Latest news with #BillyHorschel
Daily Mirror
17-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
The Open star doesn't hold back on Padraig Harrington's comments – 'Stupidest thing!'
Three-time major winner Padraig Harrington has suggested that The Open could be played in countries outside of the UK, but his comments have not gone down well with Billy Horschel Billy Horschel has snapped back at Padraig Harrington after the Irishman suggested hosting The Open Championship abroad. This year's tournament returns to Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland for the first time since 2019, when Shane Lowry lifted the trophy. Harrington, a two-time winner in 2007 and 2008, will once again be in the hunt. Earlier this year, the 53-year-old stirred some controversy by suggesting The Open could be held in other nations, including France and Australia. These proposals surfaced as speculation swirled around the possibility of hosting the event in the Republic of Ireland for the first time. "If it goes outside of the UK and comes down south to the Republic, you're kind of saying it can go anywhere," he told Bunkered."I'm not saying now, but who knows, in 100 years we could be down in the sandbelt in Australia. "Even 20 years, why not? There's also great links golf courses in the Netherlands. France have great links courses. I don't think it should ever go off a links course. "But who says we shouldn't go down to the great links in New Zealand? The R&A is a global entity and they run golf around the world, they do a great job." When asked about these remarks during an episode of The Fried Egg Podcast, Horschel strongly pushed back. He labelled the proposal as absurd, saying: "The stupidest freaking thing I've ever heard. I'm happy if that goes viral. "You're going to move The Open Championship from links-style courses, and if you play them on links-style courses in other countries, it's not the same as being played in the UK. "I'm okay with going to Ireland and playing Portmarnock. I love that golf course, I think it's great. I played it during the Walker Cup practice session [in 2007]. "But to take it outside the UK, I just can't think of a course outside of the [British Isles] that would fit the feel and everything that is The Open Championship. I hope it doesn't happen. I'm old school, I always want to see it played in the UK." The 2025 edition is scheduled for Royal Birkdale, with St Andrews lined up for 2027. Organisers have yet to finalise other upcoming venues, though it's expected that the 2028 tournament may be moved on the calendar to avoid overlapping with the Summer Olympics.
Irish Daily Mirror
17-07-2025
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
Padraig Harrington's comments slammed by PGA star – 'Stupidest freaking thing'
Billy Horschel has sharply criticised Padraig Harrington following the Irish golfer's statements about where The Open should be held in the future. The championship is returning to Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland this year for the first time since Shane Lowry's win there in 2019. Harrington, a past champion in 2007 and 2008, will be competing again. Earlier this year, Harrington, 53, raised eyebrows when he publicly encouraged the R&A to explore holding The Open in non-traditional locations, citing nations such as Australia and France. His comments coincided with rumours suggesting the event might soon be staged in the Republic of Ireland for the very first time. "If it goes outside of the UK and comes down south to the Republic, you're kind of saying it can go anywhere," he told Bunkered. "I'm not saying now, but who knows, in 100 years we could be down in the sandbelt in Australia. "Even 20 years, why not? There's also great links golf courses in the Netherlands. France have great links courses. I don't think it should ever go off a links course. "But who says we shouldn't go down to the great links in New Zealand? The R&A is a global entity and they run golf around the world, they do a great job." Billy Horschel has made it clear that he does not agree with Harrington's idea (Image: GETTY) Horschel was asked to respond to Harrington's comments during a guest spot on The Fried Egg Podcast and he didn't hold back. He dismissed the notion entirely, saying: "The stupidest freaking thing I've ever heard. I'm happy if that goes viral. "You're going to move The Open Championship from links style courses, and if you play them on links-style courses in other countries, it's not the same as being played in the UK. "I'm okay with going to Ireland and playing Portmarnock. I love that golf course, I think it's great. I played it during the Walker Cup practice session [in 2007]. Padraig Harrington is a two time Open Championship winner (Image: GETTY) "But to take it outside the UK, I just can't think of a course outside of the [British Isles] that would fit the feel and everything that is The Open Championship. I hope it doesn't happen. I'm old school, I always want to see it played in the UK." Royal Birkdale in England is set to host next year's edition of The Open, with the championship scheduled to return to St Andrews in 2027. Further host venues remain unannounced, though the 2028 tournament is expected to be shifted to a different date to avoid overlap with the Olympics.
USA Today
16-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
After more than two decades, there are no dedicated bunker rakers at the British Open
PORTRUSH, Northern Ireland – There will be no dedicated bunker rakers at the 2025 British Open Championship at Royal Portrush. 'It's a change for us but we think a good one,' said R&A chief executive Mark Darbon during his Wednesday pre-championship press conference. That is a change of practice for the Open, which for more than two decades has had dedicated rakers from the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) handle these duties. That means caddies will be responsible for the raking, which they do every other week, so none of the caddies who spoke to Golfweek felt it was a big deal. But Billy Horschel, who tied for second last year at Royal Troon and is sidelined from competing this year due to hip surgery, weighed in via social media that he was disappointed. No designated bunker rakers this week is such a disappointment. I know the caddies love them, as well as the players. Very odd decision by the @TheOpen not to have them. @RandA "No designated bunker rakers this week is such a disappointment," he said on X. "I know the caddies love them, as well as the players. Very odd decision by The Open not to have them." When asked why the R&A decided to end BIGGA's role as rakers, which may help with pace of play, Darby said, 'A number of factors. We just think it's a good model for us here at Portrush.'
USA Today
13-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
When is 2025 Open Championship? Date, times, schedule, how to watch final major of the year
The 153rd Open Championship will be held at the Royal Portrush Golf Club in Northern Ireland, with the first round starting on Thursday, July 17. This year's field, brimming with top-tier talent, includes last year's champion, Xander Schauffele, who delivered an impressive performance by overcoming a two-shot deficit to claim the Claret Jug trophy with a score of 6-under 65, finishing ahead of Billy Horschel and Justin Rose. Despite a successful 2024 season that brought him two major titles, Schauffele hasn't had the year he hoped for, mainly due to an early rib injury that has hindered his performance. He hasn't registered a top-10 finish since the Masters. The field will also feature J.J. Spaun, who is riding high on momentum after winning his first major tournament, the U.S. Open. Here's how to watch the 2025 Open Championship, the final major of the year: MORE: These are the 153 golfers in the field so far for the 2025 British Open at Royal Portrush When is 2025 Open Championship? Dates, time, how to watch The 153rd edition of the Open Championship is scheduled to take place from Thursday, July 17, to Sunday, July 20, at Royal Portrush Golf Club in Northern Ireland. Fans can watch the first and second round of the tournament on the Golf Channel or stream it live on the NBC Sports App. The third and fourth rounds will be broadcast live on CBS and can be streamed on Paramount+.
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Patrick Mahomes Sends Four-Word Message on J.J. Spaun
Patrick Mahomes Sends Four-Word Message on J.J. Spaun originally appeared on Athlon Sports. J.J. Spaun, who entered the final round one stroke behind 54‑hole leader Sam Burns, battled through a torrid start, bogeying five of his first six holes, before mounting a comeback for the ages. The 34‑year‑old Californian holed a nerveless 64‑foot birdie putt on the par‑5 18th to finish at 1‑under and secure his maiden major title by two strokes over Scotland's Robert MacIntyre. Advertisement Kansas City Chiefs superstar Patrick Mahomes II chimed in on J.J. Spaun's stunning U.S. Open victory with a succinct four-word tweet: 'Wow, what a putt!' His reaction, posted mere moments after Spaun sank the championship–clinching birdie on the 72nd hole at Oakmont Country Club, captured the disbelief and admiration shared by fans and fellow athletes alike. © Bill Streicher-Imagn Images Following Mahomes's lead, an outpouring of congratulations flooded Twitter. 'Holy…. That was INSANE. Congrats JJ!' Justin Thomas said. "Take a bow @JJSpaun!!!! 👏👏👏👏" Billy Horschel said. "What a historic finish after a really bad luck start today. You showed real guts. Congratulations JJ Spaun, National Open Champion!" Tom Watson said. "Dropped out of coverage to 65ft birdie putt and a US Open trophy. Unreal. Congrats to JJ!" Michael S. Kim said. Advertisement "WOW WHAT A PUTT!" Shane Bacon said. "What an ending. JJ Spaun with an unreal finish. All Guts." Dan Katz said. Spaun's victory not only marks his first major championship, but it also earned him a $4.3 million winner's cheque and a spot on the U.S. Ryder Cup team at Bethpage this September. His resilience amid Oakmont's punishing conditions and a mid‑round rain delay highlighted a career‑defining moment for the former Players Championship runner‑up. Related: PGA Tour Had No Words for Scottie Scheffler and Son Bennett Moment This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 16, 2025, where it first appeared.
