer would have been no. Throughout the event, the huge gallery of fans were willing Rory McIlroy, the "Pied Piper of Portrush", to victory. Bryson DeChambeau also attracted a huge following, especially as he charged up the leaderboard after an almost terminal first round when he played as if he had never seen the course. One commentator described the galleries following Scheffler in the early rounds as sparse by comparison to McIlroy's and DeChambeau's. In fact, McIlroy received more applause and adulation walking from a green to a tee than Scheffler had received for three birdies in his first six holes. Some in the crowd made comments that were out of order. They cheered when Scheffler found a bunker and there were even boos. The biggest cheers greeted his double bogey on the eighth. Thankfully, things improved and were suitably gracious by the 18th. While it is easy to be in awe of Scheffler's play, it is hard to feel any connection or love for that brilliance. As he walks from tee to green to tee, his almost emotionless, expressionless gaze is focused mostly on the ground, almost never acknowledging the applause for his many great shots and recoveries. Rarely does he even look at or towards the fans, and as for high fives, as many players do, he is clearly not interested. This all ensures a disconnect with the fans, thus depriving them of feeling welcome guests. Because that is what they are, and high-paying ones at that. Without them, professionals would be playing for peanuts. As one of the TV commentators remarked when McIlroy was on screen putting for birdie: "It is an easy game to like in this country when you have a guy like Rory leading the charge." Likewise, DeChambeau has acknowledged his earlier failings and become a Pied Piper for golf with millions of followers. He totally engaged the fans as he charged up the leaderboard in his final three rounds. He knows how to take them on the ride with him and why it is important for the game. Scheffler's current dominance is not his problem. It needs his rivals to up their game to compete with him. McIlroy said after his win "he's been on a different level for the last two years", heaping praise on him. While Scheffler probably couldn't care less, the fans do, and it would be a nice gesture if he could somehow engage a little with the crowds and show even a smidgeon of passion and appreciation for their presence. Surely that can be achieved without diminishing his level of play. For players like McIlroy, DeChambeau and many others, it probably improves their level of play. Why not try it, Scottie? It won't kill you. You might just enjoy it.
Rhyl Journal
a day ago
- Rhyl Journal
Ignore Trump and give Open to Turnberry urges Montgomerie
The US president bought the famous Scottish course in 2014 and The Open has stayed away since, with 2009 marking its last staging. Former R&A chief executive Martin Slumbers said The Open would not return to Turnberry until Trump was out of politics and the focus would be solely on golf. However, his replacement, Mark Darbon, announced he has held talks with Trump's son, Eric, about the logistical challenges Turnberry has, rather than politics. There are also reports Trump has asked the UK government to step in and convince The R&A to take its prized event back to his course. Turnberry, famous for its picturesque coastline and iconic lighthouse, is renowned as one of the best courses in the world and is a fans and players' favourite. Colin Montgomerie playing at the Els Club in Vilamoura (Image: Andre Pires Santos) It was the scene of Tom Watson's famous win over Jack Nicklaus in the 1977 Open, dubbed the 'duel in the sun', and Watson's near-fairytale in 2009, when the then-59-year-old almost won but bogeyed the last hole and lost in a play-off to Stewart Cink. The Open have not yet announced the venue for the 2028 Open, which is set to be pushed back from its usual July slot due to the Olympics. And Scottish legend Montgomerie, 62, insists Turnberry would be the best choice. 'Let's hope that we can get it back there as soon as we can,' he said, speaking at the launch of Ernie Els' new golf club, Els Club Vilamoura. 'Because it definitely is the best course, and we should be seeing the best players on the best courses. 'It's a pity, isn't it, that Turnberry is not currently on the rota 'It's the best. We all accept it's the best course in Britain, [certainly the] best links course in Britain, and it's a shame, because of its standard, that it's not on the rota.' Montgomerie is not the only golf heavyweight to throw his name behind the campaign. American superstar Bryson DeChambeau, a fan of Trump's, said he is all for it. "It's one of the best golf courses in the world, and I'd love for it to be a part of the rotation,' he said. "Albeit I haven't played it, I've heard so many great things about it, and any time you get to play a special historical golf course like that, I think it's worthy of it, for sure." The R&A has pointed to the growth of The Open and Turnberry's lack of infrastructure as the reason for staying away. In 2009, 120,000 people attended Turnberry, compared to the 280,000 that visited Royal Portrush to see Scottie Scheffler win his fourth major title last week. R&A chief executive Darbon said: "We love the golf course - we've not taken it out of our pool of venues - but we have some big logistical issues there.' Montgomerie played a nine-hole exhibition to open the Els Club Vilamoura alongside four-time major winner Els and 2001 Open Champion David Duval. The Algarve course is a championship-standard 18-hole golf course that features a luxury clubhouse and signature amenities such as the 261 Bar, and was built on the redesigned Victoria course, which hosted the Portugal Masters from 2007 to 2022. It will host the new PGA Champions Tour event, the Portugal Invitational, after signing a five-year deal. The first edition of the event is set to be held between 31 July to 2 August 2026. Els said: 'Golf is in the pretty sweet spot at the moment and [creating this course] has been a really nice venture. We want the conditions to be absolutely perfect and for people to have a great experience and good food.' Montgomerie added: 'The golf course is superb, and the clubhouse is fantastic. It's not just a course for the present; it's a course for the future as well.' PGA TOUR Champions announces the Portugal Invitational to be held at The Els Club Vilamoura on course designed by Ernie Els. PGA TOUR Champions, Arrow Global Group, Turismo de Portugal, and Turismo de Algarve will deliver a five-year partnership and will debut the week of July 27, 2026, and will feature a field of 78 players. For more information visit
