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Irish Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
Shane Lowry returns to Portrush ahead of Open Championship tilt
Shane Lowry has paid a visit to Portrush ahead of next month's Open Championship. The final major of the year kicks off at Royal Portrush on July 17th, and six years on from his famous win on Irish soil, Lowry will be desperate to reclaim the Claret Jug. Offaly native Lowry has had a successful year on the PGA Tour pocketing over €5million in prize money, but he has struggled in the majors in 2025, finishing in a tie for 42nd at The Masters in April before missing the cut at the PGA Championship and US Open. Lowry has cut a frustrated figure during those two missed cuts and was caught on camera complaining about the courses on at least one occasion. He will be hoping that a return to the site of his most famous hour will re-ignite the fire inside him that makes him a serious threat to the biggest names in the sport. The Irishman will no doubt receive huge backing from fans and punters when he tees it up in Portrush next month, but with Rory McIlroy looking to avenge his 2019 disaster and Scottie Scheffler in the form of his life, Lowry will have to fight his way through a field that is well and truly stacked.
The Herald Scotland
2 days ago
- Climate
- The Herald Scotland
Digger says Dundonald Links ready for Scottish Women's Open
The course will be playing at approximately 6,500 yards for the Women's Scottish Open, compared to its normal forward red tee length of about 5,600 yards and the usual medal tee length of roughly 6,800 yards. Mr Nicol reveals what it takes to get ready for such an event - along with the origins of his nickname. So the course closes at 2pm on the Sunday before the Women's Scottish Open - that doesn't seem like much time to get ready for a major tournament? We are classed as a championship golf course, so I would say that the level of quality that we are offering day-in day-out is similar to what we would be doing on that one week, but it's the build-up element that the guys are trying to get to. The greens will be slightly quicker, the rough might be slightly longer, so there's a little bit of preparation where they just have to change cut lines and look at the greens programme throughout the week. The prep work really starts right at the beginning of the season in ways that become a bit of a science to get the course in the right condition in the lead-up to the event. There is a lot of work that goes on in the background that people really just unfortunately don't quite appreciate. How do you manage staffing out on the course? We lean on the local golf courses quite heavily. There's a gentleman called Mike Hazlewood who heads up all our volunteers and he brings in anything between 150 and 200 people for the week that will do anything from driving range duties to ball spotting to the starting duties to the rope and stakes for crowd management. David-Ross Nicol There's a huge marshal element and the area, Ayrshire itself, has got a lot of golf influence so we get well supported by the local courses with volunteers for the week, because really without them, these events can't happen. Has the weather been an issue? The whole weather cycle in Scotland has shifted over the last 10 years. We do not get the same growth as what we used to early in the season. Historically when The Masters was on the telly in the second week in April, a lot of the golf courses in the area would have been in great shape. Right now and over the last few years the courses are a little bit behind. The guys were still seeing minus temperatures overnight in April this year, and then we had four weeks with no rain, which is unheard of, so that puts a strain on the course because the grass just doesn't know what it's doing. But I would say in the last couple of weeks the course, with the weather we've had, has definitely turned a corner and is in much better shape than what it was six weeks ago, just due to the fact that there's a bit more moisture, a bit more rain, and a bit more constant temperatures rather than any extreme from one to another. The 11th hole at Dundonald Links But rain can obviously be a problem as well? I'm trying to think if it was last year on day one or last year on day two when there was a bit of a deluge right before the tournament was due to start. That put huge pressure on the guys from a course preparation point of view. I think some players got started and then they had to be pulled in off the course. It's also amazing when you put a plan in place to be able to look after every single player and caddie - from a breakfast point of view, knowing that you're going to get X number of players in at this time, and then they'll be on the course by that time, then we know that the next flight of players and caddies are going to come in, and then they'll be on the course at that point, and then come that time they'll be coming back in for lunch and the other ones will still be on the course - how fast that can fall apart. When there is a rain delay or some bad weather hits, every single person piles into the clubhouse because they're looking for cover and it becomes a bit of a free-for-all. You just have to get the head down and get on with it. The new clubhouse at Dundonald Links officially opened in November 2021 Why do people call you Digger? My mum and dad couldn't decide what to call me so unfortunately I got both names and they stuck them together with a hyphen, which causes nothing but confusion when I am being introduced to someone. Somebody I went to playgroup with couldn't pronounce my name properly. Instead of calling me David-Ross, he called me Digger-Doss. We played golf together later on in life as juniors, like age 12 or 13, and he got reminded by his mum and dad that he used to call me Digger-Doss, so he started calling me Digger-Doss, it got shortened to Digger, and it stuck ever since. Access the entire series of Around the Greens here.
Khaleej Times
5 days ago
- Sport
- Khaleej Times
Ethan Fang conquers Amateur Championship in thrilling finale at Royal St George's
In a final that will be remembered for its sheer drama, 20-year-old Ethan Fang of the United States captured one of the most coveted titles in amateur golf - The 130th Amateur Championship. Set against the iconic backdrop of Royal St George's in England, this historic championship, first played in 1885 and run by The R&A, brought together the finest amateur talents from around the world. Out of 288 competitors representing 45 nations, it all came down to two players, one unforgettable duel, and 36 holes of relentless pressure. Fang, currently ranked No. 7 in the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR), started as a favourite. But his opponent, Ireland's Gavin Tiernan, ranked 1,340th, refused to play to the script. The 19-year-old produced a masterclass in tenacity and shot-making, forcing Fang to dig deep. 'It feels great. Still doesn't feel real yet. But I'm sure it'll kick in, and I'll celebrate with my team,' said Fang moments after sinking the winning putt. The win does more than just cement Fang's legacy in amateur golf. It catapults the Oklahoma State University student into the global spotlight with automatic entries into The 153rd Open at Royal Portrush, the US Open, and - in a dream come true for any golfer - a traditional invitation to The Masters. He'll also tee it up in the British Masters, hosted by Nick Faldo, on the DP World Tour. Two Young Stars, One Champion From the first tee shot to the final putt, this match was a seesaw battle filled with momentum shifts and clutch performances. Tiernan was the early aggressor, taking a one-up lead in the morning session with steady, composed golf. Despite battling nerves, Fang clawed back into the match with a conceded eagle on the 14th. But Tiernan responded quickly, regaining the lead before the lunch break with a brilliant tee shot on the par-3 16th that set up a birdie. The Irish talent never trailed in the first 18 holes, but the afternoon belonged to Fang. Emerging from lunch with renewed focus, the American made his move on the 23rd hole. Just as he pulled ahead, Tiernan responded again - this time with his own conceded eagle on the 25th. They turned onto the final nine holes locked all square, neither willing to blink. Then, Fang edged in front. Two holes up with just three to play, it seemed the title was within his grasp. But Tiernan, already a hero among the gathered fans, produced a stunning response by sinking back-to-back long-range birdie putts on the 34th and 35th holes to draw level once more. And so, with everything on the line, they walked to the 36th tee. Fang delivered two pure strikes to set up a nerveless five-foot birdie. Tiernan's own attempt narrowly missed. With thousands watching at the famous course, and countless more online, Fang calmly drained the winner. 'I was hitting it well all day, and I knew if I just stayed in it, some putts would drop, kind of have him work for it, and it ended up working out,' said Fang. 'I heard going into the week that an American hasn't won this championship in ten-plus years. Representing your flag, that's what it's all about, and I'm glad we did it for USA.' 'The Masters, The Open… I'm just glad it's all done now, and I can just take a second to think about everything I did this week and just kind of enjoy it. It's probably the most consistent golf I've played in my life. It's a super long championship, and it just feels really good to finally get it done.' A Star Among Legends Fang now joins an elite group of past champions, including Sir Michael Bonallack, Jose Maria Olazabal, Sergio Garcia, and Aldrich Potgieter. Dubai-based Garrick Porteous, who captured the title in 2013 and now works with ProSports International, also adds a local Middle East link to this storied list. Ethan Fang's triumph is more than just a personal milestone, t's a signal to the professional game that a new talent has arrived, battle-tested and ready to take on the sport's biggest stages. What's next for the newly crowned champion? A ticket to golf's grandest theatres, and a chance to turn amateur glory into global success.
USA Today
21-06-2025
- Business
- USA Today
Former PGA, LPGA caddie worried about rising Scottish golf prices: 'There's a real risk'
Former PGA Tour and LPGA caddie Roy Clarke worked on the bag for some influential golf stars, including Jessica Korda. Now, Clarke serves as manager of international operations at All Access. He says the business is keen to grow further by offering its North American customers a "true taste" of Scotland, but there is a risk the industry here is pricing itself out of reach. Here's an interview done with Clarke by business correspondent Kristy Dorsey for Newsquest, which is part of the USA Today/Gannett family. So how did a golf tourism company come to evolve out of an events business? Roy Clarke: It all started when Ryan took a personal golf trip to Scotland and fell in love with the links experience. He was inspired to bring that same joy to his network back in New York and along the East Coast. What began with just 20 tours per year quickly grew to over 100 annually, despite the interruption of the pandemic. It's a pure love. Because we were already organizing premier experiences to events like The Masters, Phoenix Open, Waste Management, the Players Championship, Kentucky Derby, and the Indy 500, there was a natural opportunity to cross-sell these to our golf clientele. The response was tremendous, and demand has kept growing ever since. In fact, we're constantly hiring to keep pace. Where are your clients from? RC: Our customers are all inbound tourists from the U.S., particularly the East Coast, but we're seeing growing interest from Canada, the West Coast, and now further south like Texas and Alabama. And what are they after? RC: While bucket list courses like St Andrews, Turnberry, North Berwick and Royal Dornoch are always in demand, we've built our brand around delivering more than just the classic stops. We focus on full-service, high-end experiences with attention to personal touches, whether it's custom transport, premium accommodation, or access to under-the-radar gems. What new trends have you noticed emerging? RC: The big-name courses will always have their place — who doesn't want to tick off the Old Course or Muirfield? But increasingly we're seeing golfers keen to explore more authentic and less crowded destinations. Places like Brora, Elie, Nairn and Crail have become client favorites. There's a real appetite for courses that deliver that traditional links feel without the crowds or sky-high green fees. Experiences like Kingarrock Hickory Golf, where clients play with hickory-shafted clubs, have also been a hit. So how do you respond to that? RC: We're continually refining our offerings. This season, we've added accommodations like Seaton House and No.1 Apartments in St Andrews. We're also including newer courses such as Dumbarnie, Dundonald and Old Petty near Castle Stuart in our itineraries. And beyond the classics, we're showcasing lesser-known gems that offer incredible golf and a true taste of Scotland. What led you into this line of work? RC: I spent over a decade caddying on the LPGA and PGA Tours. In 2017, while saving for my wedding, I started driving golf tours around Ireland during my off weeks. That's when I met Ryan on one of those trips and we hit it off immediately. We stayed in touch, and as he expanded into Ireland, the timing was perfect. I had three kids under the age of four and was looking for something that kept me closer to home, yet still connected to golf. Our vision going forward is simple: continue to deliver unforgettable experiences, build strong relationships with our clients, and form meaningful partnerships in the golf industry. We have a young, dynamic team balanced by experienced leadership — it's a formula that's working and one we're excited to grow. What has been the impact of the announcement that The Open will return to St. Andrews in 2027? RC: Demand is exceptionally high as always in Scotland, the home of golf. We see a spike in interest every time a venue is featured in The Open rota, and the upcoming return to St Andrews is no different. We're already running pre- and post-Open itineraries in the Highlands and Ayrshire to meet the surge in demand. That said, rising prices are a concern. Costs for hotels, courses, and transport have jumped more than 10% in a single year. If the trend continues, there's a real risk that Scotland might price itself out of reach for many travellers, especially with Ireland charging less which is becoming increasingly attractive alternative. But the excitement around The Open is always a huge boost. It energizes the industry and has a ripple effect for two to three years after each event. We're preparing for that wave with bespoke Open packages that make the most of Scotland's world-class golf and hospitality.
Yahoo
20-06-2025
- Yahoo
Michigan's best 20 public golf courses rankings: Arcadia Bluffs remains No. 1
It's our little secret: The state of Michigan continues to have some of the best public golf courses in the United States. Yes, much of the golf world is starting to recognize The Mitten state has lots to offer with a wide variety of resorts, lakeside views, isolated forests, epic rolling terrain and farmland. Advertisement Trying to narrow the more than 650 Michigan public-access golf courses into a top 20 is daunting, but that's just what Golfweek, part of the USA TODAY Network just like the Detroit Free Press, has been doing for many years. Golfweek on Monday, June 2 revealed its full state-by-state rankings for public-access golf courses, and Michigan's top courses were distilled into the 20 best. To no surprise, the top spots remain unchallenged. The original course at Arcadia Bluffs stays No. 1, and the one-of-a-kind Greywalls at Marquette Golf Club in Michigan's Upper Peninsula is firmly No. 2. Forest Dunes' two courses in Roscommon — The Loop and the original Forest Dunes — remain Nos. 3-4, with Arcadia's South Course sticking at No. 5. Advertisement One newcomer to this year's ranking is a familiar name: the Jones Masterpiece at Treetops Resort in Gaylord. How do the rankings come to pass? Golfweek uses hundreds of course raters to analyze 10 different criteria on a scale of 1-10 at each place to produce an average course rating. Those categories include routing, conditioning, greens, and memorability and variety of golf holes. Raters also file a single, overall rating on each course, which are averaged to produce all of Golfweek's Best course rankings. To qualify, a course must allow public play in some fashion. "If there's a will, there's a tee time — no membership required," Golfweek's creative director and travel editor Jason Lusk writes. Here is Golfweek's top 20 ranking for Michigan golf courses as of 2025: Advertisement GET OUT: 5 public golf courses in Michigan I can't wait to play for first time Michigan best public golf course rankings for 2025 by Golfweek *Indicates location in Michigan's Upper Peninsula 1. Arcadia Bluffs (Bluffs Course), Arcadia (last year's rank: 1) 2. *Marquette Golf Club (Greywalls), Marquette (2) WORTH THE HYPE: Greywalls feels like a time warp back to Jurassic era OLD SCHOOL GEM: This might be Michigan's most underrated golf course THE BEST: No. 1 public golf course in metro Detroit brings some of The Masters to Michigan Dropped: Diamond Springs, Hamilton (19) Find the rest of Golfweek's state-by-state rankings, and check back for more rankings in June. Marlowe Alter is an assistant sports editor at the Detroit Free Press and spraying golf aficionado. You can reach him by email: malter@ Advertisement Stay connected and stay informed. Become a Detroit Free Press subscriber. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Best Michigan public golf course rankings for 2025: Top 20
