Latest news with #GreatBritain
The Independent
2 hours ago
- Business
- The Independent
Fire stations, care homes and libraries get share of £10m for clean energy
Libraries, fire stations, and care homes are among community buildings which are to receive a share of £10 million for clean energy projects, the Government has said. Publicly-owned Great British Energy has awarded grant funding for mayoral authorities to install solar panels on public buildings, as well as batteries to store and use renewable energy and electric vehicle (EV) chargers, in a bid to save communities money, improve services, and cut emissions. The funding comes alongside GB Energy's push to deliver clean energy projects for around 200 schools and hospitals with £180 million funding. The Government said the grants range from rooftop solar on Merseyside care homes and leisure centres to solar and batteries for libraries, fire stations, police stations and sports centres – as well as EV chargers – in Greater Manchester. Funding is also going towards solar schemes including police headquarters in Cambridgeshire, an outdoor covered market in Yorkshire and a former colliery in the East Midlands. In West Yorkshire, Leeds City Council's Arium plant nursery and Lotherton Hall estate will be among those benefiting from clean energy funding. Officials estimate the schemes could produce around £1 million a year in savings, and £35 million lifetime savings, on energy bills, as well as improve energy security and create good jobs. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: 'Your local sports hall, library and community centre could have their energy bills cut by Great British Energy, the government's publicly-owned clean energy company. 'Our plans will mean more money can be spent on the services that make working people better off and help strengthen the ties that bind us in our communities.' Great British Energy chief executive Dan McGrail said: 'Today's support for new clean power projects in every region in England shows our mission in action – providing a lasting positive impact for the country by creating new jobs, lower bills, and a cleaner future. 'It's important that communities feel the benefits of the energy transition and that we demonstrate the very real benefits it can bring,' he said.
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Royal Portrush Golf Club: A Deep Dive into the Host of the 153rd Open Championship
Royal Portrush Golf Club: A Deep Dive into the Host of the 153rd Open Championship originally appeared on Athlon Sports. It's 1888, and two Scots — George Baillie and Thomas Gilroy — are standing on the windswept dunes of Northern Ireland's Causeway Coast, envisioning something extraordinary. At the time, they could not have known, but they were about to create what would become the only golf course outside Great Britain to host the Open Championship not once, but three times. As we approach the 153rd Open Championship, which kicks off tomorrow, their vision feels more prophetic than ever. Advertisement A Royal Beginning That Started Humble The story of Royal Portrush begins as "The County Club" — a modest nine-hole course that these founding fathers carved from the dramatic duneland between Portrush and Portballintrae. But this wasn't just any piece of land. Perched beneath the haunting ruins of 13th-century Dunluce Castle, with sweeping views toward the Scottish islands of Islay and Jura, this was nature's own amphitheater for golf. Within just four years, the club had caught royal attention. In 1892, it became "The Royal County Club" under the patronage of the Duke of York, later King George V. By 1895, it had evolved into "Royal Portrush Golf Club" under the watchful eye of the Prince of Wales, who would become King Edward VII. You don't get much more establishment than that. Advertisement But here's what makes the story truly remarkable: In 1947, a local lad named Fred Daly became the first Irishman to win the Open Championship. Four years later, in 1951, his home course would host the championship itself — the first time golf's oldest major had ever been played outside Great Britain. Max Faulkner would triumph that year, but the real winner was Portrush itself, proving it belonged on the world stage. The Colt Connection That Changed Everything In 1929, Royal Portrush made a decision that would define its destiny. They enlisted Harry Colt, the legendary architect who had already created masterpieces at Sunningdale and Wentworth, to help transform their course into something truly special. Colt designed more than 300 courses during his career, but many consider the Dunluce Links his finest work. What Colt created was nothing short of genius. He took the natural undulations of the duneland and crafted a course that plays with both your mind and your swing. The result was a 7,337-yard monster that stretches across giant sand hills, offering up views that can distract you from the very real dangers lurking on every shot. Advertisement The Beast That Awaits for the 153rd Open Championship As the world's best golfers prep for this week's 153rd Open, they're facing a course that has been further refined since Lowry's emotional victory in 2019. The Dunluce Links now plays as a par 71 that can bite back harder than ever, especially when those Atlantic winds start howling. Let me walk you through what makes this course so special — and so absolutely terrifying. The Opening Gambit: The first hole, "Hughie's," might look innocent enough at 420 yards, but it's flanked by out-of-bounds on both sides. Many players will leave their drivers in the bag, opting for accuracy over distance. It's a psychological test disguised as a golf hole. Advertisement Giant's Grave: The second hole was the second-easiest in 2019, but don't let that fool you. This 575-yard par 5 features a quartet of strategically placed bunkers and rewards those brave enough to take on the cross bunkers with their second shot. The Calamity That Defines Champions: But it's the 16th hole — "Calamity Corner" — that truly separates the wheat from the chaff. At 236 yards, this par 3 demands a carry over a yawning chasm to a green perched 40 to 50 feet above disaster. In 2019, it yielded just 24 birdies all week — the fewest of any hole. The Shane Lowry Magic of 2019 When the Open returned to Portrush in 2019 after a 68-year absence, something magical happened. Shane Lowry, playing in front of 237,750 spectators — second only to the Centenary Open at St. Andrews — delivered one of the most emotional victories in championship history. Advertisement The preparation had been immense. Two new holes — the seventh and eighth — were created on land that had been part of the Valley Links. Martin Ebert led the redesign, which included five new greens, eight new tee boxes and 10 new bunkers. The course was shortened from par 72 to par 71, but it was actually lengthened by nearly 200 yards to 7,337 yards. Lowry's third-round 63 in deteriorating conditions was pure poetry. He didn't just win; he commanded the course like a conductor leading an orchestra through a complex symphony. Republic of Ireland's Shane Lowry after winning the Claret Jug at the 2019 Open Championship at Royal Portrush Golf Club; July 8, 2021. Credit: PA Images, Richard Sellers What Makes 2025 Different For the 153rd Open Championship, Royal Portrush has made subtle but significant changes. The fourth hole, "Fred Daly's," has been lengthened considerably from its 2019 setup, now playing as a true test of accuracy and distance at 502 yards. The new championship tee brings those menacing fairway bunkers fully into play. Advertisement "The hole has been lengthened considerably and I think it is going to present a slightly different proposition to what it did in 2019," McNeill said. It's now stroke index one for members — a hole where even the world's best would gladly take four straight fours. The Links That Time Built What makes Royal Portrush so special isn't just its championship pedigree — it's the pure, unadulterated links golf experience. The course plays firm and fast, exactly as links golf should. The fescue grasses and sandy soil provide excellent drainage, even in Ireland's notoriously wet climate. But it's the wind that truly completes the picture, adding another dimension to every shot and forcing constant strategic adjustments. The Dunluce Links is a living piece of golf history. From Old Tom Morris' exhibition match in 1889 to Rory McIlroy's course record 61 in 2005 — and Lowry's third round 63 that helped him win in 2019 — this course has witnessed some of golf's greatest moments. Advertisement The Supporting Cast While the Dunluce Links commands the spotlight, the Valley Links provides its own compelling story. This shorter, more intimate par 71 layout serves as home to both Royal Portrush members and the historic Rathmore Golf Club, whose famous members include 1947 Open champion Fred Daly and 2010 U.S. Open champion Graeme McDowell. The clubhouse, rebuilt after a fire in 1947, maintains the traditional atmosphere befitting such a historic venue. It's filled with memorabilia that tells the story of Irish golf, from vintage photographs to championship trophies. 2025 Memories to be Made As we approach the start of the 153rd Open Championship, Royal Portrush stands ready to add another chapter to its remarkable story. The course, which began as a humble nine-hole layout, has evolved into one of golf's most respected venues. Advertisement The Irish crowds will surely be out in force, hoping for another magical moment like Lowry's 2019 triumph. The course will be there too, waiting to test the world's best with its unique blend of natural beauty and strategic challenge. This isn't just another Open Championship venue — it's Royal Portrush, where the Atlantic winds carry the echoes of golf history and where, in 2025, another champion will be crowned on one of the world's most spectacular stages. Related: Why I'm Not Getting Cute with My Open Championship Picks Related: When Magic Almost Happened: Remembering Tom Watson's Heartbreaking Dance With Destiny at Turnberry Related: Gary Player Reflects on Royal Portrush's Return to The Open Championship This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 16, 2025, where it first appeared.
BBC News
11 hours ago
- Sport
- BBC News
What is a links golf course?
A links golf course is the oldest and most traditional form of course, with origins in courses are typically built on sandy coastal terrain, offering firmer playing surfaces than those found on parkland or Great Britain and Ireland, such courses are commonplace, with Scotland and Ireland holding deep historical ties to the development of links Open Championship always being contested on links courses is one of its most distinguishable term 'links' comes from the Scots language and the old English word 'hlinc', meaning 'rising ground' or 'ridge'.It has been used to describe coastal golf courses since at least the 18th century. What makes a links golf course? While there are no set rules for what makes a links golf course, they are traditionally on or near the coast - often set among sand means links courses often lack trees or water hazards - largely due to limited resources available to early course links courses therefore more open, wind and challenging weather conditions make for particularly challenging play. Links courses typically favour controlled players, with a requirement to play low shots and use the bounce of the course to avoid the wind. Famous links courses Royal Portrush - the home of the 2025 Open - is one of many famous links courses, as are fellow Open hosts St Andrews and 2015, the US Open was held at Chambers Bay, near Seattle. The course is one of a few examples of where a major championship was played on a links golf course outside of Great Britain and article is the latest from BBC Sport's Ask Me Anything team. What is Ask Me Anything? Ask Me Anything is a service dedicated to answering your want to reward your time by telling you things you do not know and reminding you of things you team will find out everything you need to know and be able to call upon a network of contacts including our experts and will be answering your questions from the heart of the BBC Sport newsroom, and going behind the scenes at some of the world's biggest sporting coverage will span the BBC Sport website, app, social media and YouTube accounts, plus BBC TV and radio. More questions answered... What is the prize money at The Open 2025?How does qualifying for The Open work?What is a mud ball?What is a birdie, eagle and albatross? Golf terms explained
Daily Mail
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Revealed: The new favourite to become next MasterChef host after BBC sacks 'heartbroken' John Torode
A new favourite to become the next MasterChef host has been revealed after the BBC sacked a 'heartbroken' John Torode. The Australian chef, 59, was axed from the cooking competition in an announcement from the broadcaster on Tuesday afternoon. It came after a report into a series of allegations of inappropriate behaviour by his co-star Gregg Wallace, 60, which saw him sacked as a presenter this month. The investigation also found John had once used an 'extremely offensive racist term', allegedly during some drinks after filming. John posted to Instagram on Tuesday evening to say he had 'no recollection' of the incident and did not believe it had happened. But in the wake of both the co-hosts' disgrace, Gogglebox star and Great British Menu presenter Andi Oliver, 62, has emerged as the favourite to replace them. Bookies at What Are The Odds have said her chances stand at 5/2, or 28.6 per cent, boosted by her 'warmth and culinary credibility'. The chef is also helped, they said, by her 'vibrant energy and authority' on Great British Menu, which she has variously judged and presented since 2016. She would make history as the first black woman to present MasterChef if she were to be given the top job. But Andi, who is a regular on Celebrity Gogglebox with her daughter, presenter Miquita Oliver, 41, is not alone as one of the bookmakers' top choices. Close behind her is celebrity chef Tom Kerridge, 51, who has been rated at 3/1, or 25 per cent, for his 'accessible cooking style', 'likeable media persona' and 'devoted following'. 'With multiple restaurants, several BBC series, and a reputation for combining fine dining with everyday appeal, Kerridge is seen as a strong fit for MasterChef's evolving audience', the bookies added. What Are The Odds analyst Dave James said: 'Andi Oliver remains the market leader but Tom Kerridge is attracting a lot of support. 'His profile is huge and he's one of the most trusted names in British food. This could come down to what direction the BBC wants – prestige, relatability, or a bit of both.' Other names which could make the cut include Poppy O'Toole, 29, a Michelin-trained chef who has skyrocketed to fame on social media as the 'Potato Queen'. At 4/1 or 20 per cent, she is followed by chef Angela Hartnett, 56, at 5/1 (16.7 per cent) and Bake Off winner Nadiya Hussain, 40, on 6/1 or 14.3 per cent. Stars rated below them range from TV chefs James Martin, Nigella Lawson and Marcus Wareing, to food critic Grace Dent. Even John's wife and fellow TV chef Lisa Faulkner, 53, still makes the top ten, at 14/1 or 6.7 per cent, despite his recent sacking. It comes after John was left 'heartbroken' by discovering he had been dropped from MasterChef online. A source told The Sun: 'He read about it on the BBC News website. 'Obviously he's heartbroken. He feels he's been made a scapegoat off the back of the Gregg Wallace report.' Just after the news broke, the chef released a statement confirming he had not 'heard from anyone at the BBC' or the show's production company Banijay UK. Even John's wife and fellow TV chef Lisa Faulkner (left, with John at the National Television Awards last year), 53, still makes the top ten, at 14/1 or 6.7 per cent, despite his recent sacking His agent was reportedly called just 11 minutes before the BBC's announcement - and so 'hadn't a chance to call him' before word got out. In a statement on Tuesday afternoon, the BBC said that it does not 'tolerate racist language of any kind' and that it takes the finding 'extremely seriously'. The move came after BBC director-general Tim Davie notably failed to back Torode and said he 'expects action to be taken' following the racism allegations. He delivered the remarks as the BBC released its annual report - an occasion overshadowed by controversies for the second year in a row. A witness of the moment at issue in John's sacking claimed he apologised instantly for using the term as he 'was mortified' and he 'didn't use the term as a slur'. No one complained at the time but the incident was brought up during Gregg's inquiry, they added. A BBC spokesperson said: 'John Torode has identified himself as having an upheld allegation of using racist language against him. 'This allegation - which involves an extremely offensive racist term being used in the workplace - was investigated and substantiated by the independent investigation led by the law firm, Lewis Silkin. John Torode denies the allegation. Just after the news broke, the chef released a statement confirming he had not 'heard from anyone at the BBC' or the show's production company Banijay UK 'He has stated he has no recollection of the alleged incident and does not believe that it happened. 'He also says that any racial language is wholly unacceptable in any environment. 'The BBC takes this upheld finding extremely seriously. We will not tolerate racist language of any kind and, as we have already said, we told Banijay UK, the makers of MasterChef, that action must be taken. 'John Torode's contract on MasterChef will not be renewed.' Banijay UK has also now said it has decided not to renew his contract. ITV are standing by under fire John, with sources at the channel telling MailOnline it will continue to broadcast John and Lisa's Weekend Kitchen as scheduled on Saturday. The much-loved cookery show, which launched in 2019, features John, 59, and his wife Lisa as they showcase their favourite recipes. An ITV source said: 'There is no change to the ITV schedule and John and Lisa's Weekends will be broadcast as usual and will continue to air for the next three weeks.' Meanwhile, BBC director general Mr Davie has insisted MasterChef can still prosper despite the loss of Gregg and John. Pictured: John and Lisa on This Morning earlier this month It means the third episode of the tenth series of the show will be broadcast on ITV1 at 11.40am on Saturday. There are also plans for the broadcaster to welcome John back later in the year with John & Lisa's Christmas Kitchen in December. Meanwhile, BBC director general Mr Davie has insisted MasterChef can still prosper despite the loss of Gregg and John. He said: 'The BBC in some ways are quite simple on this, if someone is found to not live up to our values we expect the independent company, Banijay in this case, to take action and report back to us on what they have done. 'These are not BBC employees, but we absolutely expect action to be taken.' The director general added: 'I think it's a great programme that's well loved by audiences is much bigger than individuals. 'It absolutely can survive and prosper, but we've got to make sure we're in the right place in terms of the culture of the show.' A Banijay spokesperson said: 'In response to John Torode's statement, it is important to stress that Banijay UK takes this matter incredibly seriously. 'The legal team at Lewis Silkin that investigated the allegations relating to Gregg Wallace also substantiated an accusation of highly offensive racist language against John Torode which occurred in 2018. 'This matter has been formally discussed with John Torode by Banijay UK, and whilst we note that John says he does not recall the incident, Lewis Silkin have upheld the very serious complaint. Banijay UK and the BBC are agreed that we will not renew his contract on MasterChef.' John is said to have been the subject of multiple allegations before only one - relating to 'racist language' - was upheld, The Telegraph has reported. It comes after his co-star Gregg hit out at the BBC after a probe upheld more than half of the complaints of inappropriate behaviour against him as he warned he 'won't be the last' to be cancelled. The report into Gregg's behaviour on the cooking show upheld 45 out of 83 complaints made, including one count of 'unwanted physical contact', leaving the BBC to admit it 'could and should have' acted sooner on the MasterChef host. The damning investigation also found two complaints about the behaviour of 'other people' - including John - were upheld. While apologising for any 'distress' he caused, Gregg took aim at the MasterChef broadcaster, which he claims valued 'protecting its legacy' over 'protecting people'. Warning it was 'dangerous' to be a 'working-class man with a direct manner' in the world of broadcasting, he said he 'won't be the last' to face cancellation. The presenter said: 'In the end, the BBC left me exposed to trial by media and the damage it leaves in its wake. 'To those who've shown kindness, thank you. It mattered. This has been brutal. 'For a working-class man with a direct manner, modern broadcasting has become a dangerous place. I was the headline this time. But I won't be the last. 'There will be more casualties if the BBC continues down this path, where protecting its legacy matters more than protecting people. 'For my part, with full legal support, I will consider my next move.'
The Guardian
13 hours ago
- Sport
- The Guardian
Andy Farrell knows what it takes to play for the Lions against Australia
Andy Farrell knows more about playing for the Lions against Australia than anyone in his squad. He faced Australia 15 times for Great Britain's rugby league team, winning just four of those matches. Farrell only played in Australia twice for the Lions, captaining the team in Brisbane in 1999 and Sydney in 2002. Both matches were a nightmare, his team humiliated by an aggregate score of 106-16. Farrell's introduction to the team was more enjoyable. He made the first of his 34 appearances for Great Britain at Headingley against New Zealand in 1993. He was only 18 years old and he scored on his debut. Let's hope he savoured that moment. His third Great Britain international, in 1994, was an epic. Farrell started in the second row against Australia at Wembley in an arm-wrestle for the ages. This wasn't a run-of-the-mill Australia side. This was one of the all-time greats. The backline consisted of Brett Mullins at full-back, Andrew Ettingshausen and Wendell Sailor on the wings, with Mal Meninga and Steve Renouf inside them. The half-back partnership was Laurie Daley and Alfie Langer, with Ian Roberts in the pack, Brad Fittler at loose forward, and Ricky Stuart off the bench. There were current and future immortals in green and gold that day. Midway through the first half, the Great Britain captain Shaun Edwards was sent off. Novice coach Ellery Hanley sacrificed Farrell, substituting him to bring on Bobbie Goulding in Edwards' place. Great Britain won the match 8-4. It was a masterstroke and a lesson in brutal decision-making for Farrell. Surely if Great Britain could beat Australia with a side including mere mortals such as Alan Hunte, Karl Harrison and Allan Bateman, a glorious career of Ashes triumphs and lifting World Cups lay ahead for the young Farell? Nope. Australia would stop him winning every single international tournament in his career: Ashes, World Cup and Tri-Nations. As well as Australia, New Zealand and England, Farrell played for the Lions in France, Fiji and Papua New Guinea. He was a loose forward for 16 Tests, in the second row for 15, and even spent the 1997 Ashes series at stand-off alongside Goulding. He was given the captaincy for the 1996 tour and never relinquished it. That trip saw Farrell officially crowned a Lion. For decades, players in both codes had to represent the British Isles in Test matches in the southern hemisphere to be given Lion status. Home matches, or trips to France, did not count, nor did World Cups. Farrell's first tour in the southern hemisphere, in 1996, was a woeful one for Great Britain. The team started the tour by scraping through a warm-up match against Papua New Guinea, winning 32-30; they finished it by losing all three of their tests in New Zealand. Despite the poor results, Farrell showed real leadership and was made captain by coach Phil Larder. 'As the tour developed, it was obvious he was the leader of the lads,' reflected Larder. 'Andy wasn't who I had identified to be captain but he was the one they all looked up to and he was playing exceptionally well. He became my captain. Faz came through as a natural leader, not only on the pitch but outside as well. Everybody in the squad looked up to him. The thing about Andy is he's got presence. If he walks into a room, he seems to attract people to him. Players latch on to that.' A poor run of results in the late 1990s – that chastening trip to New Zealand in 1996, defeats to Australia in the Ashes in 1997 and another series loss to the Kiwis in 1998 – did little for the Lions brand. The Australian Rugby League Commission realised New Zealand were now their closest rivals and decided to host a Tri-Nations tournament in 1999 rather than an Ashes tour. The tournament did not go well for the visitors. Farrell must have assumed his Lions experience had hit rock bottom when the team were torn to shreds by Darren Lockyer, Brett Kimmorley, Matthews Gidley, Johns, Fittler, Sailor and co, hammered 42-6 by Australia at Lang Park. Just 12,511 fans turned up to watch what they had assumed would be a mismatch. They were right. It was another miserable tour, blighted by cliques: groups of players from Leeds, Wigan and St Helens who had spent all season trying to smash each other just could not kiss and make up. Coach Andy Goodway looked on helplessly, his career irreparably damaged by the experience. Farrell will not repeat that mistake with his Lions this year. It got worse. Farrell was also a walking punchbag in July 2002 when Great Britain accepted an invitation to face Australia in Sydney for a one-off test in the middle of the season. The Kangaroos, hardened to a flint by Origin, smashed Farrell and his men to pieces. Lote Tuqiri, Lockyer, Willie Mason and Johns had a field day as the Kangaroos romped to a record 64-10 triumph. It was a never-repeated folly, the type that teaches never-forgotten lessons. What looked like the blackest day in British rugby league history was in fact a blip, albeit one that pounded several nails in the league Lions coffin. After that horror show in Sydney, Farrell led the Lions on a heroic run. They lost just five of their next 10 tests against the Kangaroos and Kiwis, remaining competitive in every game. The Lions won three Tests on the bounce to reach the 2004 Tri-Nations final against Australia at Elland Road on a high. Few saw the 44-4 humbling coming. Throw in England's capitulation at the hands of New Zealand in the semi-final of a home World Cup in 2000 and this was one humiliation too far for a proud man. Lions failure must have precipitated his move to union in 2005. Whereas his friend Jason Robinson became the 14th and probably last dual-code Lion, Farrell switched to union too late to make their tour in 2005 and he was approaching retirement when the squad set off again in 2009. He added eight England caps in union to his nine in league, but it is a disappointment that such a talismanic giant of turn-of-the-century rugby league should have such a frustrating international record. After his debut win, Farrell played in nine series or tournaments for Great Britain (plus two World Cups for England) and failed to win a single one. Of the test series against the Kangaroos and Kiwis, he lost six and drew the other. Yet Farrell was hugely respected and admired by Australian league players, coaches and pundits. It's not that he had no success on Australian shores. One of the highlights of his playing career came in Brisbane in 1994, when more than 54,000 fans saw his Wigan team beat the all-conquering Broncos 20-14 to win the World Club title. Three years later the Broncos got their revenge on the same stage, hammering a more prosaic Wigan side 34-0, only a week after Farrell had kicked Wigan to victory over Canterbury Bulldogs at Belmore. Unlike the players he started his Lions career alongside – Jonathan Davies, Martin Offiah, Edwards, Garry Schofield, Hanley – Farrell was prevented from playing the off-season in the ARL and never took the plunge in the NRL. So Australian fans never saw him dominate games like he did back home in England. Even when things were not going well for his teams, Farrell stood out. I recall a game at Griffin Park in Brentford when London Broncos appeared to be playing against Farrell on his own, his Wigan teammates missing in action as the emergency prop put in a colossal performance. It would prove to be his last league appearance in London before he emerged around the North Circular at Saracens. By then, Farrell had taken Wigan to another Super League Grand Final but been thrashed at Old Trafford by Leeds. He was dying against rugby league's light. And a month later at Elland Road, those pesky Kangaroos snuffed it out. Follow No Helmets Required on Facebook
