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New York Post
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Jena Sims hits back at notion husband Brooks Koepka got her ‘Happy Gilmore 2' role
Jena Sims is clapping back at the haters. In a TikTok video posted Monday night, the actress and Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model, 36, pushed back against the notion that she received a role in Netflix's 'Happy Gilmore 2' because she's married to LIV Golf star Brooks Koepka, who appears in the star-studded comedy. 'When I actually auditioned for Happy Gilmore 2, but everyone thinks I'm in it because of my husband,' Sims captioned the video that featured her dancing in a trailer while mouthing, 'And my man, thank you to my man.' Advertisement 4 Jena Sims in her TikTok about her cameo in 'Happy Gilmore 2.' @jenamsims/TikTok Sims made a brief appearance in the film as a die-hard fan of a golfer who rivals Adam Sandler's titular Happy. Advertisement In addition to Koepka, who has been married to Sims since 2022, golfers such as Rory McIlroy, Bryson DeChambeau, Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele were among those featured in the sequel to the 1996 original. 4 'Happy Gilmore 2' premiered on Netflix in July 2025. Scott Yamano/Netflix Sims told People this month she loved offering acting tips to Koepka, 35, not to mention the shared experience of being in a film together. 'He felt like he was stepping into my world,' Sims said. 'I had to teach him how to read a script and how to find certain things within the script. It was cool watching him step out of his comfort zone because that rarely happens.' Advertisement 4 Jena Sims on the set of 'Happy Gilmore 2.' @jenamsims/Instagram Sims, who often supports Koepka on the road with their 2-year-old son Crew, said her role in 'Happy Gilmore 2' is a stark contrast to how she typically goes about her business at golf tournaments. 'I try to blend into the background or even not even be seen at golf tournaments,' she relayed to People. 'This was the complete opposite. I had to literally jump up and down and scream and try to get this other guy's attention.' 4 Brooks Koepka and Jena Sims at the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Kick Off Dinner on May 30. Getty Images for Sports Illustrated Advertisement A five-time major champion, Koepka tallied nine wins on the PGA Tour before defecting to LIV Golf in 2022. Sims' acting credits range from 'Attack of the 50 Foot Cheerleader' to the 'Sharknado' franchise.
TimesLIVE
6 hours ago
- Automotive
- TimesLIVE
Why there's lots to like about the VW Golf 1.4 TSI Life Plus
I think the last time I drove a new Volkswagen Golf powered by a 1.4 l turbocharged petrol engine was in 2009. Social media was in its infancy, the world still reeling from the effects of the global financial crisis and crossover SUVs the exception rather than the rule. What a time to be alive. Skip forward 15 years and the once de rigueur hatchback is now on the endangered species list, with a dwindling array of options to choose from should you want to lose the herd and not look like everyone else in the shopping mall car park. Fortunately, the eighth-generation Golf is still alive and kicking and in 1.4 TSI guise offers you a semi-attainable antidote to automotive conformity. I recently had the mid-tier Life Plus model on test and it made a fine first impression with its cool Moonstone Gray paintwork and optional 18" 'Catania' alloy wheels. Though I'd probably be happy with the standard 16" alloys, these bigger ones fill the arches a little better and, shod with 225/40 profile rubber, provide a little extra traction through the bends. Finished off with squinty LED headlamps, a sneering front air intake, creased bonnet lines and a stubby roof spoiler, Volkswagen's drawing board skills have delivered a good-looking machine that oozes the sort of quiet confidence only a Golf can. Sporty without being showy, premium without being pretentious, its classless design aesthetic means this hatchback is as at home swallowing a few bags of compost from Builders Express as it is delivering you to a big-shot business meeting at the country club. From the moment it was launched the Golf Mk8 fielded a considerable amount of motoring media flak about its interior quality or, should we say, lack thereof when compared with the outgoing Mk7.5. Though VW has tried its best to address this criticism in this facelifted version, it still doesn't quite match the tactile delights of its forbear with some of the cabin plastics feeling like they'd be more at home in a Polo Vivo. That said, I must give credit to the excellent art-velours sports comfort seats. Fitted as standard equipment on the Life Plus variant, they merge long-distance driving comfort with plenty of lateral support with their handsomely sculpted side bolsters. The driving position is equally praiseworthy thanks to a steering column that adjusts generously for rake and reach. Now on the tech side of things I am happy to report VW has gone to great measures to re-engineer the awful infotainment system that characterised the first-generation Mk8 models. While software lag is now a thing of the past, the carmaker has also reinstated physical buttons on the multifunction steering wheel, replacing those diabolical haptic monstrosities that haunted the previous iteration. I'd still prefer a panel of switches for adjusting the HVAC system (these have been baked into the 10.3" touchscreen to save money) but on the whole the general operating experience is now far more agreeable with few — if any — expletives being spat at the dashboard during my weeklong test tenure. Standard features are plentiful and include an inductive charging pad, wireless Apple CarPlay, cruise control, a 10" digital instrument cluster, 30 colour ambient lighting, a reverse camera and VW's Driver Profile Selection that lets you toggle through an array of preset drive modes (Eco, Comfort, Sport and Individual). Some of the options fitted to my test car included a R25,500 Discover Navigation System — sort of pointless if you use Waze or Google Maps — a R19,000 panoramic sunroof — nice to have but not necessary — and an IQ. Drive Assistance Package that adds additional driver assist features I don't have any interest in. Especially not at R27,500. Nope, the only extra I'd consider splicing into my Golf would be the stupendous Harman Kardon audio system. It retails for R14,500 and will soon see you swapping podcasts for forgotten Apple Music playlists — it's that good. Out on the road the Life Plus proved a stellar performer. No, it's not a GTI in the all-out acceleration stakes but that doesn't mean it can't bomb along lonely Karoo roads at jail-baiting velocities without breaking sweat. Eighth gear is about as leggy as they come and as such you will be surprised how quickly and effortlessly this car can cruise from point A to point B. The turbocharged four-pot motor is about as characterless as the Sandton skyline but it makes up for this with strong mid-range torque. Peak power is also made at a relatively lowly 5,000rpm so if you're after something that likes to rev then you've come to the wrong place — it soon loses interest after eclipsing that point on the tachometer. Cog-swapping duties are handled by VW's Tiptronic transmission. Some might lament the omission of DSG but they're wrong — this gearbox is better in every meaningful metric. It's smoother, less jerky and in Sport mode just as quick to dance between the ratios. It's also far less complex and infinitely more reliable than its troublesome dual-clutch cousin. The ride is nicely damped and absorbs road ruts and undulations with aplomb even with those 18" alloys fitted. Despite VW calibrating this car for everyday driving comfort, it still puts up a good fight when you take it by the scruff of the neck and steer it along a twisting Western Cape mountain. I did two spirited runs of the Tradouw Pass and both times the Life Plus exhibited exemplary body control, a glut of mechanical grip and predictable, neutral handling. A wobbly shopping trolley it is not. Understeer is contained and you have to go super hot into a corner to get those front tyres squealing in protest. The steering is light on feel, especially on initial turn in, but it's direct and fast to react. It's not a particularly exciting car to drive, I'll be honest, but it's plenty capable and can carry a surprising amount of pace through the curvy bits for what it is and what it's designed to do. Also — and unlike a GTI — its comparative lack of power means you can punt it along at 10 tenths, explore its limit without every worrying about getting yourself into too much trouble. As you can tell, I quite enjoyed my time with the Golf 1.4 TSI Life Plus. Like its predecessor did more than a decade ago, this smaller capacity model won me over with its broad skill set and ability to do almost everything well. Whether chugging through Cape Town traffic, smashing a long-distance jaunt or simply letting off steam across your favourite driving road, Volkswagen's littlest Golf is happy to oblige and eager to please. Crucially, it's not just another humdrum crossover SUV yet still offers similar levels of practicality in a less conformist body shape. What a win. Fast facts: 2025 Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI Life Plus
IOL News
10 hours ago
- Automotive
- IOL News
Sublime Volkswagen Golf TSI begs the question: Do you really need that SUV?
The Golf TSI is back, and better than ever! Image: Supplied Following a hiatus of more than five years, the 'normal' Volkswagen Golf is finally available in Mzansi once again. Initially, the eighth-generation hatchback was released in GTI and R formats, but with the facelifted performance models being delayed due to fuel quality concerns, VWSA decided to reintroduce the once-popular 1.4 TSI version. The C-segment hatchback market has all but dried up in recent years as buyers flock to SUVs, but the new Golf 8.5 TSI has sold in semi-healthy numbers since its introduction. In the past three months, Volkswagen has sold an average of 130 Golfs per month, which is albeit still somewhat behind the Tiguan SUV's figure of 247 units. Of course, the Golf is less practical than its SUV sibling, with relatively tight rear legroom by comparison and a smaller boot, at 381 litres versus 652, but at a push, the iconic hatchback can still pass muster as a small family vehicle if need be. The Golf is somewhat cheaper too, with the base Life version starting at R580,900, stretching to R604,500 for the Life Plus, R660,000 for the R-Line, and R688,100 for the R-Line Plus. The Tiguan, by comparison, costs R664,500 in base form and R781,600 in R-Line form, while the slightly smaller T-Roc has bookends of R648,900 and R760,100, for what it's worth. The R-Line Plus comes with a unique exterior package and 18-inch wheels. Image: Supplied Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Not only is the Golf TSI cheaper than these SUVs that have taken the world by storm, but it's also more rewarding to drive. As it's positioned lower to the ground, the Golf offers superior handling, and being lighter and more aerodynamic, it is faster and more fuel efficient. According to Volkswagen, the Golf TSI accelerates from 0-100km/h in 8.5 seconds and sips 6.3 litres per 100km on the combined cycle, versus the Tiguan's 9.2 seconds to 100 and 7.6 l/100km consumption. The Golf TSI's driving experience is sublime, to say the least. Though powered by the familiar 1.4–litre turbopetrol, which has been around for some time, acceleration is brisk and smooth, and certainly feels gutsier than its 100kW, 250Nm outputs suggest. Its eight-speed automatic gearbox changes on a dime and syncs perfectly with the turbocharged engine. Handling. Tick. Steering feel. Tick. Ride quality. Tick. The Golf TSI excels in all parameters and is also impressively quiet and refined on the road, even at much higher highway speeds. Looks-wise, the R-Line Plus model that we tested recently could almost pass for a GTI with its unique R-Line frontal treatment, Matrix LED headlights, and 18-inch 'Leeds' alloy wheels. Cabin ergonomics are impressive for the most part. Image: Supplied Inside, it comes with brushed stainless steel pedals and Vienna leather seats, which are heated and cooled upfront, with electric adjustment for the driver. Also part of the deal, and as per the regular R-Line version, is three-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry, Park Assist, heated steering wheel and a 30-colour ambient lighting system. Interior functionality has improved with the Golf '8.5' facelift, and those awful touch sliders on the steering wheel have thankfully been replaced with physical buttons. I also really appreciate the fact that the start button, gear selector, and electronic handbrake are all located in close proximity on the centre console. The only downside, ergonomically, is that the climate functions are still controlled via the touchscreen, but this has become the norm nowadays and there is at least a shortcut button for this function. VERDICT If you don't really need an SUV (honestly, you probably don't) and you can live without the GTI's performance, the Golf 1.4 TSI marks a welcome return to the well-balanced C-segment hatchback that the Golf always was. It's not cheap necessarily, but certainly better than ever, and with a Polo 1.0 TSI R-Line now costing half a million, the Golf could well be worth the extra outlay. IOL Motoring The Golf TSI is back, and better than ever! Image: Supplied Cabin ergonomics are impressive for the most part. Image: Supplied
Newsweek
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Rory McIlroy Issues Clear Message on What PGA Tour Must Learn From LIV Golf
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. After years of resistance, Rory McIlroy is finally leaning into the idea that LIV Golf might have gotten a few things right. The five-time major winner, once the PGA Tour's loudest critic of the renegade league, has softened his stance in recent months. From joking around with Bryson DeChambeau on the set of "Happy Gilmore 2" to openly admitting he and others should have been "more open-minded" about the PGA-LIV merger, McIlroy is now urging the PGA Tour to take notes from LIV's playbook, especially when it comes to attracting younger fans. AUGUSTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 11: Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland watches his second shot on the 18th hole during the second round of the 2025 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11,... AUGUSTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 11: Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland watches his second shot on the 18th hole during the second round of the 2025 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2025 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by) More Getty Images "I think tapping into a different demographic. You know, if you talk about being a golf purist and a traditionalist, and I think that's the PGA Tour appeals to that type of golf fan," McIlroy stated on the "How Leaders Lead with David Novak" podcast. "Where LIV (Golf) appeals to a completely different demographic ... the average age of a golfer in the United States is over 60 years old. So, how can you tap into this younger demographic where hopefully they're gonna hopefully gonna watch golf for, you know, the remainder of their life?" "So, being a little more forward-thinking and having a little more vision, I think it is something that LIV (Golf) has done pretty well," McIlroy commented during his interview posted on YouTube last week. McIlroy's comments come at a time when the PGA Tour is still the most-watched golf platform globally, but LIV Golf has made undeniable waves. Though LIV Golf stopped reporting its TV ratings, claiming it has made it challenging to determine its current viewership situation. But the comparisons with the PGA Tour show a significant gap. According to reports from the PGA Tour averaged 3.1 million viewers on CBS/NBC during head-to-head Sundays in May, while LIV pulled in just 175,000 on FOX/FS1/FS2. Even during LIV's best weekend, Miami in April, reports suggest the league's 484K viewers were dwarfed by the PGA Tour's 1.7 million for the Valero Texas Open. Still, McIlroy believes the disruption was a necessary wake-up call for the PGA Tour. "They've definitely been a disruptor in the game of golf, he told Novak as quoted. "Sometimes things need a shakeup and if anything, I think it was a bit of a wake-up call for the PGA Tour to maybe focus a little bit more on the future." He didn't shy away from criticizing LIV Golf's format, calling out the 54-hole structure, shotgun starts and team element, that he thinks still needs But at the same time, acknowledged that the league had to launch with an imperfect product. McIlroy's broader message was clear that the PGA Tour must evolve or risk losing relevance. "There are so many inbuilt advantages that the PGA Tour has over LIV (Golf) ... But at the end of the day, all of that stuff goes away -- the sponsorship deals and media rights -- if people aren't willing to watch and engage with the product you're putting out there." And while he reaffirmed the PGA Tour's dominance, he also highlighted the growing desire among fans to see the best players compete together again. "A lot of people that I talk to are outside of the golf world that just enjoy watch golf, would much rather all the best players be together again," the grand slam winner stated in the podcast released after his Open Championship battle in Scotland. That sentiment is echoed by new PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp, who took office on July. Rolapp, a former NFL executive, has already emphasized the importance of "growing the Tour" and "moving on from a position of strength". His relationship with LIV Golf CEO Scott O'Neil, dating back to their time at Harvard Business School, could be key in navigating future unification talks. As McIlroy put it, "We just need to see the bigger picture and try to do what's best for the game of golf." And with both sides inching toward common ground, that picture might finally be coming into focus. More Golf: PGA Tour pro goes unrecognized in 'undercover' club fitting video
Straits Times
19 hours ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Report: LIV weekly purse increasing to $30M in 2026
Chile's Joaquin Niemann plays a shot on the 18th on the final day of the LIV Golf League event. LOS ANGELES – The weekly purses for LIV Golf competitions will increase to US$30 million in 2026, with the extra US$5 million going toward the team competition, the Sports Business Journal reported on Monday. Beginning next season, US$20 million in purse money will continue to cover individual stroke play with US$10 million dedicated to the team competition, per the report. By comparison, the eight Signature Events of the PGA Tour carry US$20 million payouts. The highest payout on the PGA Tour – even among Majors – is The Players Championship at US$25 million. The 13 LIV Golf teams are set up to be run independently, with each captain signing his own commercial deals and players. The onus of onboarding new players in the offseason is now more focused on teams and captains, with the enormous signing bonuses in the early stages of the league a thing of the past, per the SBJ. In other golf news, American Brianna Do and Canadian Anna Huang were among the 17 players to earn spots in this week's AIG Women's Open via Monday's 18-hole qualifier. The AIG Women's Open begins Thursday at Wales' Royal Porthcawl. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Asia Thirty dead, over 80,000 evacuated, following heavy rain in Beijing Asia Thai army accuses Cambodia of violating truce Singapore NDP 2025: Enhanced security measures to be put in place around the Padang Business SIA shares tumble 6.8% after first-quarter profit slide Sport World Cup winner Fabio Cannavaro among list of top names for Singapore football coach World Trump says many are starving in Gaza, vows to set up food centres Business BYD tops Singapore car sales in first half of 2025 with almost one-fifth of the market Singapore ST Explains: What we know about the Tanjong Katong sinkhole so far Huang, the youngest player on the Ladies European Tour at 16, posted the low round Monday with her 4-under par 67 at Pyle and Kenfig Golf Club. She was followed by Ireland's Anna Foster and Thailand's Arpichaya Yubol at 3 under. 'I'm delighted with my score,' said Huang, who is No. 521 in the Rolex Women's Rankings. 'I don't play links golf, so it took a couple of practice rounds to get used to it, but I think I handled it pretty well. I played in the U.S. Open this year so this will be my second major championship. I learned a lot from that week and bringing more patience into this week will be really helpful.' Do, 35, tied for eighth at 1 under. The 2011 Women's Amateur Public Links champion will play in her first Women's Open since 2016. Ranked 351st, she is coming off a T23 in June at the KPMG Women's PGA Championship and a T59 three weeks ago at the Evian Championship. 'A few years ago, I was first alternate for the Evian, and I didn't get in, so I came over to Scotland and played quite a bit of golf,' Do said. 'I played the Old Course, Prestwick, Elie, so I played quite a bit for fun, and it was amazing. I learned quite a bit there but not in a tournament sense.' REUTERS
