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Westwood lines up for Open; Aussie Herbert also through

Westwood lines up for Open; Aussie Herbert also through

Perth Nowa day ago
Lee Westwood will make his first major championship start in three years when he tees it up at the Open later this month at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland.
The 52-year-old Englishman was the medallist in his final qualifying group on Tuesday at Dundonald Links in Scotland, one of four sites where five spots in the Open field were on the line.
Also through is Australian Lucas Herbert, who went 69-67 for a score of 8 under par, one stroke better than China's Sampson Zheng and two above Englishmen George Bloor at West Lancashire.
A 4-for-2 playoff determined the final two available berths from the English course, which went to Finland's Oliver Lindell and Estonian amateur Richard Teder.
Westwood has never won a major but owns 19 top-10s, including a runner-up finish in 2010 and a T4 placement the last time the Open was played at Royal Portrush in 2019.
Now with LIV Golf, Westwood has not been eligible for any major since he tied for 34th at the Open Championship in 2022.
At the par-72 Dundonald Links, he shot rounds of 70 and 67 to finish 36 holes in 7 under par.
He was joined by Scotland's Daniel Young, Spaniard Angel Hidalgo, Sweden's Jesper Sandborg and Scottish amateur Connor Graham, who beat countryman Paul O'Hara in a playoff for the fifth and final spot available.
The Open Championship is being staged between July 17-20.
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Fremantle Dockers supporters pay tribute to career of club legend and ‘great bloke' Michael ‘Sonny' Walters
Fremantle Dockers supporters pay tribute to career of club legend and ‘great bloke' Michael ‘Sonny' Walters

West Australian

time43 minutes ago

  • West Australian

Fremantle Dockers supporters pay tribute to career of club legend and ‘great bloke' Michael ‘Sonny' Walters

Devastated Fremantle supporters have flooded social media with tributes for champion Michael Walters after his retirement on Thursday. The Dockers announced the veteran forward and popular clubman would hang up his boots immediately, bringing an end to his glittering 16-year AFL career. The one club player — famously known as Sonny or Son Son — retires with 239 games and 365 goals to his name, as well as a 2019 All-Australian honour and five Fremantle leading goalkicker awards. He also captained the 2025 Indigenous All Stars side and won a WAFL flag with Swan Districts in 2010. Dockers supporters and the footy world took to social media to congratulate Walters on his career, saying he will always remain a fan favourite. 'Truly sad to see him leave. An inspiration to his teammates and the wider indigenous communities,' Freo fanatic John Toomey posted on Facebook. 'A legend among his contemporaries and peers. He sits comfortably among our club champions.' Paul Jarvis wrote: 'I'm going to miss seeing my favourite player on the paddock, the sense of humour in particular. Congratulations Son Son and thank you very much for all of it.' 'One of our greatest players ever. Thank you for everything Sonny. Brilliant player and person,' Facebook fan page Flagmantle posted. 'Dead set legend of the game and our club,' Robert Fiske said. 'Fabulous human who embodies everything we want in our club. Well Done Sonny … now get yourself enrolled in the coaching academy and get your bum back at Freo to teach our next gen.' Gail Calleja posted: 'A champion of the game and for Fremantle Football Club.' 'A great player and more so a great club person,' said Anthony Dean Clarke. Lee Clarke wrote on Facebook: 'You've been an outstanding and inspirational player Sonny, loved watching you, should be extremely proud of your career.' West Coast supporter Nathan Rhodes said: 'I'm an Eagles fan but this one still hurts like recently Gov and Sheed did.' 'A legend. A great player who is a talented leader and role model for all players and young aspiring players,' Bev Maloney posted. The West Australian subscriber Richard D commented: 'Well done Sonny a true champion.' 'Absolute legend, thanks for all the good times Sonny,' Steven H posted. 'Well done Sonny. A great career. Congratulations on making your own decision,' said Peter D. Ian Dolling said: 'Fantastic career from a fantastic person.' 'There will never be another Michael Walters,' wrote Carissa Regterschot. 'What an absolute sad day in football, I'm absolutely heartbroken but I completely understand.' Joe Mazza said: 'Sonny you have left an incredible legacy at this club and been a shining light in persistence, your example of mapping out an incredible career after a shaky start, where others may have given up, shows what can be achieved with hard work.' Walters was set to speak at a press conference on Thursday afternoon.

Fremantle star Michael Walters confirms immediate AFL retirement
Fremantle star Michael Walters confirms immediate AFL retirement

7NEWS

time44 minutes ago

  • 7NEWS

Fremantle star Michael Walters confirms immediate AFL retirement

Much-loved Fremantle great Michael Walters has told teammates and staff he is retiring from the AFL. Fans were devastated after the Dockers went public with the news, the club revealing 34-year-old would immediately end his career and no farewell game was plan. Walters has not featured for the Dockers this year, but strangely his last game on an AFL stage was when he captained the Indigenous All Stars to a win over Fremantle in February. Walters, also known as Sonny or Son Son, has played 239 games for Fremantle and has led his club's goalkicking in five seasons. He retires as a Dockers legend, having been drafted with pick 53 in 2008, going on to kick 365, and earning an All-Australian blazer in 2019. 'I have been working my backside off to try and get back to play some form of footy, and while mentally I am still committed, unfortunately my body wouldn't allow me to continue playing,' Walters said. 'I never left a stone unturned, I tried to return and play again at the top level, and it just didn't work out.' 7NEWS reporter Ryan Daniels said 'a lingering knee issue made the decision for him'. 'But as pick 53 in the 2008 draft, Son Son was a steal ... All-Australian in 2019, and five-time club leading goalkicker, seventh all-time games played for Freo.' This year was Walter's 17th season at the Dockers and fans could not believe it was the end. Aussie TV legend Rove McManus was one of several Freo fans to express their disappointment. 'Such a legend, such a superstar, such a beacon for this club. Thank you for it all Son Son,' Rove (the cousin of former Docker Shaun McManus) said on social media. 'The clubs greatest ever small forward, absolutely gutted,' another fan said. And another: 'Day ruined.' And another: 'You bleed purple Sonny and always will. Thank you does not express my respect for you and what you have done for our club and for the community in general. I hope in time you return to work within the club as you have so much to offer.' And another: 'This can't be happening! Thanks Sonny for being everything you've been both on and off the oval. Will miss your leadership and spirit.' And another: 'Very sad day 😭😭.' Only Hall of Famer Matthew Pavlich has more goals than Walters, while he sits seventh for games played, one behind Nat Fyfe and is the club's all-time Indigenous games record holder. He was also part of the 2013 grand final side, kicking two goals in a losing effort. 'Sonny has inspired a generation over his career, not just as a football, but a leader, a mentor and a cultural custodian,' Dockers footy boss Joe Brierty said. 'He had the ability to lift those around him, from young teammates to kids in the community, it was something powerful to see firsthand. 'He's played with X-factor, courage, and heart, but he would also lead with deep cultural pride and responsibility, never forgetting where he's come from and who he represents.' Walters also thanked his family for playing a big part in his 'entire footy career'. 'Firstly, starting with my Mum, Dad and brother. I still remember waking up for junior footy and my mum had packed my gear and was ready to go with a warm bowl of porridge,' he said. 'My Dad, who was my first idol, gave me my passion for footy and has given me feedback on all my games, including right up to my last one this year. 'I've always looked up to my brother and he has always taken care of me and has always been in my corner throughout my entire life. 'While my wife, Marnie, has ridden the bumps with me. We talk about purpose in life and football, and she gave me a purpose, along with my kids as well.'

Major hurdle cleared for ‘best Games ever'
Major hurdle cleared for ‘best Games ever'

Perth Now

timean hour ago

  • Perth Now

Major hurdle cleared for ‘best Games ever'

Brisbane's Olympic dream is now a step closer to reality, with billions in federal funds secured to fast-track critical Games infrastructure.A landmark funding agreement between the Australian and Queensland Governments has officially unlocked $3.4bn in federal contributions. The deal, announced on Thursday, will help deliver the infrastructure needed for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, setting the stage for one of the largest sporting investments in Australian history. An artist's impression of Brisbane Stadium in Victoria Park for the Brisbane 2032 Olympics. Queensland government. Credit: Supplied The deal confirms a combined $7.1bn Games Venue Infrastructure Program, with both governments now committed to delivering 17 new or upgraded sporting venues across Queensland, including a world-class 63,000-seat main stadium at Victoria Park and a National Aquatic Centre. These venues will form the heart of the Games precinct and serve as lasting legacy infrastructure well beyond 2032. The Victoria Park stadium, set to host the Games' opening and closing ceremonies as well as athletics events, is designed to become the future home of major sporting teams like the Brisbane Lions, Brisbane Heat, and Queensland Bulls and will be capable of hosting major events such as Test cricket and international concerts. Early site works, including geotechnical and environmental assessments, are already under way, with the Queensland government also working on cultural heritage agreements with First Nations groups. Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie said while efforts were being made to reach an agreement with First Nations groups over the Victoria Park redevelopment, state laws 'will override' if consensus cannot be reached. Queensland Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie and federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King confirm an agreement for the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games. Dan Peled / NewsWire Credit: News Corp Australia Procurement for work to begin at four key 'minor venues', the Logan Indoor Sports Centre, Moreton Bay Indoor Sports Centre, Sunshine Coast Stadium upgrade and an upgrade of Barlow Park in Cairns, was also launched on Thursday. These projects will begin shortly, with the Queensland government promising shovels in the ground and fast-tracked delivery. The updated venue delivery plan replaces Labor's former proposal for a new indoor arena in Brisbane's CBD. Under the LNP government's revised approach, the private sector will deliver an arena at Woolloongabba, while taxpayer funds are redirected to other legacy projects, including a Toowoomba Equestrian Centre, a dedicated para-sport facility, and an expanded Queensland Tennis Centre. Speaking at a conference at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, Mr Bleijie said the agreement represented the beginning of a new partnership between state and federal governments to deliver the 'best Games ever'. He confirmed that $5.15bn in state funds had already been allocated in Queensland's latest budget to support the delivery of the venues. Plans for a world-class 7000-seat Games arena, athlete village and five-star hotel on the Sunshine Coast have been revealed by Walker Corporation in their Horizon Centre proposal. Credit: Supplied Mr Bleijie also addressed recent speculation that a new Olympic Park train station could be built near the new stadium site, stating that while the idea may have been explored in early discussions, no such plan has been formally announced. However, he reaffirmed the government's broader commitment to infrastructure, including upgraded roads and rail networks. 'I'm not ruling anything in and out,' he said. Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King said the Games would be a transformative moment for the state, drawing comparisons to the legacy of Sydney 2000 and describing the investment as the largest contribution the Commonwealth has ever made to sporting infrastructure. In addition to Games venues, the federal government has committed $12.4bn to major transport upgrades across Queensland, including the Bruce Highway, faster rail to the Gold Coast, and the Sunshine Coast Direct Rail project. Sport Minister Anika Wells and Queensland's Games Minister Tim Mander also reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring the Games delivered benefits for all Queenslanders, not just in the southeast but statewide. Mr Bleijie wouldn't rule 'anything in or out'. NewsWire / John Gass Credit: News Corp Australia This includes investing in grassroots sporting programs and doubling federal investment in Australia's Paralympians ahead of 2032. Games Infrastructure Authority chairman Stephen Conroy said work was progressing across all 17 authority venues, with significant input from technical experts during the 100-day review. A new chief executive will soon be appointed to oversee the rollout of the delivery program. Mr Bleijie said the government also remained committed to include Rockhampton as the host location for Olympic rowing events. With legislation already passed to exempt Games infrastructure from major planning laws and procurement officially under way, both governments said the path was now clear to deliver a Games that would not only unite the nation but redefine Queensland's sporting and infrastructure landscape for generations to come.

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