
Gareth Bale emphatically rules out professional golf career
The former Real Madrid and Wales star is well known for his love of golf and has cut his handicap from "three or four" to just 0.1 since retiring from football in January 2023.
That has led to suggestions that Bale - who has played on the PGA Tour at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-am where footage of him making a brilliant chip from a cart path went viral - could try and make it as a professional golfer, despite having turned 36 earlier this month.
"I'm fully, 100% sure, I can not make it professionally," Bale told BBC Wales ahead of this week's AIG Women's Open at Royal Porthcawl.
"When you are in golf and you see professional golfers play, compared to even your best stuff, it is nowhere near.
"When I've played with those players and watched them, you really appreciate how good they actually are.
"Never mind just playing with your friends, they are doing it under the most severe pressure, in tournament conditions, in hard weather.
"So there won't be any professional (golf) for me.
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The Irish Sun
26 minutes ago
- The Irish Sun
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Irish Independent
10 hours ago
- Irish Independent
Anna Foster wins qualifying spot for AIG Women's Open at Royal Porthcawl
The Dubliner (23) was one of 17 players to come through Final Qualifying at nearby Pyle & Kenfig, carding a three under 68 to finish a shot behind leading qualifier Anna Hung (16) of Canada. 'The 4am alarm this morning was definitely something else!' said Foster, who is enjoying an impressive rookie season on the Ladies European Tour. 'But once I saw the draw, I was really pleased that I was out first, with the fresh greens and the calmer conditions. 'I was delighted to be able to take advantage of playing early and do the simple things effectively, like playing the par-5s well.' Foster went off in the first group at 6:45am and qualified in joint second with Thailand's Arpichaya Yubol. 'I was first reserve for the ISPS HANDA Women's Scottish Open last week but didn't get in,' added Foster, who is 28th in the LET's Order of Merit. 'I drove down from there on Friday and got to play here at Pyle & Kenfig on Saturday and Sunday, so that definitely helped. 'I played in the AIG Women's Open in 2023 at Walton Heath, and it was quite an overwhelming experience as an amateur, but now I feel I have more confidence in myself.' Amateurs Aine Donegan and Beth Coulter shot a two-over 73s to share 45th in the 107-strong field and miss out by three strokes. Olivia Mehaffey shot 74, Annabel Wilson a 75 and Sara Byrne a 78 to finish further down the field.


Irish Times
12 hours ago
- Irish Times
Final Major of season the perfect stage for Lottie Woad to confirm her arrival as golf's new superstar
Just one major remains this season, with that honour falling to the AIG Women's Open at Royal Porthcawl in Wales. It will bookend a year in which one player completed the career Grand Slam – none other than Rory McIlroy . It has also been a season that saw Scottie Scheffler claim two of the men's championships, taking home the Wanamaker Trophy as PGA champion and the Claret Jug for his success in the Open at Portrush . That's the men's side of things, with the world's one and two the dominant figures. The women's season has primarily been a story of breakthroughs, with Mao Saigo (Chevron Championship), Maja Stark (US Open) and Grace Kim (Evian Championship) all winning their first majors. Minjee Lee's success in the KPMG Women's PGA – her third major win – was the only one that went to a multiple champion. There is a strong sense of anticipation about what awaits on the Welsh coast this week. Lottie Woad's seismic arrival on to the women's professional circuit has the feel of a superstar emerging before our eyes. As the long-time world amateur number one, Woad (21) – winner of the Augusta National women's amateur championship last year and a star turn in Britain and Ireland's Curtis Cup win – had been flagged as one to watch. READ MORE However, the English star's win in the KPMG Irish Women's Open at Carton House kicked off the sort of hot form line that only someone like Nelly Korda has managed in recent years on the LPGA Tour. Woad followed that Irish Open win with a third-placed finish in the Evian – a major. That form saw her earn a full LPGA Tour card through the elite pathway route. She brought that momentum to Dundonald Links, where she won the KPMG Scottish Open on her professional debut. Woad is already in the top 25 on the Rolex world rankings. Her swift impact on the professional game has added a new dimension to women's golf. It must be close to certain that Anna Nordqvist will pencil her in for next year's Solheim Cup in the Netherlands. Woad has acquired veteran caddie Dermot Byrne, who previously caddied for Shane Lowry and Leona Maguire . The partnership has been very successful so far and there is a further Irish connection as Novellus, a Dublin finance institution, is one of her main sponsors. Lottie Woad with her caddie Dermot Byrne during the final round of the Women's Scottish Open at Dundonald Links Golf Course last weekend. Photograph:Of her seamless transition from an amateur to tour life, Woad remarked: 'I think just getting experience is great. I played a lot of majors and pro events before [winning in Scotland]. So it wasn't all new, really. I think the more experiences you give yourself, the better.' While she is the new poster girl for women's professional golf and clearly has an exciting journey ahead, there are others who will be looking to find a major breakthrough at Royal Porthcawl. Among them will be three Irish players. Leona Maguire has hit decent form of late, with top-10s in each of the last two majors. She has fond memories of this part of Wales having won her Amateur Championship title at nearby Pyle & Kenfig in 2017. The two other Irish players in the field for the season's final major are Lauren Walsh, who earned her place off the LET current season order of merit, and rookie Anna Foster, who earned her place in the field through final qualifying at Pyle & Kenfig. On the PGA Tour, this week's Wyndham Championship is the final event of the regular season before the leading 60 players move on to the FedEx Cup playoffs (Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry are among those guaranteed to progress). However, Séamus Power will need to deliver something special at Wyndham as he is currently 130th in the rankings. That leaves him in a fight to retain full playing privileges, which go the top 100 in the rankings. With no event on the DP World Tour this week, the focus is on the Scottish Challenge at Roxburghe on the HotelPlanner Tour where Max Kennedy, Liam Nolan, Daniel Mulligan, Alex Maguire, Mark Power, Dermot McElroy and Jonathan Caldwell are in the field.