Latest news with #SandyLyle
North Wales Live
6 days ago
- Sport
- North Wales Live
Sign up for golf news from our free newsletter The Stroke Index
If you want to keep up to date with the latest pro tour news and results, the best of the amateur coverage from the UK regions and further afield, or simply want to find out the latest bit of kit hitting the headlines that could improve your game then our new newsletter The Stroke Index is for you. Golf is booming with more and more people finding time to pick up their clubs and play a few holes. The major tournaments and international team events obviously steal the lion's share of coverage and draw in huge audiences with so much content to consume it can feel overwhelming. To be honest, it's almost impossible to keep track of everything - especially the easily missed stories not making national headlines. But what happens when the media caravan moves on? The Stroke Index, written by journalist Simon Payne, is hoping to bridge the gap by providing a digest of the best golf content and trends all in one place, reliably delivered to your inbox - for free. Our mission is simple: deliver a streamlined, ad-free newsletter with the latest tour previews, results, global golf news, and curated links to equipment, fashion, and travel for every golfer. For expert analysis, the latest stats, and informed commentary, join The Stroke Index and be part of a growing golf community. Who is Simon Payne - author of The Stroke Index? Simon Payne has almost three decades of experience working in broadcast and print media. Having started his career at Sky TV before moving on to journalism roles including news and picture editor at Golf Monthly magazine and a number of years as a freelance sports writer, he settled back behind a desk as a sub-editor in the regional press industry where his focus has been on helping to deliver local news across the South East of England. Yet his passion for all things golf has never diminished and he feels now is the right time to get back in the game. He said: 'I have been playing golf for many years, and watching for even longer. I remember being inspired by Sandy Lyle playing THAT bunker shot on the 18th at Augusta on the way to winning the Masters in 1988. But I must have been interested long before that because I can still recall the crazy footage of Bernhard Langer climbing a tree to play a ball that had lodged in the trunk, back in 1981. The seed was well and truly sown. 'Of course, the sport has moved on tremendously since then and the professional game is bigger than ever, commanding more attention and allowing fans multiple media platforms on which to access the latest news. And that is where The Stroke Index comes in. Rather than trawling through a range of content you want to read behind the main headlines, why not enjoy receiving a regular email with links to some of the best stories out there? It will save time yet still keep you fed with up-to-date news and trends. 'The newsletter also aims to go beyond the professional game, giving amateur golfers a fix of articles from the business of golf to tournament and event news. Added to this will be links to the best stories on equipment, fashion and travel for those looking to expand their game and the experiences that come with it. 'I'm hoping The Stroke Index will in time go beyond just being a platform to source golf news and will actually play its own small part in helping to grow the game.' The Stroke Index is more than just a newsletter – it's about building a community. A place where people can come together to share ideas, discuss the highs and lows and dissect every key moment from tee to green. If you love golf, this is your new home! So where and how do I join? The Stroke Index is published on Substack, an independent platform with no ads. You can read it on the desktop, the Substack app or directly from your inbox. No need to scroll or rely on algorithms - once it's live, the newsletter is sent straight to you. You can join by clicking here or entering your email into the sign up box further up the article. So what's on our scorecard? Every newsletter will consist of a number of sections each with just what you need to stay one step ahead on the range, at the course, or sitting in front of the TV. These will include: - View From the Tee: Bringing you the best news lines from respected sources inside golf, pre- and post-tournament analysis, the stats that matter, updates from the heart of the professional game, and so much more. - Around the Greens: News from the UK regions and around the world. Business updates and feature articles to inspire any club or recreational golfer. - Clubhouse Chat: If you're looking for the latest bit of golf kit, technology, clothes to wear, or places to visit, then sit down with a cuppa and find the stories you need to improve your game and, more importantly, enjoy it. There will also be the best of golf socials, things you might have missed and light-hearted moments guaranteed to bring a smile to your face.
Daily Record
05-05-2025
- Daily Record
'27-hole golf course' runs 20 miles through Scotland's most spectacular scenery
If you want to explore three of the best nine-hole courses in the country, you can find them on one 20-mile stretch of road. The golf season is underway, and Scottish players are eager to tee off on new courses across the nation. Not all enthusiasts can dedicate nearly four hours for a full 18 holes, though. Fortunately, Scotland boasts a selection of nine-hole courses that offer a swift golfing session in less than two hours. For many, their passion for the sport was kindled on these shorter courses, which continue to be a splendid test for golfers at any skill level. For those yearning to experience three of the top nine-hole courses in Scotland, they're nestled within a 20-mile drive through some of the most beautiful and untouched landscapes available. While Perthshire might rank just after Fife as the home of golf in Scotland, featuring the prestigious Gleneagles, further exploration reveals three lesser-known delights. These hidden gems provide double the enjoyment with half the number of holes, or for those seeking an extended adventure, all three can be played in one day, transforming this stretch into a 27-hole marvel spanning 20 miles. Leading the way is Comrie Golf Club in the vibrantly-named village, often referred to as 'shacky toun' due to its slight but frequent seismic shakes. Situated conveniently off the A85, connecting Perth to Oban, Comrie has earned high praise as "one of the finest and most scenic nine-hole courses in the UK", according to Bunkered magazine. Flaunting a heathland course, it's heralded for its "classic James Braid design that makes full use of the natural topography," notes the club's website. Comrie, a par 35 course stretching 3,008 yards from the back tees, is often praised for its diverse range of holes, reports the Scottish Daily Express. The two par 3s are notably challenging, but even if your golfing skills aren't top-notch, the stunning surrounding countryside and tree-lined fairways, home to red squirrels, mistle thrush, woodpeckers and roe deer, makeup for it. Just under six miles west, near Loch Earn's banks, lies St Fillans, a course highly favoured by two-time major champion Sandy Lyle, who dubbed it his favourite inland course in the country. Despite being encircled by towering mountains, St Fillans maintains a relatively flat terrain, with each hole presenting a unique challenge. St Fillans, a par 36 course measuring 3,008 yards from the back tees, was established in 1903. It's no surprise that Lyle, known to play the course with hickory clubs, holds the 18-hole course record of 66. Golf enthusiasts can then journey along the A85 on Loch Earn's north shore before heading north towards Killen. A brief detour off the A85 is required to reach this secluded village near Loch Tay's western shore, where you'll discover the third in this series of exceptional courses. Killen is another contender for Scotland's most picturesque nine-hole course - and it could easily rival many 18-hole courses too. Each hole offers breathtaking views, and with 14 different tees, those staying for 18 holes can enjoy a slightly varied challenge. All three courses have been recognised by Bunkered as some of the top nine-hole facilities in Scotland. It would be quite feasible to play all three in a single day, with the journey from Comrie to Killen taking less than 40 minutes. The green fees for nine holes are usually £20 at Comrie, £18 at St Fillans, and £20 at Killen, which means playing all three would cost a mere £58.
USA Today
13-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Where are pin positions for Sunday's final round of the Masters at Augusta?
Where are pin positions for Sunday's final round of the Masters at Augusta? The Masters Sunday pin locations are always anticipated and in 2025, there's a special one on 16. Tournament officials put that one in the back right, similar to where it was in 1975 when Jack Nicklaus famously buried a 40-footer. How about the rest of them? The club has released the Sunday hole locations on the daily pin sheet. Take a gander at the Sunday pins below.: Aside from the honorary hole location on No. 16, the majority of the hole locations on the most famous holes at Augusta National are in their traditional Sunday places, and that means fans at home will see a lot of familiar shots. Players will be aiming well left of the hole on No. 2 and hoping the ridges push the ball to a seemingly inaccessible spot, while they will try to fly the ball past the flag on No. 7 and let the slope bring the ball back down to the cup. Look for the 11th hole to yield very few birdies on Sunday, with most players bailing out to the right to avoid the pond on the left, while golfers who want to mount a Sunday charge will hit into the bank on the left of the 13th hole and let gravity bring the ball back down to the hole. The hole location on 18 is in the same spot where Sandy Lyle and Phil Mickelson famously made putts to win the Masters.
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
OBE is icing on the cake at the end of my career, says golfer Sandy Lyle
Scottish golfer Sandy Lyle has said being made an OBE is the 'icing on the cake' at the end of a decades-long career. Lyle was recognised for services to Scottish golf at an investiture ceremony at the Palace of Holyrood House on Tuesday. He was one of a number of Scots receiving honours from the Princess Royal in Edinburgh. The 67-year-old achieved golfing stardom in the 1980s by winning two of golf's coveted major championships. He won the Open in 1985 followed by the US Masters in 1988, when he became the first Briton to wear the famous green jacket. The Shrewsbury-born golfer, who opted to represent Scotland when he turned professional in 1977, went on to amass a total of 30 professional wins in tournaments around the world. Speaking to the PA news agency after receiving the accolade, he said: 'It feels really good, and to be part of a team of people who have been honoured today, and to have been part of it, is really special.' He added: 'It's just part of the icing on the cake of the end of your career to be recognised for what I've done. 'I've done books and things like that and when you start going through all your history you get quite a buzz after about a two-hour session. 'And this is like one of these things that gives you a buzz, to be recognised for what I've done in golf over the years.' He added with a smile: 'Many, many years, unfortunately.' Scots Paralympian Nathan Macqueen was also at the ceremony to be made an MBE for services to archery. The former rugby player was paralysed from the waist down following a motorcycle accident when he was just 18. After trying power lifting and wheelchair basketball, he settled on archery, and went on to win a gold medal at the 2024 Paris Paralympics. Speaking after the ceremony, the Dumfries-born athlete said it felt 'special'. 'It felt really, really special. I didn't ever think I would get an MBE, so to come here and bring my granny is just amazing,' he said. Macqueen said receiving the honour was 'definitely up there' among his greatest achievements, adding: 'I have my son as well, so he's probably 'tippy-top' but it's definitely up there. It is just such an honour.' He said his family, who were with him at the ceremony, were 'almost in tears', and more emotional than when he won Paralympic gold. He added that his 91-year-old gran Rita Macqueen was particularly happy to be at the ceremony as she is 'quite the royalist'. 'She's just chuffed. Proud as punch', he said. Asked how she felt about her grandson being made an MBE, Ms Macqueen said: 'So glad that I was able to live to see it, because I'm 91. 'It was really tremendous that I was able to go to Paris and see him getting his gold medal. 'And this is such an honour'.
USA Today
04-03-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
37 days until the Masters: Looking back at the 1988 Masters, first seven-figure purse
37 days until the Masters: Looking back at the 1988 Masters, first seven-figure purse The 2025 Masters begins in 37 days. As the countdown to heading down Magnolia Lane continues, Golfweek is taking a look back at some Masters history through the years. Today, it's time to examine the 1988 Masters and the significant milestones that occurred at Augusta National Golf Club that year. More: 38 days until the Masters: Looking back at the 1987 Masters, Mize's miraculous chip Who won the 1988 Masters? Sandy Lyle hit a 7-iron from the fairway bunker on the closing par-4 18th hole in tight, proceeding to make the birdie putt and win his lone Masters title by one shot. Lyle was, at the time, the fourth player in Masters history to birdie the final hole to win by one shot. 1988 Masters leaderboard 1) Sandy Lyle; 7-under 281 2) Mark Calcavecchia; 6-under 282 4) Craig Stadler; 5-under 283 4) Ben Crenshaw; 4-under 284 T5) Fred Couples, Greg Norman, Don Pooley; 3-under 285 1988 Masters purse, prize money Lyle won $183,800, and the total purse was $1,000,001. Who was low amateur at the 1988 Masters? R. Jay Sigel was the low amateur, finishing at 12-over 300, which was tied for 39th. Augusta National course changes in 1988 At No. 13, swales to the left and rear of green are moderated. Who won the 1988 Masters Par 3 Contest? Tsuneyuki Nakajima won his only Par 3 Contest, shooting 3-under 24. 1988 Masters facts, stats
