Rory McIlroy's old school hails his grand slam-winning magic with black-tie gala dinner
Rory McIlroy's old school in Holywood has paid tribute to his grand slam heroics with a black-tie gala dinner.
Hundreds of guests, paying up to £85 a head, turned up at the Culloden Estate and Spa to honour the history-making victory of Sullivan Upper's most famous old boy in the Masters at Augusta.
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Daily Mail
a day ago
- Daily Mail
A round in the clouds: Playing golf in the Swiss Alps at the utterly breathtaking Crans-sur-Sierre
Put simply, there is not a more picturesque golf course on planet Earth than Crans-sur-Sierre, the world-renowned course nestled in the beautiful Swiss Alps. Tucked away in the resort town of Crans-Montana, the course is a slice of alpine heaven located two hours east of Geneva. Perched at 1,500 metres above sea level, it is the home of the Omega European Masters – one of the oldest and most prestigious tournaments on the European Tour. From Seve Ballesteros to Rory McIlroy, legends of the game have walked the pristine fairways and marvelled at the soaring views. And when you arrive, you'll understand why. This is a golfing cathedral like no other. The Matterhorn and Mont Blanc both loom in the distance, and the Valais Alps cast long shadows across emerald fairways. The question I am constantly asked - does your golf ball really fly further in the mountain air? You betcha! And yes, it is incredibly fun. The course, originally laid out in 1906, was redesigned by the great Severiano Ballesteros in the late 1990s. His influence is everywhere: bold bunkering, cunning doglegs, and greens that humble the world's greatest players. We arrived in the weeks leading up to the Omega Masters and it was in exquisite condition. Each hole offers a picture postcard view, with rolling vineyards, Swiss chalets and snow-capped summits. Standing on the first tee, summoned our courage, ignored the crowds and banged tee shots down the par five opener. And we were off! The course was everything we had hoped and dreamed: fast fairways, gorgeous greens and soft sand. It is impossible to overstate the dramatic panoramic views on offer. Arguably, the most iconic hole is the 303-yard driveable par four 7th. We walked onto the tee box and our jaws hit the floor as we gazed at the mountains of the Alps and the Rhone Valley below. It is one of the most photographed sights in European golf and we drank it in while supping on cold buggy beers. Two tee shots went left, one went right, and one found the putting surface. Cue an ecstatic roar from our group that felt like it echoed down the valley. The natural amphitheatre setting around the green at the par three 13th hole was another where we just stood and gawped. With water left, bunkers long, and rows of seats behind the green - where crowds flock for the Omega Masters - we hit tee shots, twirled clubs and played for the imaginary galleries. A golfer in full flow watches his ball sail down the narrow 6th hole - a risk-reward 296-yard par four The practice facilities are immaculate at Crans-sur-Sierre with incredible views of the Valais Alps Crans-sur-Sierre is considered one of the most beautiful golf courses in the world - it is not hard to see why Water features throughout the course - a beautiful sight but it can be treacherous for wayward strikes Water protects the famous 18th green, and Swiss chalets and hotels line the edge of the course The ball really does fly further for anyone lucky enough to come and play at 1,500m above sea level Golfers can relax, enjoying food and drinks on the terrace overlooking the famous 18th green Under sapphire skies we roared with laughter, raced buggies and bounded along the fairways, carefree and exhilarated. The round had everything; elevated tee boxes, meandering fairways with rolling slopes and pine trees guarding the rough. At one point, much to our horror, an errant tee-shot even hit a fellow golfer on another fairway. He dusted himself off, shook hands and, fortunately for us, saw the funny side... As our day drew to a close we stood on the famous 18th tee. The Alps frame the horizon in the distance and we heaved drives and headed back towards home. A nerve-wracking approach shot lay in wait over water and onto the green in front of throngs of spectators and golfers drinking on the clubhouse terrace. It was a fittingly dramatic end to our mountain adventure and we sank our putts and embraced. Off the course the facilities are every bit as luxurious as the surroundings. The driving range, putting greens and locker rooms were all first class and the friendly staff made us feel more like tour pros than weekend warriors. The clubhouse is a blend of alpine charm and modern chic, with panoramic terraces perfect for those well-earned post-round drinks. It would have been rude not to indulge. We found the perfect spot and dined al fresco, watching the groups come in after us. We laughed at the day's events and toasted a truly unforgettable experience at the world's most beautiful golf course. We'll be back. One day.
STV News
a day ago
- STV News
Scotland's Robert MacIntyre holds three-shot lead at BMW Championship
Robert MacIntyre carded a brilliant 62 to hold a three-shot lead after day one of the BMW Championship at Caves Valley Golf Club. The Scot was among the later starters that got to take advantage of softer conditions after a two-hour rain delay, with darkness preventing Bud Cauley from completing his opening round. MacIntyre, who is on the verge of joining Rory McIlroy, Tommy Fleetwood and Justin Rose in qualifying for Europe's Ryder Cup team, finished with six successive birdies and carded 10 in total against two bogeys. The highlight of the left-hander's day came when he holed a 66-foot effort for birdie at the 13th to spark his spectacular finish. 'The last six holes is probably as good as I've ever putted in a stretch of holes – just so consistent,' said MacIntyre. 'When you get the eye on, it's free flowing, and it's nice. 'I feel like the way I play golf is better suited for the tougher tests, where you're rewarded for hitting a fairway, you're rewarded for hitting a green, and then take your chances with the putter. Just happy with today's work.' MacIntyre leads by three from England's Fleetwood, whose wait for a first PGA Tour title goes on after he was pipped by Rose at the St Jude Classic last week. Scottie Scheffler's hot streak continued as he fired an opening 66 to lie third. The world number one finished with three birdies in the final four holes to top the early leaderboard at the second FedEx Cup event. Scheffler, who has registered 12 successive top-eight finishes in a scintillating year, said on Sky Sports: 'It changed pretty significantly, a lot softer. The fairways were a little bit harder to hit this morning. 'They're still pretty wide, but they were still with the firmness, challenging to hit. And then with the softness coming in with the rain, the golf course got significantly easier.' Scheffler was playing with Masters champion Rory McIlroy, who carded a level-par 70. The Northern Irishman, who skipped last week's FedEx Cup event knowing he is guaranteed to be in next week's Tour Championship, had a slow start, with three bogeys in the opening six holes, but battled back. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
The Independent
a day ago
- The Independent
Sparkling Bob MacIntyre surges into three-shot lead at BMW Championship
Bob MacIntyre carded a brilliant 62 to hold a three-shot lead after day one of the BMW Championship at Caves Valley Golf Club. The Scot was among the later starters that got to take advantage of softer conditions after a two-hour rain delay, with darkness preventing Bud Cauley from completing his opening round. MacIntyre, who is on the verge of joining Rory McIlroy, Tommy Fleetwood and Justin Rose in qualifying for Europe's Ryder Cup team, finished with six successive birdies and carded 10 in total against two bogeys. The highlight of the left-hander's day came when he holed a 66-foot effort for birdie at the 13th to spark his spectacular finish. 'The last six holes is probably as good as I've ever putted in a stretch of holes – just so consistent,' said MacIntyre. 'When you get the eye on, it's free flowing, and it's nice. 'I feel like the way I play golf is better suited for the tougher tests, where you're rewarded for hitting a fairway, you're rewarded for hitting a green, and then take your chances with the putter. Just happy with today's work.' MacIntyre leads by three from England's Fleetwood, whose wait for a first PGA Tour title goes on after he was pipped by Rose at the St Jude Classic last week. Scottie Scheffler 's hot streak continued as he fired an opening 66 to lie third. The world number one finished with three birdies in the final four holes to top the early leaderboard at the second FedEx Cup event. Scheffler, who has registered 12 successive top-eight finishes in a scintillating year, said on Sky Sports: 'It changed pretty significantly, a lot softer. The fairways were a little bit harder to hit this morning. 'They're still pretty wide, but they were still with the firmness, challenging to hit. And then with the softness coming in with the rain, the golf course got significantly easier.' Scheffler was playing with Masters champion Rory McIlroy, who carded a level-par 70. The Northern Irishman, who skipped last week's FedEx Cup event knowing he is guaranteed to be in next week's Tour Championship, had a slow start, with three bogeys in the opening six holes, but battled back.
