Latest news with #OpenChampionships
Daily Express
4 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Express
500 paddlers competing at State Championship
Published on: Friday, May 30, 2025 Published on: Fri, May 30, 2025 By: Wu Vui Tek Text Size: (Seated from second left) Edward, Roland and Chua together with the Kota Kinabalu team. Kota Kinabalu: About 500 paddlers representing 15 districts will compete at the Sabah state-level table tennis championship this weekend at Maksak Hall, Likas, here. The competition, running from May 30 to June 1, will be officiated by Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Ellron Alfred Angin. The paddlers will compete in the men's and women's team events, as well as the Under-10, 13, 15 and 19 categories for both boys and girls, said Sabah Table Tennis Association president Edward Chua. 'This is a big event hosted by Kota Kinabalu, who have won for three consecutive years so far. We are calling all ping pong supporters to come and watch the games,' said Edward after the presentation of team uniforms to the Kota Kinabalu team at its clubhouse at Wisma Hakka, here. The ceremony was officiated by the Chief Minister's Political Secretary Datuk Dr Roland Chia. The uniforms were sponsored by Kota Kinabalu Table Tennis Association (KKTTA) Advisor Datuk Chua Soon Ping. The championship also serves as a platform to select state players for the national under-10, 12, 15 and 19 tournaments, said Edward. Advertisement 'Every year we have three events to compete in, including the National Hopes, Youth, and Open Championships,' he said, adding that the national championship will be held in Penang in September 2025. This state championship is also an opportunity to gauge the potential of players for next year's Sabah Games, he added. In addition, he said they will hold the Table Tennis Clubs Championship, featuring between 30 and 40 clubs from Sabah, Sarawak and Brunei, which will offer prize money of RM10,000 to the winning clubs. On the development of table tennis, he said so far, so good, as Kota Kinabalu has about five training centres, which are enough to cater to training and development programmes. 'We run development programmes to produce coaches and umpires. Every year, we conduct a Level 1 coaching course recognised by the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF), while every two years we hold a Level 2 coaching course,' he said. To date, he said Sabah has produced one female national player who is based in Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur. 'We will try to select promising young players from the state championship, and we hope to get strong support from parents to let their children be based in Bukit Jalil. 'Once selected, the players will be relocated to study from Form 1 to 5 in Bukit Jalil, but parents won't let them go, that is our main challenge,' he said. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Daily Record
09-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Historic Scottish golf course offering a memorable round for less than £25
Golf has been played at North Inch for over 500 years, and with the River Tay looming nearby, it still offers a true test today When people picture golf in Scotland, the scene often involves windswept links courses hugging the coastline, shaped over centuries by the natural elements. Regions like Fife, Ayrshire, and East Lothian are world renowned, drawing golf enthusiasts globally to test their skills on these classic seaside layouts. However, Scotland offers exceptional inland golf too, with Perthshire widely considered the capital in this regard. This region provides a vast selection of top tier courses catering to all tastes and abilities. From the world famous glamour of Gleneagles to the unique charm of Pitlochry and the stunning beauty found at Blairgowrie, Perthshire is a magnet for golfers seeking an inland challenge. With such a wealth of options across the county, it is easy to overlook the golfing opportunities within the city of Perth itself. Yet, Perth is home to one of Scotland's most historic golf courses, offering visitors the chance to play a round for less than £25, the Scottish Daily Express reports. North Inch Golf Course is conveniently located just a short walk from Perth city centre. Situated within the park of the same name, the course provides a compelling escape from urban life while presenting a genuine test of golfing ability. The majestic River Tay borders the course along its eastern edge, serving as a beautiful backdrop but also a very real water hazard on several holes. Measuring 5,480 yards from the white tees, North Inch is not a particularly long course. Its design includes six par threes, two of which play at less than 100 yards. Despite its modest length, the course presents challenges through strategically placed, tricky bunkers and numerous trees that serve as obstacles best navigated carefully. The course features several memorable holes that enhance the golfing experience. The second hole offers unbeatable views of Kinnoull Hill, providing a stunning vista overlooking the city. Later in the round, the 15th hole runs directly along the banks of the River Tay, bringing the prominent water feature into play. However, the most unforgettable hole on North Inch is arguably the 16th. Playing at just 78 yards, it must surely rank among the most picturesque par threes anywhere in the world. While short, it is fraught with danger; a deep bunker and a burn protect the front of the green, and any shot hit long or left faces the prospect of disappearing into the dark waters of the River Tay. The history of golf on North Inch is believed to stretch back over 500 years, with the earliest written record dating from 1599. Parts of the course's current layout were designed by the legendary Old Tom Morris, a pioneering figure in golf who famously won four Open Championships between 1861 and 1867. One of the course's most attractive aspects today remains its affordability. Tee times during the week start from just £23, making it highly accessible for both local golfers and visitors. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. The course is open seven days a week, and even a round at peak time remains budget friendly, with the most expensive tee times typically costing around £32. While North Inch Golf Course itself does not feature a 19th hole facility, the city of Perth is less than a 15 minute walk away. Perth's attractive architecture and historic centre offer plenty of options for post round refreshments, including highly rated establishments such as the Old Ship Inn for a drink or the award winning 63 Tay Street for dining. North Inch provides a historic, scenic, and affordable golfing experience right in the heart of Scotland's inland golf capital.
Irish Daily Mirror
06-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
Tom McKibbin gets late invite to major championship next week
Tom McKibbin will tee it up at next week's PGA Championship after receiving a late invite to the major. McKibbin, 22, will join Rory McIlroy, Shane Lowry, Seamus Power and Padraig Harrington in the field at Quail Hollow in North Carolina. The Holywood man has dropped down the world rankings to 115th after his move to LIV Golf earlier this year. But the PGA of America has extended late invites to McKibbin and fellow LIV player David Puig, along with DP World Tour member Elvis Smylie. It will be McKibbin's third major championship appearance, having teed it up in last year's US Open and Open Championships. His high finish in last season's DP World Tour rankings earned him a PGA Tour card for this season. But the youngster declined the opportunity to play full-time in America, opting instead to join the Saudi-backed breakaway circuit and link up with Jon Rahm's Legion XIII team. A strong showing in the majors this season might give McKibbin an outside chance of making his first Ryder Cup side in September. Last week, he competed in a LIV Golf event in Korea, finishing in 47th place, some 23 shots behind the winner, Bryson DeChambeau. Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts.
Belfast Telegraph
06-05-2025
- Sport
- Belfast Telegraph
Tom McKibbin set for third Major start after receiving late PGA Championship invite
The 22-year-old will tee it up at the North Carolina venue having been given one of three late invites by the PGA of America, along with fellow LIV player David Puig and DP World Tour member Elvis Smylie. McKibbin competed in last year's US Open and Open Championships, making the cut at both, but missed out on a place at this year's Masters Tournament after his defection to LIV. The former European Open champion earned his PGA Tour card at the end of last year's DP World Tour season but opted instead to join the Saudi-backed breakaway circuit, linking up with Jon Rahm's Legion XIII team. Now ranked 115th in the world, McKibbin has racked up two top-ten finishes on LIV this season and currently ranks 22nd in the individual standings. McKibbin's inclusion means there will be two Northern Irishmen in the field at Quail Hollow, the other of course being recently crowned Masters champion Rory McIlroy who will now set his sights on a calendar Grand Slam after completing the career Grand Slam at Augusta. It will be the first time the pair have played in the same tournament since January's Hero Dubai Desert Classic, with McKibbin's move to LIV Golf confirmed shortly after, a decision that McIlroy expressed his disappointment with. "Personally, for me, it would be a little disappointing if it were to happen,' said McIlroy just before the move was officially confirmed. "But I made it perfectly clear: I am not going to stand your way if you need to make the decision you feel like you need to make for yourself. "At the same time, I feel like he's giving up a lot to not really benefit that much." There has been some controversy as Australia's David Herbert, who is fifth in LIV's individual standings, has not been given an invite to the PGA Championship but McKibbin and Puig, who is seventh in LIV, have. Meanwhile, Smylie is 202nd in the world rankings but did win the BMW Australian PGA Championship in November, which appears to have worked in his favour.
Times
06-05-2025
- Sport
- Times
The 10 best golf clubs in the UK
Choosing the ten best golf clubs in the United Kingdom is easier than counting how many angels can dance on the head of a pin — but not by much. What makes a good golf club? One that has an acclaimed, testing and beautiful golf course, often by the sea, over which many championships are staged, certainly. A big practice ground and good chipping green are essential too. One with a commodious, character-filled clubhouse of course. And one that also has a genial and welcoming membership. It's not just one of these qualifications nor two but all three. The R&A (Royal & Ancient Golf Club) has a magnificent clubhouse overlooking the 1st and 18th holes of the world-famous Old Course at St Andrews — but the course is not the sole prerogative of club members so, with a gun held to my head, I am not including it in my list. After that it becomes a matter of opinion. Knowing that I shall offend many golfers, here are not my ten best but ten of my best. Advertisement Royal County Down, Northern Ireland Royal County Down, Newcastle, Northern Ireland Not just one of the world's best but one of the world's most beautiful golf courses too, set adjoining the bay of Dundrum in the Murlough Nature Reserve and with a backdrop of the Mountains of Mourne. Views in almost any direction are stunning. Play is traditionally in four balls. It was designed by Old Tom Morris, George Combe, Harry Vardon and Harry Colt — as distinguished a quartet as could be. It has a membership best described as welcoming and the traditional 'Hat Man' organises pairings for the Saturday matches, as he has done for 100 years. Green fee: ask Par: 71 Contact: golf@ Royal Lytham & St Annes, Lancashire Royal Lytham & St Annes, Lytham, Lancashire An aristocrat among golf clubs in Britain, this has hosted two Ryder Cups, 11 Open Championships and was where Tony Jacklin began the revival of European golf by winning the 1969 Open. It is an out and back golf course, hard by the sea — although the sea is not visible from it. It has a dormy house. Described by Bernard Darwin, grandson of the naturalist and a former golf correspondent of The Times, as 'a beast of a course but a just beast', some of the outward nine holes run parallel to a railway line, so an inaccurate drive on the second or third holes, say, could end on the 9.12 from Lytham to Blackpool. Green fee: call 01253 724206 Par 70 Contact: bookings@ Royal Portrush, Co Antrim Royal Portrush, Portrush, Co Antrim, Northern Ireland The Dunluce Links — the only Northern Irish club to have staged the Open, first in 1951; again in 2019, when the Irishman Shane Lowry won; and next in July this year, for which nearly 300,000 tickets have been sold to spectators — is set among glorious sand hills. More than 60 national championships, British and Irish, have been staged at Royal Portrush. It is both stunningly difficult and stunningly beautiful, set among a triangle of sand dunes and overlooked by the remains of Dunluce Castle. Its 16th hole, aptly named Calamity Corner because of what golfers do or have done to them there, is one of golf's most famous par 3s. Advertisement Green fee: £385 Par 72 Contact: info@ Royal Wimbledon, London Royal Wimbledon, London You could spend some time in SW19 4UW and still not see this club, the third oldest in England. It is tucked away off a common, down a lane and round a tight corner, but well worth a visit. On some holes lined with gorse and heather you cannot see a house and on most you do not hear the rumble of London traffic. Its clubhouse was once a six-bedroom family home, echoing to the sounds of excited children, and it retains a comfortable, welcoming feeling of a happy family home. Green fee: ask Par 70 Contact: Sunningdale, Berkshire Sunningdale, Ascot, Berkshire Though the New Course at this world-famous golf club in Berkshire is more demanding, the Old Course is more famous for being where Bobby Jones, the great American amateur golfer, played 33 strokes and had 33 putts in qualifying for the 1926 Open Championship. Many tournaments, including the annual Sunningdale Foursomes, have been held over this archetypical inland course with heather-lined fairways. The 2025 Senior Open will be played there in July this year. It is the favoured golf club for many showbusiness personalities. Green fee: £325 Par 70 Contact: Advertisement Royal St George's, Kent Royal St George's, Sandwich, Kent Laid out among sand dunes outside the old port overlooking the English Channel (and nearer to France than London), this club has hosted the Open Championship 15 times, most recently in 2021. It has the rewarding springy turf of many seaside courses, sprawls over more than 300 acres and is known for the singing of larks overhead. The clubhouse, a former farmhouse, sits within what was once farmland and is warmed in winter by a roaring fire. Green fee: £350 Par 70 Contact: office@ Muirfield, Scotland Muirfield, Gullane, Scotland Officially known as the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers, this is one of the oldest clubs in the UK, dating back to 1744, and is the third most used Open venue after St Andrews and Prestwick. Overlooking the Firth of Forth and favoured by lawyers from Edinburgh, it is considered perhaps the fairest golf course in the UK. It specialises in foursomes golf and has a reputation for providing members and guests with good food and wine. The American golfer Jack Nicklaus named Muirfield Village, his club in Dublin, Ohio, after this Scottish gem, where he won the first of his three Open Championships. Green fee: £365 for one round, £560 for two on one day (with lunch) Par 71 Contact: Royal Porthcawl, South Wales Royal Porthcawl, Porthcawl, South Wales Arguably Wales's premier club. Situated west of Cardiff and east of Swansea, Porthcawl has a historically interesting and distinguished clubhouse almost next to the Bristol Channel. It's old, wooden, spike-marked and reeks of history, the perfect antidote to some of the big and brash modern clubhouses. It has a dormy house for overnight guests. The first three holes might be among the best three opening holes on any course and the downhill 18th, when played into a setting sun and a strong onshore wind, isn't bad either. Advertisement Green fee: £225 to £250 Par 72 Contact: Office@ Rye Golf Club, East Sussex Rye Golf Club, Rye, East Sussex An unashamedly old-fashioned and traditional golf club set among the dunes a mile from the town of the same name. It is the venue for the annual President's Putter, competed for early in the new year by members of the Oxford and Cambridge Golfing Society. The Old Course, the better of the club's two courses, has nine holes to the east and nine to the west of the clubhouse and five short holes with devilishly difficult greens. Bernard Darwin said, 'The most difficult shots at Rye are the seconds to the short holes,' and described the par 3s as things of beauty. Green fee: ask Par 68 Contact: Royal Birkdale, Southport Royal Birkdale, Southport Easily within reach of Liverpool and Manchester, this is the best of the courses that line the coast around Southport. It is a majestic links and the sea can be heard but not seen from some tees. The combination of the course and the clubhouse is striking: the course is one of the very best and usually produces good Open champions (ten in all so far) and has staged two Ryder Cups, the Women's British Open and Senior Open, the 1951 Walker Cup and the 1948 Curtis Cups. The art deco clubhouse is one of golf's most distinctive, once being described as resembling a seagoing liner grounded among sand dunes. Green fee: £370 to £400 Par 70 Contact: secretary@ Advertisement Huntercombe, Stoke Row Huntercombe, Stoke Row, Buckinghamshire In the Chilterns, northwest of Henley, is the 11th of my ten best because I am a member, as was Henry Longhurst, the broadcaster and my predecessor as golf correspondent of The Sunday Times. It welcomes visitors and dogs, specially dogs, and favours two-ball play. The clubhouse is gently distressed and the cracking course, which has only 13 sand bunkers, was designed by Willie Park Jr 124 years ago and has needed little updating since then. The membership is welcoming. It is the home course of Oxford University golfers. What more could you want? Green fee: £130-£150 Par 70 Contact:
