Latest news with #Gerard
Daily Mirror
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
PGA Tour star banked £540k after fellow player's very honest text message – 'Answer is no'
Ben Griffin is a two-time PGA Tour winner and enjoying the best year of his career, but that didn't stop him from cheekily requesting a portion of recent Ryan Gerard's winnings PGA Tour ace Ben Griffin cheekily demanded a substantial slice of Ryan Gerard's £540,000 prize pot after disclosing he played a crucial role in his landmark triumph. Gerard, 25, secured his first PGA Tour victory 10 days ago at the Barracuda Championship, defeating previous champion Erik van Rooyen by three shots. Alongside the silverware came the substantial prize fund that represents the largest earnings of his professional career. Yet there existed a scenario where Gerard wouldn't have even participated in the competition as he was scheduled to jet off to Northern Ireland for The Open Championship, where he held second alternate status. His eleventh-hour journey to Portrush, where Scottie Scheffler emerged victorious, never materialised following a message from Griffin, 29, encouraging him to stay in America and concentrate on the tournament at Tahoe Mountain Club - counsel that has subsequently transformed his fortunes, reports the Mirror US. Griffin, who won the Charles Schwab Challenge in May, explained their communication prior to the Wyndham Championship, where he'll compete against Gerard. "I think anyone would have responded kind of the same way I did to Ryan," he said. "Because he sent the text to both me and my caddie, like 'Hey, I'm second alternate, should I come over there?' I mean, it was Tuesday, the answer's no. Go focus on trying to win that (the Barracuda Championship), don't even, like, look at the leaderboard, don't pay attention to anything, just focus on your tournament and what you're trying to accomplish. "I think any other golfer would have said that, it just so happens that me and Ryan are close and so he texts me." Whilst Griffin himself is savouring a career-best season where he's pocketed over £6million in prize money, it didn't prevent him from cheekily requesting a portion of Gerard's winnings. "Just 50% of his earnings, is all," Griffin quipped. "I still haven't received anything. I've been looking on Zelle and Wells Fargo and Merrill accounts, nothing's hit yet ... I'll take the credit I guess." Griffin last month became entangled in a row involving golf legend Jack Nicklaus, where the Chapel Hill-born player received sympathy from the 85-year-old, who spoke out against on-course television interviews. He was taking part in the Memorial Tournament last month, the tournament that is hosted by the 18-time major winner. After walking towards his ball in the second round, Griffin was approached by Golf Channel's Rex Hoggard, who carried out a walk-and-talk interview. The reporter said: "Joked yesterday, I asked you what your energy levels are like, and your wife had one answer. She said she was exhausted, you said you were fine. How are you?" Griffin replied before coverage switched back to the commentary box where Nicklaus, who was sitting as a guest, expressed his disapproval. "I can't stand that," he said. "The interview on the golf course. Let me tell you how I think, how I feel. I mean, seriously, here's a guy who's leading the golf tournament, he's just hit the edge of the rough, he's got a very difficult shot on a very difficult hole, and you're talking to him about stuff that totally takes his mind off of what he was doing. "How would you think [Ben] Hogan would respond to that question?" TV host Terry Gannon stepped in by claiming: "Times have changed." Nicklaus replied: "You would not have any teeth left if you did. He'd hit you right in the face with it."
The Star
13 hours ago
- Business
- The Star
Sunway Property unveils Johor's latest launch, Sunway LakeHills
MASTER community developer Sunway Property held the official groundbreaking ceremony for its landmark high-rise development at Sunway LakeHills, located within the 35.6ha (88-acre) Sunway Lenang Heights masterplan in Taman Molek, Johor Baru. Valued at approximately RM1.1bil, this new vertical development transitions from landed to elevated resort living within a freehold enclave, fronting a 12.1ha (30-acre) lakeside garden. As the crown jewel of Sunway Lenang Heights, Sunway LakeHills combines lakeside tranquillity with uninterrupted 360° panoramic views of the Johor Baru skyline and adjacent golf course. The twin-lake garden – jointly enhanced by Sunway Property and Johor Baru City Council (MBJB) – now features a boardwalk, jogging path, basketball court and playground, cementing its role as a vibrant lifestyle landmark in Taman Molek. With 88% of Sunway Lenang Heights already complete, Sunway LakeHills sets a fresh benchmark for luxury living in Johor Baru's financial hub, bringing the masterplan to new heights. The groundbreaking ceremony was officiated by Sunway Property chief executive officer (southern region) Gerard Soosay, joint venture partner Albert Goh, Feng Shui consultant Master Louis Loh, Sunway Property chief finance officer (southern region) Lee Gek Ling, Sunway Property assistant general manager marketing and sales (southern region) Michelle Lu Chen Hoon and the project team. 'Sunway LakeHills within Sunway Lenang Heights represents our continued momentum in Johor, where we are strengthening our presence across key growth corridors - from Johor Baru City Centre to the Second Link via Sunway City Iskandar Puteri,' said Gerard. This development adds to Sunway's strategic portfolio in Johor, joining the RM4bil mixed-use development Sunway Majestic at Yahya Awal and RM2.6bil Bukit Chagar Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) projects. Together, these key investments anchor Sunway Property's presence near key checkpoints – from Johor Baru City Centre and First Link, to the Second Link via the 809.37ha (2,000-acre) Sunway City Iskandar Puteri. Master Louis Loh (left), blesses the site that has been recognised as a rare 'Five Element Soil' location, alongside Gerard during the ceremonial proceedings. A new vertical era for Taman Molek Sunway Property is going to launch 1,200 units made up of premium residences at Sunway LakeHills, which will comprise two 46-storey and one 33-storey tower – making it the tallest residences in Taman Molek. Featuring private lift lobbies and Sunway's innovative loft concept that appeals to diverse lifestyle preferences. Whether it's younger homeowners seeking customisable layouts or families desiring resort-style amenities, Sunway LakeHills offers a flexible and elevated living experience that redefines urban resort living in Johor Baru. The development will deliver limited units with only 862 premium residences in the first launch, starting from RM560,000. Completion is targeted for 2029, offering residents elevated, serene, resort-style living with unobstructed 360° views of the Johor Baru skyline, golf course and the lakefront. For over a decade, Sunway Lenang Heights has been synonymous with tranquil, low-density luxury living at just five units per acre (0.40ha). Sunway LakeHills now pioneers the masterplan's inaugural high-rise, while remaining surrounded by the same prestigious, low-density neighbourhoods that define this exclusive precinct. Gerard and Master Louis Loh posing together at the Sunway LakeHills site, where the towers are strategically positioned to embrace a spacious, unobstructed Bright Hall, a key feng shui feature symbolising the gathering of Qi, financial prosperity and open pathways to opportunity. Thoughtfully designed for privacy, wellness and prosperity/ With a low-density layout of just two residences per wing and private lift lobbies served by three lifts for every two units, the development offers an exceptional sense of exclusivity and privacy. Residents will enjoy over 0.809ha (2 acres) of leisure retreat with family-oriented facilities, including an infinity pool, indoor and outdoor gyms and many more. In alignment with Sunway Property's holistic design philosophy, the site has also been recognised by Feng Shui master, Louis Loh as a rare 'Five Element Soil' location, for being a highly auspicious landform symbolising the harmonious balance of Metal, Wood, Water, Fire and Earth energies. 'This kind of soil is extremely rare and represents the full balance of the five elements. It brings prosperity across all key aspects of life — career, wealth, relationships, family harmony and good health.' Master Loh shared. This extremely rare synergy further reflects Sunway Property's aim to not only foster harmony between nature, community and personal well-being, but it also supports a truly balanced and prosperous lifestyle. The development's architectural vision, guided by the Sunway Design and Development Architecture (SDDA) framework, integrates GreenRE and CASBEE-compliant infrastructure, electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, dedicated recycling facilities and innovative sunken landscaped decks that maximise green coverage while creating meaningful community spaces. Future-ready living with seamless connectivity Located just 13km from Johor Baru City Centre, Sunway LakeHills enjoys exceptional accessibility via the Eastern Dispersal Link Expressway (EDL), Tebrau Highway, East Coast Expressway and the upcoming RTS Bukit Chagar station that connects seamlessly to Singapore. Residents will benefit from nearby lifestyle amenities, including Ponderosa Golf and Country Club, Sunway College, Aeon Tebrau City, IKEA Toppen, Mid Valley Southkey and healthcare facilities such as Hospital Sultan Ismail and Columbia Asia Hospital. In addition, the development enjoys proximity to Taman Molek, a well-established financial hub home to major banks and corporate offices, offering added convenience for professionals and business owners. 'With its elevated design, customisable layouts and our iconic loft concept, this vertical residence reflects our innovative approach to urban living. 'Guided by our firm commitment to be 'With You For Generations', this development is thoughtfully designed to meet the aspirations of discerning homeowners, professionals and upgraders – offering both a premium lifestyle and a sound long-term investment. 'It's a clear example of how we are delivering future-ready communities while anchoring our southern region growth strategy,' Gerard added. 'This groundbreaking represents more than new homes as it's about creating a vibrant, future-ready community that will serve as the benchmark for integrated living in southern Malaysia. "We're not just developing properties, we're crafting enduring spaces where communities thrive.' Gerard shared. Sunway LakeHills supports Johor Baru's broader transformation into an international gateway city and reinforces the developer's long-term confidence in the state's growth, especially under the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) initiative. The launch of Sunway LakeHills within Sunway Lenang Heights registration is now open. For more information or to register interest, visit the Sunway LakeHills Sales Gallery or contact 07 289 2259.
Newsweek
19 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
PGA Tour Winner Playfully Asks For Compensation Over $720K Text To Colleague
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Two days before the start of The Open Championship, Ryan Gerard was on American soil, hesitating whether to make the last-minute trip to Northern Ireland. Ultimately, the advice of a friend convinced him to stay and play the Barracuda Championship, where he ended up winning the title. Gerard's initial hesitation was certainly justified, as he was the second alternate for the Open. It was his friend and two-time PGA Tour winner, Ben Griffin, who persuaded him to back down with a text message that would ultimately change his life. The story was revealed by Griffin himself ahead of this week's Wyndham Championship. "I think anyone would have responded kind of the same way I did to Ryan (Gerard)," Griffin said, according to the transcripts of his pre-tournament presser, "because he sent the text to both me and my caddie, like 'Hey, I'm second alternate, should I come over there?' I mean, it was Tuesday, the answer's no." "Go focus on trying to win that (the Barracuda Championship), don't even, like, look at the leaderboard, don't pay attention to anything, just focus on your tournament and what you're trying to accomplish. I think any other golfer would have said that, it just so happens that me and Ryan are close and so he texts me." Ben Griffin of the United States plays his shot from the 18th tee on day four of the Zurich Classic of New Orleans on April 27, 2025 in Avondale, Louisiana. Ben Griffin of the United States plays his shot from the 18th tee on day four of the Zurich Classic of New Orleans on April 27, 2025 in Avondale, is having the best season of his career, with two wins and more than $8 million in earnings so far. However, he didn't miss the opportunity of joking about being compensated for his role in Gerard's victory, even though, as he said, it was advice that anyone in his place would have given. "Just 50% of his earnings, is all," he joked, according to the transcripts. "I still haven't received anything. I've been looking on Zelle and Wells Fargo and Merrill accounts, nothing's hit yet ... I'll take the credit I guess." Griffin's analysis of his friend's advice turned out to be correct. There weren't any last-minute withdrawals before The Open Championship, so Gerard's big trip would have been for nothing. Gerard played his best golf at the Barracuda Championship, winning his first PGA Tour title. It also earned him a $720,000 paycheck, one of the largest of his career. The 25-year-old had been eying a breakthrough finish all season, adding a second-place finish and two more top-10 finishes to his victory. More Golf: Former Ryder Cup Star Storms Back Into Pro Golf, Rejects Paycheck
Observer
21-07-2025
- Sport
- Observer
Gerard holds off Van Rooyen to win Barracuda title
LOS ANGELES, United States: Ryan Gerard held off South African Erik van Rooyen down the back nine on Sunday to win the Barracuda Championship for his first US PGA Tour title. The 25-year-old American, whose best career finish had been a runner-up effort at this year's Texas Open, eagled twice in the final round for the victory. "It's just like a culmination of a lifetime of work," Gerard said. "I can't tell you how many hours I've spent hitting golf balls dreaming of winning on the PGA Tour. It's really special." Gerard edged Van Rooyen 47-44 under the Modified Stableford scoring system to capture the event at Tahoe Mountain Club in Truckee, California. Under the unique scoring format, an albatross is worth eight points, an eagle five and a birdie two. Pars are no points while a bogey is minus-one point and any worse score is minus-three points. The tournament was played opposite the British Open, where top-ranked Scottie Scheffler won his fourth career major title and second major crown of the year. Gerard, who shared the 54-hole lead on 34 points, added 13 points in the last round with two eagles, four birdies and five bogeys. "I've been playing a lot of really good golf," Gerard said. "I've felt like I haven't been getting the scores out of the shots that I've hit and it has been a long time, a long grind. Yeah, it's pretty cool that I end up on top." Van Rooyen, whose first PGA victory was at the 2021 Barracuda, settled for his second runner-up finish of the year after the CJ Cup Byron Nelson in May. Filipino standout Rico Hoey and Gerard shared the 54-hole lead, but Hoey stumbled back with a double bogey-bogey start. Gerard birdied the second hole and eagled the third, and answered bogeys at the fourth and fifth with a birdie at the seventh to stand on 41 with his nearest rival on the course, Van Rooyen, seven adrift. After both birdied the 10th, Van Rooyen chipped in for birdie at 11. Gerard, however, answered at 11 when, after getting relief from a sprinkler head in his stance that let him move his ball to the fringe, he curled in a long eagle putt to reach 48 points, 10 ahead of Van Rooyen. Gerard made bogeys at 12 and 13 but responded with a birdie at 14 while Van Rooyen made bogey at 14 but eagled the par-five 15th to pull within six. When Gerard made a three-putt bogey at the par-three 16th, his lead was down to 47-42. Van Rooyen sank a birdie from the fringe at the 18 to climb within 47-44, but Gerard tapped in at 18 for par and the victory. — AFP
NBC Sports
21-07-2025
- Sport
- NBC Sports
Ryan Gerard wins Barracuda Championship for his first PGA Tour title
Watch the best shots and moments from the fourth and final round of the 2025 Barracuda Championship from Tahoe Mountain Club (Old Greenwood) in Truckee, California. TRUCKEE, Calif. — Ryan Gerard had two seven-point, birdie-eagle bursts and overcame five bogeys to win the Barracuda Championship on Sunday for his first PGA Tour victory. In breezy conditions at Tahoe Mountain Club in the only PGA Tour event that uses the modified Stableford scoring system, Gerard followed a two-point birdie with a five-point eagle on Nos. 2-3 and 10-11. The 25-year-old former North Carolina player had a 13-point round to finish with 47 points for a three-point victory over 2021 winner Erik van Rooyen of South Africa. Gerard fell short of van Rooyen's tournament record of 50 points. 'Been playing a lot of really good golf,' Gerard said. 'Felt like I haven't been quite getting the scores out of the shots that I've hit. It's been a long time being a long grind, and it's pretty cool to end up on top.' Fifth in the event two years ago, Gerard won in his 47th PGA Tour start to become the 999th winner in tour history. 'It's just like a culmination of a lifetime of work,' Gerard said. 'I can't tell you how many hours I've spent hitting golf balls dreaming of winning on the PGA Tour. Yeah, it's really special.' Played opposite The Open, the tournament was co-sanctioned by the European tour. With the victory, Gerard received a spot in the PGA Championship next year but not the Masters. Van Rooyen had an 11-point day. He made a 20-foot eagle putt on the par-5 15th and a 30-footer for birdie on the par-4 18th. 'Mixed emotions,' van Rooyen said. 'Really happy with how I fought. Left some shots out there the last few days unfortunately with the putter, but can't expect to make everything, right? So maybe I'm a bit too hard on myself.' Todd Clements of England was third with 39 points after a 16-point round. Beau Hossler scored 17 points Sunday to tie for fourth at 37 with Max McGreevy (16) and Jacques Kruyswijk (10). Tied for the third-round lead with Rico Hoey, Gerard made a 20-foot eagle putt on the par-5 third and holed a 35-footer from the fringe on the par-5 11th. On the 11th, he hit his approach into the rough, but was allowed to take relief and move his ball to the fringe because of a sprinkler head. Gerard followed both seven-point runs with consecutive bogeys - with a point deducted for bogey - and missed a 3-footer on 16 for a three-putt bogey. The winner made a 5-foot birdie putt on 14 to get back the points he lost with the bogeys on the previous two holes. He also quickly canceled out the consecutive front-nine bogeys with a birdie on No. 7. Gerard played for the sixth straight week - a string that began with the U.S. Open and took him to Scotland last week. He was ninth and second in consecutive events in Texas in April. Hoey tied for eighth at 34 after a scoreless round.
