Latest news with #Woosnam
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
The Open 2025: Colin Montgomerie and the 8 best players to never win the Claret Jug
The Claret Jug has eluded plenty of golf's biggest names, including UK favourite Colin Montgomerie, a pair of Masters champions and a five-time major winner with 52 PGA tour triumphs to his name Lifting the Claret Jug is one of golf's most sought-after feelings and now the sport's elite will try again at Royal Portrush in the 153rd Open Championship. But, even for the sport's biggest stars, it is a feat which remains easier said than done. Down the years, winning The Open has eluded a plethora of big names. Some have fallen just short by the skin of their teeth - others have barely had a sniff. Here are some of the best who never got their hands on the famous trophy… Colin Montgomerie A veteran of 22 Opens who carried the weight of his nation on his shoulders at each of them, Monty's best shot came in 2005 at St Andrews. A stunning six-under-par 66 on day two saw him shoot up the leaderboard and he played with Tiger Woods in his third round, a birdie on 18 sparking huge Scottish cheers as he concluded a round of 70. He began the final day in the penultimate group but though he pulled to within a shot of Woods at one stage, the American pulled clear and closed out his second Open victory at the same venue as his first five years previously. Montgomerie later reflected: "I'll never forget The Open Championship of 2005. I'll take that to my dying day. I loved the support and I thank them to this day for trying to get me over the line." Vijay Singh A player unlucky to be at his peak at the same time as the likes of Tiger Woods and Ernie Els, Singh went toe-to-toe with some of the game's greatest-ever players and won three majors. He recorded four top-10 finishes at The Open, coming closest to landing the ultimate prize at Royal St George's in 2003. The Fijian finished second on that occasion, a shot behind Ben Curtis, and went on to finish in a share of fifth at St Andrews in 2005 and tied for ninth at Royal Lytham & St Annes eight years later – aged 49. His most recent Open appearance came in 2016, when his errant tee shot at the seventh struck caddie William Ciplinski on the head and landed him with a night in hospital. Ian Woosnam A Masters champion in 1991, Woosnam already had four top-10 Open finishes to his name when he arrived at Royal Lytham & St Annes in 2001. The most recent of those was nine years previously, however, and the form that had made him such a force in the early '90s appeared to be deserting him. But he rolled back the years on Merseyside and a birdie at the first in his final round left him bang in contention in a share of the lead at seven-under – only for disaster to strike. The Welshman's caddie, Miles Byrne, informed Woosnam he had 15 clubs in his bag – one more than is permitted. A two-shot penalty was the result and he ended up finishing four shots behind David Duval. Woosnam insisted he would not part ways with 'good lad' Byrne – but did just that two weeks later when the caddie failed to show up on time after a night out. Sergio Garcia Another to have won the Masters but not The Open, Garcia came close on several occasions – not least in 2007. The Spaniard had a 10-foot putt for par and the title on the 18th at Carnoustie but it lipped out and forced him into a play-off with Padraig Harrington. Garcia paid for a bogey in the first of the four play-off holes, with a birdie putt on the final hole staying just to the left of the cup and allowing Harrington to tap home his short putt and become the first Irish winner of The Open for 60 years. He also finished runner-up to a man from the Emerald Isle in 2014, pulling to within two shots of runaway leader Rory McIlroy at one stage before the recently-crowned Masters winner regained his composure to land the Claret Jug. Garcia has missed out on making it to the last two Opens, losing his cool with rules officials after receiving a slow play warning at Final Qualifying last year. Lee Westwood Among the best players to have never won a major of any description, let alone The Open, Lee Westwood came agonisingly close to glory in 2009. An eagle on the seventh in his final round at Turnberry took him into a lead, which he held or shared for the majority of what followed. That was until a disastrous run-in saw him bogey three of the final four holes, most punishingly three-putting on the 18th green, to miss out on the play-off by a shot. "It's gone from frustration to sickness," he said. "I played great all week. I was pretty calm and collected. Third place is not to be sniffed at in a major championship ... but it's disappointing, really." He was a place better off the following year, finishing second behind the dominant Louis Oosthuizen at St Andrews, while in 2013 he led after three rounds but faded on the final day as Phil Mickelson claimed the honours. Westwood's run of 27 consecutive Opens ended in 2023. Jose Maria Olazabal Olazabal's major debut came at St Andrews in 1984, when his compatriot Seve Ballesteros won in thrilling style, but the talented Basque ace never truly came close to matching his fellow countryman's exploits. A two-time Masters winner in 1994 and 1999, Olazabal finished third, two shots behind Nick Faldo, at Muirfield in 1992. Thirteen years later, back where it all began for him at St Andrews, he was part of the final group after ending day three in second, two shots behind Tiger Woods. But Woods was not a man to surrender a lead and took his record to 10-0 when doing so in the final round of majors, while Olazabal faltered with a two-over 74 to finish in a tie for third with Fred Couples. Those were his only top-10 finishes at golf 's oldest major, with his last one coming in 2006. Byron Nelson A five-time major winner with 52 titles on the PGA Tour, Byron Nelson was an Open away from a career grand slam. His chances were hampered, however, by the fact he only travelled to play in it twice. The American finished fifth in 1937 and tied for 32nd in 1955, preferring to play most of his golf in his native country. Bernhard Langer Nobody has won The Senior Open more than the German, who has lifted the trophy four times, but the Hall of Famer never got over the line at The Open. Langer, who debuted as an 18-year-old in 1976, came closest in 1981 and 1984, finishing runner-up behind Bill Rogers and Seve Ballesteros respectively. The first of those came at Royal St George's, where he later finished third in 1986 and 1993, two of four third-placed finishes he recorded. A two-time Masters winner, Langer played his final rounds at Augusta earlier this year in his 41st edition of the competition and the 67-year-old cut an emotional figure as he realised age had caught up with him. 'The course is just getting too long and I'm getting shorter and shorter and I'm hitting hybrids where the other kids are hitting 9-irons and 8-irons, maybe even wedges,' he said. 'So I knew I wasn't going to be in contention anymore."
Belfast Telegraph
06-06-2025
- Sport
- Belfast Telegraph
Former Masters champion delighted to sign up to new NI Legends event at Galgorm
The Welsh wizard, who was also World No.1 during a remarkable career, will headline a field of former Major champions and Ryder Cup players for the Legends Tour event held at Galgorm on August 29-31. It will be the 20th professional event hosted by Galgorm, which previously was the location for the ISPS HANDA World Invitational on the DP World Tour and LPGA Tour, as well as the NI Open which was held on various tours. And Woosnam, who captained Europe to Ryder Cup success in Ireland at The K Club in 2006, is thrilled to get the chance to come and play at the event in two month's time. 'I am delighted to be heading back to Ireland to compete in this new Legends Tour event. Golf in Northern Ireland is thriving, especially with Rory McIlroy completing golf's Grand Slam recently and The Open returning to Royal Portrush next month,' said the World Golf Hall of Famer. 'Galgorm enjoys a great reputation as one of the country's best tournament venues and I am looking forward to competing here in August. The Pro-Am format for the NI Legends lends itself to a great week where amateurs get the chance to compete alongside the professionals.' The Legends Tour, formerly known as the European Seniors Tour, is open to professionals aged 50 or over and its events regularly feature a wealth of talent including the likes of Miguel Angel Jimenez, Paul Lawrie, Paul McGinley, Colin Montgomerie and Jose Maria Olazabal. As well as the main tournament, the event will also feature a Pro-Am that will see several high-profile names compete alongside the professionals the day before the event begins. 'We are delighted to be bringing the Legends Tour to Northern Ireland and the wonderful Galgorm. It's a venue with a long history of hosting professional tournaments and I'm sure it will present a real challenge to all the players,' said Legends Tour chief executive Phil Harrison. "Northern Ireland is a superb destination for golf and we are looking forward to playing in front of such knowledgeable and supportive fans, who I'm sure will welcome the opportunity to watch legends of the game close-up.' Aine Kearney, interim chief executive at Tourism Northern Ireland, commented: 'We are excited to welcome the Black Desert NI Legends this August, in what is an incredibly exciting year for golf in Northern Ireland. The NI Legends Open, held at Galgorm's championship Castle Course, showcases that Northern Ireland is indeed Made for Golf. 'Tourism NI is proud to support this world-class tournament, which draws golf enthusiasts from across the globe. Events like this not only celebrate our rich heritage and breathtaking landscapes but also showcase the superb facilities we offer to golfers worldwide. We're looking forward to an unforgettable experience for players and spectators alike.' Gary Henry, group golf director at the Galgorm Collection, added: 'The Black Desert NI Legends is something of a tournament milestone as its the 20th professional event to be staged at Galgorm, dating back to 2010 and including the 2020 Irish Open. "We are delighted to be working with the Legends Tour and title sponsors Black Desert on this exciting new event where many household names and former Major champions will be on show at Galgorm in August. "With the Pro-am format we also look forward to welcoming a number of Northern Ireland soccer legends who will take on an All-Star legends team to compete for the Legends Cup.'
Wales Online
17-05-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
Ian Woosnam's huge net worth, Barbados and Jersey life with wife, nightmare that cost £220K
Ian Woosnam's huge net worth, Barbados and Jersey life with wife, nightmare that cost £220K With the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow at its midway point, here's a look at the life of Welsh golfing legend and former Masters champion Ian Woosnam Ian Woosnam is a regular visitor to Barbados, where he owes a property and hosts a golf tournament (Image:) Ian Woosnam remains the only Welshman to ever win a golf major. His crowning achievement came when he famously won the Masters at Augusta in 1991, the year he also reached top spot in the world rankings. Overall, Woosnam spent 50 weeks at the top of the tree, with only four players holding the coveted position for a longer period. While the Masters proved to be his only major title, 'Woosie' won a staggering 52 pro tournaments. He also enjoyed great success in team golf, winning the World Cup for Wales on two occasions, while he played in eight consecutive European Ryder Cup teams between 1983 and 1997. He then captained Europe to one of their most dominant victories over Team USA, who were crushed 18.5-9.5 at the K Club in Ireland in 2006. Here's the lowdown about Woosnam's life away from the course, his savvy investments and the error that cost him £220,000… What is Ian Woosnam's net worth? Woosnam, 67, boasts an estimated net worth of around £22million. That wealth hasn't just been garnered from the golfing career but also from an array of savvy property deals and investments dating back to the early days of his pro career. In 1982, he bought a London flat for £16,000 and sold it for £10,000 more less than a year later. On his approach to his fiscal affairs, he revealed to the Telegraph last year that he makes 'millions a year' in investments. Article continues below Woosnam after winning the 1991 Masters (Image:) 'It's great when you're earning money, but it's not going to last forever,' he said. 'Despite the occasional splurge on treats, I'm actually quite cautious because of what dad instilled in me. 'There were plenty of others on the tour spending three times as much as me. Back in my heyday, the prize money wasn't the obscene amounts they get now on one of the tours, so you had to be smart and invest it properly. I have a financial adviser who looks after my investments, and I make several million a year.' Barbados and Jersey life As he racked up the trophies and winners' cheques in the late 1980s and early 90s, Woosnam bought a plane, which a friend flew him around Europe in, and made plans to move to the tax haven of Jersey. He explained: 'That's why Jersey has been my official home for the last 30 years. I moved to save tax and to make a better life for my young family.' While Jersey is his permanent home with wife Glendryth, he enjoys regular trips to Barbados. He said: 'My three children [two daughters and a son] are all very sensible with money, as I didn't overindulge them growing up. Woosnam has been sensible with his impressive wealth (Image:) 'They all live within half a mile of me here in Jersey and I get to see my grandchildren all the time. Every other year, I treat them to Christmas in Barbados.' Woosnam has close ties to the Caribbean island, where he has a property and hosts a legends tournament. He is an ambassador for Apes Hill complex that hosts the event. Open error that cost £220K However, he saw a chunk of money slip through his fingers at The Open in 2001 following an embarrassing error by his caddie, Mile Byrne. When Woosam was found to have too many clubs in his bag at the second hole, he was docked two shots by officials and fell out of victory contention at Royal Lytham. Woosnam couldn't hide his frustration after being docked two shots at The Open in 2001 (Image: Andrew Redington/ALLSPORT ) While he went on to finish in a tie for third, had he not lost those two shots, he would have finished second, which would have netted him an extra £220,000 in prize money, as David Duval took the title. Woosnam was left furious by the error, hurling a club across the teebox in anger and ranting at his bagman. Article continues below However, he continued to work with Byrne, saying: 'Miles and I will continue to work together and we will both have learned a lot from the experience.' Bryne added: 'I am obviously distraught about what my mistake has cost Ian and will regret not double-checking the bag for as long as I live."
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Care home firm's 'dismay' at visa changes
A crackdown on visas for lower-skilled workers has caused "dismay" and "major frustration" for one care home group. Samantha Woosnam, the human resources director for Shropshire's Coverage Care Services, said: "Without this pool of migrant workers I can't see how we are going to be able to maintain our workforce to the levels that we require." And Joyce Pinfield from Bromsgrove, vice chair of the National Care Association, described the move as "yet another blow to the care sector". The government said it would be requiring firms to hire British nationals or extend visas of overseas workers already in the country. Ms Woosnam said her reaction to the news was "dismay, major frustration". She said the industry cared for "the most vulnerable people in our communities and we need skilled people to do this". But she believed the change in the rules would mean "the tools are being removed to enable us to do this properly". Her company employs staff from India, Africa and the Philippines who she said played "a vital part in replacing those hard-to-recruit positions, particularly night-workers". In the past the industry had difficulties attracting British people, she said, and these problems had not gone away. "We had a reduction in the number of young people wanting to come and have a career in care and we had an ageing workforce," she said. Ms Pinfield said: "We just seem to fail to get (British) people in." She said paying more was "very difficult". "Unfortunately, if you are reliant on the fees paid by local authorities, it is very difficult to pay more," she explained. The government plans are part of a wider push to reduce the amount of immigration into the UK. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said the government expects these changes will "lead to a reduction of up to 50,000 fewer lower-skilled visas over the course of the next year". Ms Woosnam said: "It feels like we have to go back to the drawing board and re-look at our strategies but with really little to do that with." She added part of her dismay was because her company had helped overseas workers settle in Shropshire and that work was now in question. Ms Pinfield said the industry had been "So pleased when we were allowed to bring in care workers from overseas". But she said a lack of clarity meant many firms had "brought people in from abroad that didn't really have the jobs ready for them". She believed this had partly led to the government crackdown. Follow BBC Shropshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram. Care worker recruitment from abroad to end, Cooper says Care providers say overseas worker crackdown 'short-sighted' How many people come to work and study in the UK? Labour's immigration plans at a glance National Care Association Coverage Care Services Home Office
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Star Group Q2 Earnings Rise Y/Y on Cold Weather, Acquisition Boost
Shares of Star Group, L.P. SGU have declined 3.5% since reporting results for the second quarter of fiscal 2025. This compares with the S&P 500 index's 0.5% rally over the same time frame. Over the past month, the stock has gained 21.4% compared with the S&P 500's 9.7% rise. For the fiscal second quarter ended March 31, 2025, Star Group reported total revenues of $743 million, up 11.6% from $666 million a year earlier. This growth was driven by a 22.9% increase in the volume of home heating oil and propane sold to 143.9 million gallons from 117.1 million gallons in the prior-year period. Net income rose 25.6% year over year to $85.9 million from $68.4 million. Adjusted EBITDA climbed 33.1% to $128.2 million from $96.3 million. EPS available to limited partners increased to $2.01 from $1.56, reflecting improved operating leverage despite a 10.9% drop in per-gallon selling prices due to lower wholesale costs. Star Group, L.P. price-consensus-eps-surprise-chart | Star Group, L.P. Quote Star Group also recorded notable performance improvements across its service and installation segments. Revenues from installations and services rose 10.2% year over year to $77.9 million. The gross profit from these services increased by $1.6 million year over year, supported by efforts to expand offerings and price increases. Margins on home heating oil and propane strengthened. Per-gallon gross profit margins in the base business rose 4.4% to $1.75, reflecting disciplined pricing and cost control. President and CEO Jeff Woosnam attributed the strong quarter to colder-than-expected weather and the positive impacts of recent acquisitions. Although the quarter was still 4.5% warmer than the 30-year average, it was nearly 13% colder than the same period last year, boosting demand. 'Since February 1, 2024, we've completed $126.5 million of acquisitions,' said Woosnam, adding that some deals closed during the heating season and, thus, were not fully reflected in current results. He also highlighted employee performance during high-demand periods and reiterated the company's focus on growing its HVAC business. The company raised its annual dividend by 5 cents to 74 cents per unit, a move aligned with its capital allocation priorities. While sales volumes and EBITDA increased significantly, Star Group's profitability was tempered by a $9.6-million swing in its weather hedge position. In the second quarter of fiscal 2025, colder-than-expected temperatures triggered $3.1 million in expenses under the hedge contracts, contrasting with a $6.5-million gain in the prior year due to unseasonably warm weather. Expenses also rose across categories. Delivery, branch and G&A expenses increased by $22 million, including $7.5 million from acquisitions and a $3.7-million increase in the base business. The remaining $9.6 million was attributed to the weather hedge impacts. Additionally, depreciation and amortization climbed 15% to $8.9 million, while interest expenses rose 16.3% to $4.5 million due to higher borrowing levels and rates. The company emphasized an active acquisition pipeline focused on the distribution side of the business. Management expressed confidence in their operational readiness for the non-heating season and a continued focus on efficiency and HVAC business expansion. Star Group continued its acquisition strategy, completing three transactions in the quarter totaling $79.6 million in cash. The deals included one heating oil and two propane businesses, collectively adding 14.7 million gallons in annualized volume. This followed $49.4 million in acquisitions in fiscal 2024. The company also repurchased 13,000 common units in the first quarter and another 6,000 in the second quarter at an average price of $11.24 per unit. As of the end of March 2025, 1.5 million units remained authorized for repurchase under its plan. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Star Group, L.P. (SGU): Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
