logo
How Wimbledon hero Andy Murray could enter qualifying for The Open – but must pay £200 fee

How Wimbledon hero Andy Murray could enter qualifying for The Open – but must pay £200 fee

Scottish Sun5 days ago
ANDY MURRAY could qualify for golf's Open Championship next year.
The two-time Wimbledon champion retired from tennis last summer after a legendary career.
3
Andy Murray could try and qualify for next year's Open
Credit: Alamy
But since hanging up his racquet, he has dusted off his golf clubs instead.
And he has enjoyed a stunning year on the course by getting his handicap down to a reported 1.9.
Murray, 38, shows not signs of slowing down in his pursuit of getting to scratch.
He beat Carlos Alcaraz in their three-match mini-series during the Spaniard's run to the Wimbledon final.
READ MORE ON THE OPEN
HARRY PUTTER Thomas tries casting spell on ball in desperate attempt to nail birdie putt
And if he can get his handicap to 0.4 - and stump up the £200 fee - he could enter regional qualifying for next year's 154th Open at Royal Birkdale.
Ex-Premier League footballers Jimmy Bullard and Peter Odemwingie both gave it a go in 2025 but did not progress.
But Ryder Cup hero Ludvig Aberg threw his full support behind Murray's golf game.
The Swede, 25, said: "He brings it up really nicely with the hands.
CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS
"The club face is quite neutral, so it's not going to be biased whether he hits a draw or a fade.
"Considering it's someone who played tennis at this level, it's pretty stinking good.
Awkward moment fart noise stuns Open commentators into silence before pair burst out laughing
"In any sport or any profession, whether it's golf or tennis or something else, you need to spend time on it.
"The technique of golf is quite tricky, naturally, so you do need to spend a lot of time on it."
Aberg - who shot a four-under 67 to move to -2 after round two of The Open - added to the Daily Mail: "Hey, that swing was really good! Like it was really, really good!
"Man, I was impressed!
"They told us to be as honest as we can but I just didn't know what to say.
"I think he's going to be able to play really good golf in the future."
3
Ludvig Aberg was singing Murray's praises after watching his swing
Credit: Getty
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Casemiro thinks Liverpool could be signing a future world-beater as transfer 'accelerates'
Casemiro thinks Liverpool could be signing a future world-beater as transfer 'accelerates'

Daily Mirror

time7 minutes ago

  • Daily Mirror

Casemiro thinks Liverpool could be signing a future world-beater as transfer 'accelerates'

Casemiro has played with a plethora of world-class talents but made an effort to name reported Liverpool target Rodrygo as a player capable of following in the footsteps of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi Casemiro admitted that Rodrygo can become one of the very best players in the world with Liverpool advancing in talks with the Real Madrid star's camp. The Manchester United midfielder was team-mates with the winger in Spain for three years and was certainly best positioned to analyse the heights he believed his compatriot could reach. ‌ The 24-year-old has established himself as a vital player for the Spanish giants in recent years but suffered a decrease in importance last season under Carlo Ancelotti due to the signing of Kylian Mbappe. ‌ He started just 22 league games, while getting only 92 minutes of action during Madrid's run in the FIFA Club World Cup earlier this month. His lack of game-time has led to uncertainty over his future, with Arsenal and Liverpool reportedly interested in the forward. ‌ It was earlier this year that Casemiro - who spent nine years with Madrid - showered praise on Mbappe and his former team-mates, including Rodrygo. Speaking to Diario AS, the Brazilian insisted that while the Frenchman has the ability to be the world's best, it's a label in football that the 24-year-old is also capable of. "He [Mbappe] is one of those players that when you play against them you don't know how to stop him. He's not [on top of] the podium yet, but he'll get there," Casemiro said. "He's the heir to [ Messi and Ronaldo ], along with Vinicius Jr, who continues to grow and improve in every game, Rodrygo, and Fede Valverde." It wasn't the first time he sang the praises of the winger as he said in 2022: "He lit up my eyes. "He's a star. God gave him the gift of playing football. Rodrygo knows when to attack, when to defend, when to be more aggressive, when to play more vertically. This kid is one of the most complete players of his generation." With speculation suggested Luis Diaz is ready to depart Anfield with Bayern Munich interested in the Colombian, reports indicate that the Reds are ready to pounce on Rodrygo with talks commencing with his entourage, according to Foot Mercato. ‌ They claim discussions have begun between the Premier League champions' hierarchy and Rodrygo's camp in order to seek out the possibility of a transfer after six years in Spain. While no contact has been directly made with Madrid, the winger's preferred destination is said to be England. The Gunners are also said to be interested in pursuing Rodrygo despite signing one wide player already in Noni Madueke. A third Premier League have reportedly joined the race, with Tottenham Hotspur aiming to lure the Brazilian to north London. AS reports that Spurs chairman, Daniel Levy, is planning to use his "good relationship" with Madrid to capture Rodrygo for a lower price than the £76m he's reportedly been valued at.

Man United Confidential: How rivals Man City cashed in on £71m Bryan Mbeumo transfer, the worrying factor that could scupper pre-season plans and the two players who stood out when India's cricket team visited
Man United Confidential: How rivals Man City cashed in on £71m Bryan Mbeumo transfer, the worrying factor that could scupper pre-season plans and the two players who stood out when India's cricket team visited

Daily Mail​

time7 minutes ago

  • Daily Mail​

Man United Confidential: How rivals Man City cashed in on £71m Bryan Mbeumo transfer, the worrying factor that could scupper pre-season plans and the two players who stood out when India's cricket team visited

Manchester United managed to push through Bryan Mbeumo's £71million move to Old Trafford from Brentford just in time for the Cameroon star to join their US tour – but the deal will benefit neighbours Manchester City to the tune of £6.5m. Brentford signed Mbeumo in 2019 for a then club record £5.8m from French club Troyes who are owned by the City Football Group. A 10 per cent sell-on fee inserted in the deal means that the CFG will bank a significant fee from his transfer to United. United won't be too concerned after landing one of their main summer targets, even though it required weeks of haggling with Brentford who would rather have sold the player to Tottenham. Mbeumo made it clear that he was only interested in joining the club he supported as a boy, and he was delighted to see the deal get over the line so he could be on the plane to Chicago on Tuesday. 'From the start, I wanted to join this massive club,' he said in his first interview. 'Now I'm here, I'm just really happy. For me, it's the biggest club in the world. The fans are crazy, the stadium is amazing, and every player wants to play here.' Red hot in Chicago United are on alert for a heatwave in Chicago that could made conditions extremely uncomfortable for Ruben Amorim and his players in the first few days of training. After a relatively mild start to the week, United landed in warmer weather here on Tuesday night and Confidential understands that is only going to intensify on Wednesday and Thursday. The temperature is expected to top 90 degrees, but increased humidity will push that to as much as 115 degrees on the heat index, according to the National Weather Service. United are said to be aware of the spike and will factor it into the players' water breaks and nutrition plans. Ruben Amorim's side face Bournemouth here next week and the intense heat is unlikely to relent when United play their opening game against West Ham in New Jersey on Saturday and sign off against Everton in Atlanta. Better late than never There were rumours that United had been stuck on the tarmac for two hours at Manchester Airport on Tuesday before their charter jet was cleared for take-off to Chicago. In fact, the delay was half that and they were able to make up time so their arrival at O'Hare International was only delayed by 40 minutes as they touched down in the Windy City. Ruben Amorim and his players were given a police escort to the Waldorf Astoria hotel at the heart of the Magnificent Mile district of upmarket restaurants and designer stores, arriving just before 8.30pm local time. The players went straight into the dining room for dinner, passing by the small gathering of fans who had waited behind police barriers to welcome them. Given that the six-hour time difference meant it was 2.30am in the UK, it's safe to assume the United squad were in bed in their luxury suites not long after that. Stars get a little R&R There won't be too much downtime as United step up their pre-season preparations in the US, but the hotel has done its best to entertain the players by converting a banquet hall into a recreation room. Complete with dart board, table tennis table and a couple of basketball hoops, it will give the players something to do when they are not training for Saturday's opening game in the Premier League Summer Series against West Ham in New Jersey. The hotel has also adapted a lounge so the club's leadership group have a meeting room to discuss transfer business on tour. Having signed Matheus Cunha – who made the trip despite becoming a father for the second time on Monday – and Bryan Mbeumo, a striker is next on United's shopping list this summer with Amorim keen to sign one with Premier League experience. The squad will be based in Chicago until Friday – conducting their pre-match press conference for the West Ham game here even though it takes place 800 miles away – before returning to camp ahead of next week's second game against Bournemouth at Soldier Field. Tour kicks off in style United will officially kick off their US tour on Wednesday by lighting up Niagara Falls on both the American and Canadian sides in their club colours. The spectacle will be formally approved by the Governor of Niagara, with United officials also scheduled to meet the mayor and officials from Niagara Falls Park. The event will also involve a boat trip behind the falls and a firework display. United in the zone Ineos' mantra has been 'football first' and that is certainly evident in the way United have planned this summer's US tour. When the club travelled Stateside in the last two years, they played more games in more venues and changed time zones on numerous occasions. The players were said to be particularly unhappy with a flying visit to Houston to play Real Madrid in 2023 before returning to their San Diego camp, and then heading east again to face Borussia Dortmund in Las Vegas. This year, United only have three games and there is only a one-hour time difference between their base in Chicago – where they also play Bournemouth – and New Jersey and Atlanta where Ruben Amorim's side face West Ham and Everton. Hard work for Wes United's players will have to work hard on tour but few, it seems, will work harder than Wes Brown even though he last played for the club 14 years ago. A number of United ambassadors used to travel with the club in pre-season, but the cost-cutting under Sir Jim Ratcliffe means they are now paid on an appearance basis and Brown will be left to fly the flag in the US. The former United defender kicks off his tour with a Legend Q&A night with the Niagara and Toronto supporters' clubs on Wednesday. Then, on Friday morning, he will be in the Bronx to give out prizes and coaching tips to under-privileged kids at a Street Soccer USA tournament. Two more legend nights follow in New York and New Jersey on Friday and Saturday before Brown heads to Illinois to take part in a community coaching clinic which is part of a collaboration with the NFL's Chicago Bears. On Monday, the 45-year-old will be at another street soccer tournament in Chicago before turning his hand to baseball in the evening and throwing the first pitch before the Chicago White Sox face the Philadelphia Phillies. Another coaching clinic with the NBA's Chicago Bulls is followed by one last legend night before Brown can put his feet up. There's more to Harry's game The India cricket team visited Carrington on Sunday in an event organised by sponsors adidas United's stars turned their hand to cricket when the India team visited Carrington on Sunday, and Confidential learns that Harry Maguire and Tom Heaton were most at home with a bat. The get-together was organised by sponsors adidas ahead of the Fourth Test at Old Trafford this week, with the cricketers receiving United kits with their names on the back and the footballers getting a personalised India shirt each. The United players faced a series of deliveries from Shubman Gill's team in the indoor facilities before goalkeeper Heaton and wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant exchanged gloves and the latter beat his counterpart with a fine shot. United were fresh back from Stockholm, where they had played out a goalless draw with Leeds on Saturday, and had a couple more days' training before flying to Chicago on Tuesday.

Man Utd tour diary: Amorim's transfer wish-list and 46C heat wave in Chicago
Man Utd tour diary: Amorim's transfer wish-list and 46C heat wave in Chicago

Telegraph

time7 minutes ago

  • Telegraph

Man Utd tour diary: Amorim's transfer wish-list and 46C heat wave in Chicago

Manchester United have deliberately targeted players with Premier League experience this summer and would ideally like to sign a striker who also fits that category. Ruben Amorim has set his sights on a No 9, a deep-lying midfielder and potentially another goalkeeper before the close of the transfer window now Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha are both on board after their respective moves from Brentford and Wolves. United's search for a centre-forward has not been limited to players with Premier League experience by any means. For example, late enquiries are believed to have been made for Hugo Ekitike and Viktor Gyokeres, even though it became clear they were committed to joining Liverpool and Arsenal respectively, and there remains an interest in RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko among others. They have to be the right profile and character first and foremost but a striker with knowledge of the unique demands presented by the Premier League is considered very appealing if the price is right. United tried to sign Liam Delap from Ipswich Town only for the England Under-21 striker to instead opt to join Chelsea in a £30 million deal. United have made checks on Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson and Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins although the costs involved are currently considered to be prohibitive. The situation is likely to be much the same with Crystal Palace's Jean-Philippe Mateta and Evanilson of Bournemouth. Fiorentina forward Moise Kean, who spent four years with Everton between 2019 and 2023, has been monitored and United have been offered a host of free agents, including Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Callum Wilson and Jamie Vardy. Juventus forward Dusan Vlahovic is also thought to be among the strikers who have been offered to United. Marcus Rashford's season-long loan move to Barcelona has freed up some money given the significant wage savings but United need to offload some of their other outcasts to boost their coffers. As well as a striker, Amorim wants a No 6 midfielder and recently complained about his side's 'lack of pace … in the middle of the park'. Heat wave hits United Amorim and his United players arrived in Chicago on Tuesday night for the start of their US tour just as a heat wave prepares to hit the city. Temperatures have been in the pleasant 20s Celsius with a nice breeze coming off Lake Michigan over the past week. But the mercury is forecast to rise to 46-degrees Celsius on Wednesday and is set to remain that way for a couple of days, according to America's national weather service. ☀️BRACING FOR 2ND HEATWAVE: A heat advisory is issued for the Chicagoland area for two days starting Wednesday with heat indexes expected in the triple digits. @ABC7Chicago MORE: — Tre Ward ABC 7 (@TreWardTV) July 22, 2025 It could mean some gruelling training sessions in the baking sunshine for United's players, who are due to train at the Chicago Fire MLS side's base during their stay in the Windy City. 'It will be unpleasant, uncomfortable and maybe dangerous,' meteorologist Gino Izzi from the weather service said. United's arrival in Chicago on Tuesday night was a low-key affair with only a handful of fans outside the Waldorf Astoria to greet them. #MUFC squad arriving at their hotel in Chicago ahead of the club's pre-season tour of the US — James Ducker (@TelegraphDucker) July 23, 2025 New signings Cunha, Mbeumo and Diego Leon were among a 32-man travelling party. Harry Maguire was due to fly out on Wednesday after a personal matter prevented him from flying with the main squad, but Amorim's 'bomb squad' of Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho, Antony and Tyrell Malacia did not travel after being omitted by the manager. Rashford has joined Barcelona and was due to be presented by the Catalan club on Wednesday. Man City owners' Mbeumo windfall Manchester City's owners had a vested interest in Mbeumo's protracted move to Old Trafford. The Cameroon forward completed a £71 million transfer to Manchester United on Monday, which ended a fraught 44-day negotiation process with Brentford. Mbeumo had joined Brentford from Troyes for just £5.8 million in 2019, a year before the French club was acquired by the City Football Group, parent company of United's bitter rivals Manchester City. Troyes negotiated a sell-on clause with Brentford entitling them to 10 per cent of the profits on any future sale meaning City's Abu Dhabi paymasters are now due to net a handsome £6.5 million windfall courtesy of Mbeumo's big-money switch to United. Juventus biding time on Sancho Juventus retain a firm interest in United outcast Sancho, who was omitted from the squad that travelled to the US. The Italian club completed the £27.7 million signing of Portugal winger Francisco Conceicao from Porto on Tuesday and hope to follow that up with the capture of Sancho. But Juve are thought to be first looking to sell Timothy Weah and potentially Nico Gonzalez before advancing a move for the one-time England forward. Marseille are in advanced talks to sign US international Weah. Gonzalez spent last season on loan at Juventus, who had an obligation to buy the Argentina winger from Fiorentina, but he is attracting interest from a host of clubs and could leave. United's hotel 'rec room' Amorim is keen to use United's tour of the US as something of a bonding exercise and a games room has been set up at the Waldorf Astoria for players and staff. The 'rec room' features a basketball 'pop shot', table tennis table, darts board, card tables and American cornhole game. Amorim is expected to put his players through their paces on the tour but there should be plenty of time for the squad to wind down. A directors' meeting room has also been set up down the corridor from the rec room where the club's executives can conduct business. Niagara Falls spectacular Manchester United will be illuminating the world famous Niagara Falls in a special light show to mark their visit to the US this month. The group of three waterfalls spanning the border between Ontario in Canada and the state of New York will be lit in the red of United on Wednesday night – or the early hours of Thursday in the UK. United supporters from Niagara, Toronto and Buffalo and Rochester will be joined by former defender Wes Brown for the event, which will be accompanied by a firework display. No rest for the weary On the subject of Brown, the 2008 Champions League winner might just end up being the hardest-working man during the club's two weeks in the States. The former England defender is United's only ambassador on the tour and the club intend to utilise his services at every opportunity. As well as the Niagara Falls illumination and all the activities around that, Brown will be attending a street soccer tournament in the Bronx on the New York leg of the tour on Friday and staging a Q&A event later that night – and then doing the same in New Jersey 24 hours later. Back in Chicago, he will be taking part in community coaching clinics with the Chicago Bears NFL team and Chicago Bulls basketball team, a street soccer tournament for disadvantaged children and a fans' meet and greet as well as throwing the first pitch at a Chicago White Sox baseball game to name just a few. Brown then has another round of activities in Atlanta on the final leg of the tour. Anyone for cricket? Before United left for Chicago, they were paid a visit at the club's Carrington training ground by the Indian cricket team ahead of the start of the fourth Test against England at Old Trafford. When #TeamIndia visited Carrington 🤩 🤝 @adidas — Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 21, 2025 India captain Shubman Gill led his team-mates into a quick football game of 'no-bounce' before being greeted by United players including Maguire, Tom Heaton and Rasmus Hojlund. After a brief photo shoot, United's stars raced over to the assembled cricket pitch with Jack Fletcher eager to test his batting abilities against the Indian bowling attack. Insiders say Heaton and Maguire are two of the more accomplished cricketers in the United squad, although when it was Maguire's turn to bat India's Shardul Thakur opted instead to fire a football at the centre-back. The England defender defended his wicket like he might the six-yard box, thundering a header back at Thakur. Heaton and India wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant swapped gloves during a series of photo opportunities and Mohammed Siraj, one of the better footballers in the Indian team, drew applause from Heaton after firing a left-foot rocket past the United goalkeeper into the top corner. England will hope Siraj is not quite as accurate with the ball at Old Trafford.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store