McIlroy struggles with opening round 74 at PGA Championship
MASTERS CHAMPION RORY McIlroy struggled in the opening round of the year's second Major as he signed for a three-over opening round 74 at the US PGA Championship.
A bogey at the 9th, his final hole of the day, rounded off McIlroy's day as he finished on three-over at Quail Hollow, ten shots behind the current leader Ryan Gerard, who is seven-under after 15 holes.
The American has produced a blistering run of form on the back nine with an eagle on the par-five 15th following four birdies in succession between the 10th and 13th.
Bunched behind him in a tie for second place on four-under in the clubhouse is European Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald, New Zealand's Ryan Fox, US player Alex Smalley, and German golfer Stephen Jaeger.
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US Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley is four-under after 16 holes.
Padraig Harrington and Shane Lowry are both two-over after the opening round, while Seamus Power is one-over.
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The Irish Sun
2 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
‘One of stupidest things I've ever done' – Shane Lowry speechless after forgetting most basic rule of golf at US Open
SHANE LOWRY was left kicking himself after a basic blunder at the US Open. The World No.12 sensationally picked up his ball before marking it on the 14th green in his second round at Oakmont. 4 Shane Lowry had a US Open to forget and made an incredible gaffe on the 14th green in his second round Credit: EPA 4 The Irishman picked up his ball before marking it Credit: SKY SPORTS 4 Lowry labelled the gaffe one of the "stupidest things" he's ever done Credit: GETTY Lowry instantly realised his blunder and cursed his violation of the most basic of golf rules. And, as per the rules, he was immediately penalised a point - although he could've been docked two. Lamenting his gaffe, albeit with a smile on his face, he said: 'It's probably one of the stupidest things I've ever done. "I just picked the ball up. READ MORE US OPEN NEWS "I had the ball my hand turned around and [caddie] Darren [Reynolds] he basically said to me, 'What are you doing?' 'I put it back down and marked it and played on and I knew it was gonna get penalised. "I didn't know if it was going to be one or two. "But yeah, maybe I was just my mind was somewhere else, but I fought. I still tried." Most read in Golf JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS 4 Shane Lowry missed the final cut with scores of 79 and 78 Credit: GETTY Golf fans were equally as blown away by the 38-year-old's blunder, with one saying: "Oops." Another said: "Oakmont has got to Lowry." 'Oh wow' - Rory McIlroy launches club and smashes tee box leaving Sky Sports commentators disgusted at US Open And another said: "Not a good thing to do." One remarked: "Shane's not having a good time." Another sarcastically chimed in: "He needs to play in the PGA some more." Lowry ultimately ended up missing the cut for the second time in seven US Open appearances with scores of 79 and 78. When asked where he went wrong, he said: 'I don't know to be honest. It's probably one of the stupidest things I've ever done." Shane Lowry on his 14th green gaffe 'I drove it in play a lot yesterday, did what I was supposed to off the tee. "And then just didn't have my game that I've had for the last while. 'And then I really struggled on the greens yesterday and the round got away from me here and that was it. 'I let it sort of do [to me] what I said it wouldn't do. But that's Oakmont. That's the US Open.' American Sam Burns currently tops the leaderboard in three under, with JJ Spaun Jr. a shot behind him in second place.
The Irish Sun
4 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
World Cup of Darts 2025 LIVE RESULTS: Action ON NOW as England's Luke Littler and Humphries face Germany
THE World Cup of Darts is well underway in Frankfurt as day three unfolds in this mouthwatering tournament! Defending champions England will finally be in action today, as Belgian pair were BEATEN by the Philippines, as they fought back from 3-0 down to dump Belgium out 4-3. Netherlands duo Danny Nopper and Gian van Veen looked impressive again, as they dismantled Hungary 4-0, in their quest for a fifth star. Start time: From 12pm BST TV channel: Live stream: NOW/Sky Sports app CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS Follow our live blog below... By Czech them out Czechia's average just fell below 90 in the end but it was a fabulous display. Malaysia grew into it but just let too many legs go early on. Four 180s for Czechia in the 11 legs too. Copy link Copied By Czechia are through to tomorrow's quarter finals! Malaysia 3-8 Czechia The Czech duo DO get over the line this time and it's a convincing result in the end. Malaysia just left themselves too much to do but Karel Sedlacek's individual display was stunning. His set-up left 32 and his partner comes in to take it out. They'll face Scotland or the Netherlands tomorrow! Copy link Copied By Malaysia 3-7 Czechia This match should be over - but it's just getting a LITTLE edgy.... Another on the board for Malaysia who make a bit of a hash of the 56 remaining when single 8 hit instead of 16. But that's followed by single 16 and then D16 and they've closed the gap to four. Czechia just struggling to get over the line so far.... Copy link Copied By Malaysia 2-7 Czechia Match darts come and go for Czechia and it's Malaysia with the break of throw to get a second leg on the board! Petr Krivka comes to the board needing 60 for the win and misses the BOARD altogether. He hits 20 and just misses D20, leaving Malaysia - who hit a 180 and were the width of the wire away from a 121 checkout - come back for D8 and pin it first time. Copy link Copied By Malaysia 1-7 Czechia Karel Sedlacek is a different class up there at the minute and another terrific check out of 66 secures a break of throw. His partner's 140 set up the 66 when it looked like Malaysia had a grip of the leg in the scoring. Sedlacek left himself one dart at D20 and pinned it. Copy link Copied By Malaysia 1-6 Czechia At the interval and it's a dominant display from Czechia so far, racing into a 6-1 lead. They've had 13 missed darts at a double and STILL averaging 88.91! They're just two legs from the quarter finals! Copy link Copied By De Decker shares Belgium apology Mike De Decker has apologised to fans after Belgium were surprisingly knocked out of the World Cup. He said: "Well done to the Philippines! So sorry to everyone supporting us. "Felt nervous throughout that game and couldn't settle down." Copy link Copied By Luke's sent warning by rivals German duo Ricardo Pietreczko and Martin Schindler have warned England's MBE heroes they won't be treated like royalty in Frankfurt. Schindler said: 'I think the fans are going to play a major role in that. If we are going to play against bigger nations, England, Wales, Northern Ireland, Scotland or Netherlands or whoever, there are so many good names in it right now. "I think this probably is the best World Cup to be in and we are very happy about the support we are getting from the fans.' Pietreczko said: 'I think it was a very funny game against both Lukes, because Luke Littler says never come back to Germany.' Copy link Copied By Aussies fear no team Damon Heta has claimed other players are scared of Australia at the World Cup. He and Simon Whitlock have made a promising start to the tournament, winning both of their matches so far. After beating last year's finalists Austria 4-1, Heta said: 'We didn't feel any pressure — this is just a darts tournament. 'I think the other countries are more scared of us than we are of them.' Copy link Copied By Humphries on MBE "I feel really good about it, it's obviously something that was very unexpected. "When I got the letter, I kind of couldn't believe when I opened it and it's a very proud moment. "My mum and dad are obviously incredibly proud as well. Their son's obviously getting an MBE, which is quite a feat, to be honest. "It usually happens later on in people's careers, but it's happened in mine pretty early. I feel pretty blessed, to be honest, I'm fortunate enough to get one. "My girlfriend and my son will be very, very proud, especially my son. When he grows up and understands what it means, I'm sure he'd be very, very proud." Copy link Copied By Humphries on Littler rivalry "It's something that me and Luke have really done together. "I know he's done it on a much bigger scale, and from a younger generational part of it, but I think him having someone that can compete with him, compete against him and push him all the way, it's made it really exciting for the sport. "I think that's grown so many new fans. Everyone's talking about darts now, and I think that we're two of the pioneering parts of that. "We've changed the face of darts over the last couple of years. It's starting to become a younger man's game. It's nice to be at the forefront of that." Copy link Copied By Littler reflects on MBE award Luke Littler and Luke Humphries have been given MBEs through their services to darts. Still only 18, Littler has shared his thoughts on the career milestone. He said: "I'm very happy for myself. I didn't think I'd ever receive one. "For myself and what I've done, it's unbelievable and for my sport. "I'm happy, my family is happy, and I can't wait to receive it. "This award that we've got, it doesn't come very often. Like we've said, we're the sixth and seventh darts players that have ever received one. "For myself, like we've said, so early in our careers, but what I've done for myself, opened up my own darts academy, seeing the younger generation come up, it's a massive boost for us two coming into the World Cup this weekend." Copy link Copied By Good morning darts fans Some huge drama last night as the group stages came to a close. Belgium were dumped out incredibly despite being 3-0 up and somehow losing their tie against the Philippines. South Africa went through without even PLAYING, all before Argentina won the final match in a decider to sneak through. And Luke Humphries and Luke Littler were last night awarded an MBE for services to darts - before being handed a tricky second round tie against hosts Germany! Here's today's draw: England vs Germany Argentina vs Australia Northern Ireland vs South Africa Switzerland vs Ireland Wales vs Philippines Hong Kong vs Sweden Scotland vs Netherlands Malaysia vs Czechia Copy link Copied By Change to the format We're now looking at longer matches now we're in knockout mode. The first to 4 has now gone - and it's now a first to 8 at this last-16 stage. Remaining format: Second Round - Best of 15 legs Quarter-Finals - Best of 15 legs Semi-Finals - Best of 15 legs Final - Best of 19 legs Copy link Copied By Darts Dollars The remaining 16 teams have already bagged themselves a share of £9,000 for reaching the last-16. Here is the breakdown of the World Cup of Darts prize money below: Winners - £80,000 Runners-up - £50,000 Semi-final losers - £30,000 Quarter-final losers - £20,000 Last 16 losers - £9,000 Second in group - £5,000 Third in group - £4,000 Total - £450,000 Copy link Copied By Darts Dollars The remaining 16 teams have already bagged themselves a share of £9,000 for reaching the last-16. Here is the breakdown of the World Cup of Darts prize money below: Winners - £80,000 Runners-up - £50,000 Semi-final losers - £30,000 Quarter-final losers - £20,000 Last 16 losers - £9,000 Second in group - £5,000 Third in group - £4,000 Total - £450,000 Copy link Copied By 'Won't click' Peter Wright reckons the Luke & Luke combination "won't click" for England. The Scot told BBC Sport Scotland: "Look at the amount of really good England teams that have been paired up and they haven't clicked, like James Wade and Phil Taylor. "Littler is a fantastic player, a worthy world champion and all the other titles he has won, fantastic, but he is going up there playing pairs. "I know he played as a youth for England, but whether he can do it in the seniors, I don't know. They might go out and bash everybody up, but I am thinking they won't click." Copy link Copied By Ready to go A tough opening game handed to England when they face hosts Germany in the second round. But judging by Luke Littler's tweet, he's up for it! Copy link Copied By Humphries reacts to MBE The world number one said: 'I'm extremely honoured and delighted to be receiving an MBE in the King's Birthday Honours for services to darts. 'To be recognised by the King for what I have achieved, and also for my contribution to playing in and promoting the sport that I love, is something that I never thought possible, but I'm very grateful that it has become a reality. 'I have enjoyed the highest of highs in darts in becoming world number one and winning the biggest tournaments that the game has to offer, but to be awarded the MBE will rank alongside any of those achievements. 'I have to give a massive thanks to my fiancée Kayley, and my family, particularly my mum and dad, who have been a constant source of support over the years and helped make me the person that I am today. 'To say that I'm looking forward to visiting Buckingham Palace is an understatement. To receive the MBE there with my family with me is something that I'll cherish for the rest of my life. 'I'll continue to be a good ambassador for darts, and help pave the way for future generations to be involved and succeed in a sport that has given so much to me.' Copy link Copied By Littler reacts to MBE The 18-year-old said: 'This is an amazing and unexpected honour but one which I am very grateful for. 'To receive a recognition like this is something I had never thought would be possible, and it is a proud moment. 'It's unbelievable what I've done for my sport; I'm happy, my family is happy and I can't wait to receive it. 'Congratulations to Luke Humphries on receiving an MBE too – he's a fantastic ambassador for darts, and although he's a rival, I can't wait to partner him in the World Cup this weekend.' Copy link Copied By ICYMI From Alexandra Palace to the Royal Palaces, what an extraordinary ride it has been for Luke Littler. Two years ago, he was just a normal, kebab-eating kid from Warrington who dreamt of one day making money from darts. What has happened since is one of the most sensational stories in British sport. A shock World Championship final run in 2024, turning pro, taking the oche by storm, global popularity, the 2025 world title at just 17 and more than £2million in prize money and sponsorship. Littler has even had novelty kebabs named in his honour. And now he will go, by royal appointment, to collect an MBE as part of the King's Birthday Honours list. Copy link Copied By Tonight's World Cup results in full Sweden 3-4 France Czechia 4-2 India Japan 1-4 Switzerland Ireland 2-4 China Malaysia 4-1 Denmark Hong Kong 4-0 Bahrain Poland 2-4 Norway Belgium 3-4 Philippines Netherlands 4-0 Hungary Germany 4-0 Singapore Austria 1-4 Australia New Zealand 3-4 Argentina Copy link Copied By Tonight's World Cup results in full Sweden 3-4 France Czechia 4-2 India Japan 1-4 Switzerland Ireland 2-4 China Malaysia 4-1 Denmark Hong Kong 4-0 Bahrain Poland 2-4 Norway Belgium 3-4 Philippines Netherlands 4-0 Hungary Germany 4-0 Singapore Austria 1-4 Australia New Zealand 3-4 Argentina Copy link Copied By Draw reaction Good job England and Scotland were both seeded... They've been handed a couple of huge ties against Germany and Netherlands! It's all set up for a sensational day of action tomorrow! Copy link Copied By Draw reaction Good job England and Scotland were both seeded... They've been handed a couple of huge ties against Germany and Netherlands! It's all set up for a sensational day of action tomorrow! Copy link Copied 1 …
The Irish Sun
4 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Florian Wirtz will be the ninth German to play for Liverpool – how others fared including flop who lasted just two games
LIVERPOOL'S rebirth was made in Germany through the inspirational figure of Jurgen Klopp. Now the Reds want his countryman 9 Florian Wirtz will become Liverpool's ninth German Credit: Getty 9 Loris Karius is remembered for his mistake in the 2018 Champions League final Credit: Getty Images - Getty 9 Dietar Hamman won everything but the Prem with Liverpool Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd 9 Sean Dundee managed just three games for the club Credit: Getty You could argue that no one of any nationality has made such an impact at Anfield as Klopp since legendary boss Bill Shankly. Although German players have enjoyed success at Without the reign of Klopp, the club he left last year would almost certainly not have been in a position to buy one of the best young players in the world. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL Before Klopp could turn Liverpool into winners of the biggest prizes again, he had to change the club's culture. Zeitgeist is the German word that usually refers to the spirit and philosophy of a particular historical era. In Klopp's case, he combined his homeland's trend for gegenpressing, high-energy, attacking football with his unique gifts as a man-manager to transform the Reds. When he left Anfield last summer after nearly nine years in charge, he had led Liverpool to English, European and world titles, plus three domestic cups. Most read in Football JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS The club's transfer spending and strategy this summer, after Slot delivered championship No 20, are designed to deliver even more silverware across the next decade. And Wirtz, who is yet to reach his prime, is the man they hope will play a big part in Although Liverpool fans will find it hard to keep a lid on it, the older ones will know not to get too carried away. The first big German star to come to Anfield was Karl Heinz-Riedle, fresh from scoring twice as Borussia Dortmund beat Juventus 3-1 in the 1997 Champions League final. But the emergence of Michael Owen restricted the striker's appearances and he left after two seasons. Sean Dundee, an even less-heralded centre-forward, came and went before Dietmar Hamann became the first big German success story at Liverpool. With countrymen Markus Babbel and Christian Ziege, Hamann was part of an extraordinary year under Gerard Houllier in 2001. The Reds won both domestic cups and lifted the Uefa Cup after a 5-4 golden goal win over Alaves. If you count the Community Shield and Uefa Super Cup — and back then Liverpool did — it was five trophies in a calendar year. But while Ziege and then Babbel moved on after good but not brilliant stays at Anfield, Hamann stuck around. 9 Christian Ziege had a solid spell at Anfield Credit: Getty 9 Markus Babbel was another German success story Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd And boss Rafa Benitez brought the defensive midfielder on at half-time of the 2005 Champions League final against AC Milan, with his side 3-0 down. Although others stole the headlines, Hamann's display was crucial in the greatest comeback in the competition's history. And like a typical German, he also scored Liverpool's first penalty in the shootout that sealed victory — all with a broken toe. The first Bayer Leverkusen wonderkid to join Liverpool arrived in 2012, 13 years before Wirtz. But injuries played a big part in forward Samed Yesil struggling to make an impact and he left after just two League Cup appearances. The next Leverkusen prodigy, Emre Can, fared better. He arrived in 2014, a year and a bit before Klopp, and under his countryman finished a runner-up in the League Cup, Europa League and Champions League. After the latter heartbreak against Real Madrid, Can went to Juventus on a free and enjoyed success there. Goalkeeper Loris Karius was the only senior Germany player ever signed by Klopp, but he was never the same after two awful mistakes in that final with Real. After being poleaxed by Sergio Ramos early in the game, the dazed keeper rolled the ball straight to Karim Benzema to open the scoring. Sadio Mane equalised, then Gareth Bale produced a worldie overhead kick before Karius let a more saveable Bale strike from distance go through his hands. Karius finally left Anfield in 2022 after three loan spells. His two seasons at Newcastle included a Carabao Cup final defeat and he is back in Germany in Bundesliga 2 with Schalke. Wirtz — whose fee But he will have his work cut out to become as loved by Liverpool fans as Klopp. 9 Emre Can was a key part of success under Jurgen Klopp Credit: Getty Images - Getty 9 Karl Heinz-Riedle was the first big German star on Merseyside Credit: Alamy 9 Samed Yesil featured just twice Credit: AFP
