Latest news with #R&A
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Xander Schauffele apologises to Scottie Scheffler after confessing to news leak
Scottie Scheffler was left red-faced when Xander Schauffele inadvertently revealed the world No. 1's failed driver test after his PGA Championship win earlier this month Two-time major winner Xander Schauffele had to apologise to Scottie Scheffler after he accidentally let slip the results of the world No. 1's failed driver test. The Californian golfer later explained that his blunder was due to being impressed by Scheffler's performance. Driver testing has been a hot topic in the sport of golf recently, especially after it was revealed that Scheffler and Rory McIlroy both had their equipment fail checks at the PGA Championship. Scheffler went on to claim his third major title at Quail Hollow, regardless, finishing five strokes ahead of his rivals. It was this impressive feat that led Schauffele to inadvertently share the news with the media. While McIlroy, aged 36, seemed to struggle with his backup driver - a fact already known to the press - Schauffele unintentionally became the source of the revelation about Scheffler's equipment change. "I was the one who leaked it, basically, about Scott's," Schauffele admitted sheepishly following the PGA Championship. "To me, it was more of like, a credit to how good he was, y'know? "I didn't realize - I apologized. I was like: 'Sorry, dude. I wasn't trying to have that be a question in your media after you just won another major.' It was more about, like, this guy just used his backup and absolutely rinsed the field again." Schauffele, who tied for 28th at Quail Hollow, was evidently in awe of his Ryder Cup team-mate. In expressing his admiration, he inadvertently spilt the beans on details that are typically kept under wraps, particularly concerning another player. The American's sense of guilt was somewhat alleviated by Scheffler, who revealed that his team anticipated his driver might soon fail if it were tested. Thirty drivers are tested each week to ensure they comply with regulations. A more worn club can offer an advantage by providing extra springiness upon impact. The testing procedure has come under intense scrutiny following recent controversies. Scheffler advocates for testing the entire field instead of just a random selection of thirty. "I would test everyone and make sure I would get everyone's serial number with a driver. [It's] pretty easy," Scheffler stated before the Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village. This sentiment echoes Schauffele's from 2019 when his driver was among those that failed testing and had to be replaced. "I would gladly give up my driver if it's not conforming. But there's still 130 other players in the field that potentially have a nonconforming driver as well," he said. "Had a word with [the R&A], and hopefully they take my comments seriously and my concern just because it wasn't my plan to show up Monday morning of a major or Tuesday—sorry, it was Tuesday evening where I was doing driver testing here. It's not really what players want to be doing. "What's the fair thing to do? Just test the whole field. It's plain and simple. When I talked to them, they didn't really know how to ... you can't really answer that question. You test everyone, it's simple as that."
The Courier
24-05-2025
- Business
- The Courier
EXCLUSIVE: Police investigate St Andrews Links Trust finance claims
Police have launched an investigation into alleged financial irregularities at St Andrews Links Trust. The probe follows the dismissal of the Trust's finance and corporate affairs chief Lyall Dochard in March. A routine audit raised questions over a six-figure sum of money, including expenses claims. The matter was not reported to police immediately. However, sources say trustees later unanimously agreed to refer it to the force. It has also been reported to charity regulator OSCR. Police Scotland confirmed enquiries are at an early stage. St Andrews Links Trust runs seven golf courses, including the world-famous Old Course. It is a charity, which reinvests any profits into maintaining the courses. It also provides grants to community groups and other good causes in and around St Andrews. Mr Dochard, 58, took up his role at the trust in 2018. It is understood the issues that led to his dismissal arose during a routine internal auditing process, with Links Trust management and trustees moving swiftly to deal with them. The Courier has contacted the trust's former finance chief for comment. Meanwhile, a spokesperson for St Andrews Links Trust confirmed: 'We have been in touch with Police Scotland. 'As the matter is now being progressed by them, we won't be commenting further at this time.' A Police Scotland spokesperson added: 'We have received a report regarding financial mismanagement of a charity in the St Andrews area. 'Enquiries are at an early stage and ongoing.' St Andrews Links Trust was set up in 1974, following an act of parliament which saw the council hand over control of the golf courses. Trustees include three Fife councillors, three nominated by the R&A, Scottish Government representatives and North East Fife MP Wendy Chamberlain. Its income comes from charitable activities, fees for playing a round of golf, and rents. And it makes a substantial amount from merchandising and royalties, as well as food and drink sales. It also runs a golf academy, which includes a driving range and golf lessons. The organisation is separate from the R&A, which organises the Open Championship and helps govern the game worldwide.
USA Today
19-05-2025
- Automotive
- USA Today
Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffer's drivers failed tests. Are YOU playing an illegal driver?
Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffer's drivers failed tests. Are YOU playing an illegal driver? Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler's drivers failed conformance tests at the PGA Championship. Could YOU be using an illegal driver and not know it? Could your driver be illegal? It's a fair question – especially in light of what happened to Rory McIlroy at the 2025 PGA Championship. And the tournament's winner, Scottie Scheffler. When McIlroy arrived at Quail Hollow, his game looked sharp and he was a heavy favorite to win the tournament. But on Tuesday his TaylorMade Qi10 driver was ruled non-conforming after a routine inspection. McIlroy did not comment on the situation, and the USGA and PGA of America maintain a policy of not revealing the names of players who fail random equipment tests. In his post-round press conference Sunday evening, after being asked about his driver by Golfweek's Adam Schupak, Scheffler confirmed he was forced to make a change before the tournament started as well. 'So the driver testing is something that regularly happens on tour. My driver did fail me this week," he said. "We had a feeling that it was going to be coming because I've used that driver for over a year. I was kind of fortunate for it to last that long." McIlroy was forced to use a backup driver head, and while he still made the cut, he struggled to find fairways early on. His situation echoed a similar incident with Xander Schauffele at the 2019 Open Championship, where his driver also failed a conformity test. The likely cause for both McIlroy and Scheffler's drivers failing the test was a phenomenon referred to as CT creep. So, what is CT creep, and could it make your driver non-conforming too? What is CT, and what exactly is CT creep? In golf equipment terms, CT stands for Characteristic Time. It's a measurement recorded in microseconds that indicates how long the ball stays in contact with the clubface during impact. Think of it as a scientific way to gauge how 'springy' or 'hot' a driver face is. The longer the contact time, the more trampoline-like effect the club has, which can translate to higher ball speeds and longer drives. The USGA and R&A have set a strict limit of 239 microseconds, with a manufacturing tolerance that extends to 257 microseconds. 'CT creep' happens when a driver's clubface becomes more flexible over time, usually because of repeated use and high-speed impacts. The constant force of striking golf balls – especially by fast swingers such as McIlroy, Scheffler or Schauffele – can cause the metal in the face to subtly fatigue and flex more. Over hundreds or thousands of shots, this can push the CT beyond the legal limit. How is driver CT tested? At some PGA Tour events and major championships, the USGA and R&A conduct random CT tests on drivers players intend to use. They use a pendulum-style device that gently strikes the clubface at several spots, measuring how long the face stays in contact with the striker. If any spot exceeds the limit, that driver is deemed non-conforming. Tests are quick, and most drivers pass without issue. But on occasion, a few fail. Tour players aren't accused of cheating when this happens – CT creep is understood as normal wear and tear. Still, rules are rules, and after a club crosses the threshold, it's no longer legal in competition. CT creep and recreational golfers Here's the big question for club golfers: If it can happen to Rory and Scottie and Xander, could it happen to you? The short answer: probably not. CT creep is more likely when a driver is used frequently by a high-speed player who consistently strikes the sweet spot. That describes many Tour pros – but not most weekend players. While some amateurs swing fast, few combine tour-level speed, consistency and volume of shots needed to cause CT creep. That said, drivers used by recreational players can lose performance over time, but that's usually due to damage – dropping the club on cart paths, shaft/head damage and so on – not an increase in CT that would make the club illegal. For competitive amateurs who play often and swing fast – college players, elite juniors and long drivers – it's not impossible, but it remains rare outside professional circles. Can you get your driver's CT tested? Unfortunately, the devices used by the USGA and tours cost thousands of dollars and aren't publicly available, so you can't test your driver yourself. Clubfitters and shops don't have CT testers either. They can assess general performance using launch monitors (launch, spin, ball speed) but not measure CT precisely. If you're seriously concerned – say you're preparing for a USGA amateur qualifier where testing might happen – contact your club's PGA professional or your driver's manufacturer. Some OEMs offer inspections or testing for suspected non-conforming clubs, though don't expect quick turnaround. The bottom line on CT creep CT creep is a byproduct of how close modern drivers come to the legal edge. Manufacturers push performance while staying within the Rules of Golf, meaning some drivers walk a fine line right out of the box. For most golfers, this is more a 'tour story' than a personal concern. You're unlikely to carry a 'too hot' driver unless you're an elite player with a well-worn gamer that's seen multiple seasons of use. In McIlroy and Scheffler's cases, the failing drivers probably got that way simply from being hit a lot by two of golf's fastest, most consistent swings. They didn't cheat or do something to gain an unfair advantage over the field. For the rest of us, CT creep is a reminder of just how advanced today's equipment is – and how the rules are enforced at the top level.
Scotsman
17-05-2025
- Scotsman
Tee up some old-fashioned leisure time with hickory golf and 16th century tennis
Fife has a long history of sporting pursuits you can still enjoy today Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Kingarrock Hickory Golf Course, Fife | Fiona Laing Think of Fife and it's probably golf that comes to mind ... just before the East Neuk fishing villages. Certainly for me it is, as it is where I took golf lessons as a student and worked in the R&A in St Andrews one memorable Open. Kingarrock Hickory Golf Course, at Hill of Tarvit, Fife. | National Trust for Scotland I reacquainted myself with a golf course this spring – but not with those highly engineered modern clubs that make the ball fly so far. I played golf as it was played 100 years ago. That means the clubs have hickory wood shafts and strange names like Mashie, Jigger,Brassie or Niblick. The ball is a modern replica of the standard stipulated by the R&A in1921. The red wooden tee – a Reddy Tee – was first patented in 1924. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad It's makes a wonderful golfing experience – the whip of modern graphite clubs is removed and I play my strokes more slowly. Yes, I find the rough as the old fashioned balls don't fly as I would expect (and I'm not very good). But I can take in the peace and quiet of this delicious countryside. As I address the ball on the seventh tee, all I can hear is the rattle of a woodpeckerchallenging the craw of the crows. The thwack of club hitting the ball is all the more sweet for that. It was a good shot too! Kingarrock Hickory Golf Course, Fife | Fiona Laing I am at Hill of Tarvit, the National Trust for Scotland mansion house, a few miles south of Cupar. The house was built for the Sharp family between 1904 and 1908. Frederick Sharp, a Dundee financier and jute manufacturer, purchased the estate in 1904 from the Wemyss family who had owned it for more than 200 years. Like many wealthy Edwardian families of their day, the Sharps were great collectors (and friends of Sir William Burrell) and they designed their new house around some of their favourite pieces. The Arts & Crafts-style mansion is packed with furniture, paintings, Flemish tapestries, Chinese porcelain and bronzes that will entrance you. The Sharps' architect, Sir Robert Lorimer, also designed the gardens that surround thehouse. Frederick and his son Hugh were passionate golfers and were attracted to the estate by its proximity to St Andrews where they were members of the R&A. By 1924 they had created a nine-hole golf course – in one of their fields. Today Kingarrock operates as a Hickory course – using only the clubs and balls of the Edwardian era. It had been played by the family, their guests and estate workers until the Second WorldWar, but after wartime agricultural service and the deaths of the family, it was largelyforgotten. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Kingarrock Hickory Golf Course and Hill of Tarvit Mansion House, Fife | John Stewart and National Trust for Scotland Fast forward through the house being bequeathed to the National Trust for Scotland, its use as a hospice, and then the trust opening it as a visitor attraction, up into the 1990s when a 1924 map of the course and Frederick's golfing bag were discovered. It became a passion project for trust members David and Michelle Anderson and – with some improvements for safety – it opened in 2008. Kingarrock is now under the care of Owen Browne, who tends it using old-fashioned techniques and an environmental-friendly approach. Early in the season, as I play my round, I am being watched from a distance by black Hebridean sheep. They have spent the winter keeping the grass in check and will return to their summer pastures beside the Eden estuary. There are bird boxes and bug homes in fallen trees and soon little red orchids will appearas nature is given free rein. Although the rough will be allowed to grow long, yellowrattle will mean it is less dense when I inevitably need to find my ball. This is a calm interlude of a day – and there's ginger beer and shortbread back in the Forester's cottage, which acts as the club house, to round it off. It is a glimpse of another age when leisure time was spent at play in the countryside. Falkland Palace, Fife | National Trust for Scotland Of course, Fife has long been a pleasure garden. And in the 16th century it was afavourite playground of royalty, including Mary, Queen of Scots. Set in hunting grounds, Falkland Palace is a good example of how the 16th century royals went about their leisure. Built for King James V in 1539, Falkland Palace was a social hub for the Stuarts. For me, it is the Royal or Real Tennis court which attracts. It dates back to 1541. One of the two dozen real courts which exist in Britain today, Falkland is the oldest still in use. James V could only use his court for a year before he died. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The Royal Tennis Court, Falkland Palace | Fiona Laing This walled court has a taste of squash about it and the traditional racquet is like a squash racket – but with a squint – and the ball has no bounce. With the game's complex rules, it's not an easy switch for a regular tennis player. I manage a serve and can ring the bells for extra points, but I know hitting the ball through one of the four lunes – small windows high up behind the server – will takesome practice. Falkland Palace's original 'real' tennis court, built by | Fiona Laing Falkland Palace is a good example of how those Royals went about their leisure. There was hunting for stags and wild boar in the oak forests, falcon flying in the hills, and then archery, chess and banquets at the palace. The palace we can visit today is not what Stuart Kings knew; it's a restoration started by John Crichton-Stuart, third Marquess of Bute, who acquired the role of Keeper of the Palace in 1887. As I explore the rooms, I refresh my history as National Trust for Scotland guides are on hand to explain the significance of the ceilings, the royal bed and the magnificent chapel – one of the few parts of the palace which has original 16th century features. I take a break for lunch, picking up home-made scones and coffee in the Town House Deli before I head back to explore the gardens. All that history, works of art and scones make it a rather typical day of pleasure for a modern city dweller. Fact Box Hickory golf at Kingarrock is in the grounds of Hill of Tarvit near Ceres. It costs from £80 per person for nine holes. Full details at Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad
Newsweek
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Paige Spiranac Clears up PGA Championship, PGA Tour Confusion
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. It is the week of the PGA Championship, and although it may seem like nonsense to golf fans, the doubts that usually arise every year are back: Who runs the second major of the season, the PGA of America or the PGA Tour? Are there two organizations or just one? To the rescue of those uninitiated of the ins and outs of professional golf came renowned golf influencer Paige Spiranac, who dedicated a post on her X profile, which has more than one million followers, to explaining the issue. The topic is not easy, but Spiranac presented it in a fairly understandable way. "Most people get confused because they think the PGA [Championship] is put on by the PGA Tour," Spiranac said. "It's not. It's put on by the PGA of America, which are two separate organizations." "The touring professionals, the professional athletes, play on the PGA Tour. The teaching professionals [like Michael Block], the people who teach people how to play golf, are part of the PGA of America. The PGA of America also puts on the Ryder Cup." "This is the one opportunity where the teaching professionals can qualify into the PGA Championship to compete against the PGA pros. I know it's a lot, but if you know that, you'll impress people." Get in the know with Paige🥰 PGA Championship edition! — Paige Spiranac (@PaigeSpiranac) May 13, 2025 And there is no doubt about it. Not only knowing that the PGA of America and the PGA Tour are not the same, but understanding why they are not is irrefutable proof that you are a hardcore golf fan. The PGA of America was founded in 1916 to unite golf professionals, and until 1968 it brought together both teaching and touring professionals. The latter split at the end of the 1968 season due to financial disagreements and eventually founded the current PGA Tour. Paige Spiranac watches a putt on the 10th hole during the 2024 Creator Classic prior to the TOUR Championship at East Lake Golf Club on August 28, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. Paige Spiranac watches a putt on the 10th hole during the 2024 Creator Classic prior to the TOUR Championship at East Lake Golf Club on August 28, 2024 in Atlanta, PGA of America currently oversees the teaching profession. It maintains the organization of three professional events, the PGA Championship, the Senior PGA Championship and the Women's PGA Championship, all of which are considered majors in their respective fields. The PGA of America is also responsible for the organization of the Ryder Cup on the American side, in cooperation with the R&A on the European side. It also organizes the various teaching professional championships held in the United States. More Golf: Scottie Scheffler Takes a Dig at PGA Championship: "It Cost Me"
