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Rory McIlroy displayed a welcome return to form during the opening rounds of the Scottish Open at The Renaissance Club in East Lothian after admitting his struggles in recent times.

The world number two appeared rejuvenated on the course, playing with a renewed smile that had been notably absent in recent months.

The timing could not be better for the Northern Irishman, who faces the prospect of competing at Royal Portrush next week for the 153rd Open Championship.

JUST IN: ‘I try to forget that part’: Rory McIlroy recalls horror opening round at nightmare Open

The venue holds special significance for McIlroy, located just an hour from his childhood home.

It marks only the third time in the tournament’s history that the Open will be staged on the island of Ireland, with the last occurrence in 2019.

The 36-year-old has acknowledged experiencing motivational challenges following his career-defining Masters triumph at Augusta National earlier this year.

Despite beginning 2025 with two PGA Tour victories, McIlroy admitted to struggling mentally in recent months.

Speaking about his return to Europe, McIlroy said: “I’m looking forward to just getting back to Europe in general.

“We’ve got a lot to look forward to, got our new house in London, play the Scottish [Open] and then obviously The Open at Portrush. Just trying to get myself in the right frame of mind to approach that.”

McIlroy and his family are preparing to relocate from their Florida residence to a newly constructed Surrey mansion valued between £10 million and £14 million.

The property, situated near the prestigious Wentworth Golf Club, features a 44-foot entertainment room and both indoor and outdoor swimming pools.

The move will place McIlroy amongst distinguished neighbours including golfers Ernie Els, Thomas Bjorn and Justin Rose, whom he defeated in a Masters playoff.

Other notable residents include former Chelsea footballer John Terry and ex-England cricketer Kevin Pietersen.

McIlroy purchased his Jupiter, Florida home from Els in 2017 within the Bear’s Club golf community.

His wife Erica Stoll has expressed dissatisfaction with Florida’s hot climate, according to reports.

The extended European stay with his wife and daughter Poppy appears to have reinvigorated the golfer.

McIlroy has already begun psychological warfare ahead of this year’s Ryder Cup at Bethpage, suggesting the American captaincy is largely ceremonial.

Speaking at The Renaissance Club, he said: “It really feels like it’s a player-led team in America.

“We have our input as players on the European team, but we do have that one figurehead in Luke. I think that’s important.”

He referenced the 2023 contest in Rome, stating: “When the Americans got off to a pretty rough start, because Zach [Johnson] gave the team so much ownership they had no one to look to.

“They were looking at each other instead of having a focal point: ‘Tell us what to do.'”

BOXING

English boxing referee suspended after asking woman for threesome…

An England Boxing referee was suspended by the sport after inviting a woman on a course he was running to have a threesome with him.

Paul Rosendale, a well-known figure in the amateur sport, admitted pestering the fellow official for sex on social media following a conversation the previous night.

Following Rosendale’s suspension in March, a disciplinary panel ruled that his actions were “serious and fundamentally inconsistent with the work of England Boxing in seeking to encourage more females to become involved in boxing, coaching and officiating”.

JUST IN: Jake Paul ‘doesn’t know the rules’ – Applies for ineligible title shot

Rosendale had previously been a commended referee, having been nominated for awards for training “in excess of 80 new and existing officials from the East Midlands, Yorkshire and Royal Air Force associations”.

“In fact, his contribution has led to the RAF Boxing Association having more officials than ever before,” said a 2023 citation for England Boxing official of the year.

Rosendale became an IBA three-star referee and judge in November 2022 − the highest certification possible − but he was suspended from duty when authorities were told of his inappropriate conduct.

Kathryn Hovington and Mark Harper KC, who sat on a disciplinary panel for England Boxing against Rosendale, suspended him “for a period of 10 weeks commencing on 14 March 2025”.

The panel recorded that following a course in September 2022 and “following the verbal request”, Rosendale made a “request again for the female official to join a threesome with him” via social media.

“The panel did consider whether Mr Rosendale should be required to attend some form of training as it was concerned that Mr Rosendale was of the view that how a female acts (or is perceived to act) should determine what is/is not appropriate to say/send to her and that the appropriateness or otherwise of communications should be determined by the absence (apparent or otherwise) of offence on the part of the recipient,” their report says.

“Having given it due consideration, the panel was of the view that this would not be necessary as it expected that the experience of dealing with the charges, his remorse and the steps he was taking to address his underlying behaviours coupled with this decision, should be sufficient.”

Rosendale has been approached for comment.

BOXING

Jake Paul ‘doesn’t know the rules’ – Applies for ineligible title shot

Jake Paul stands accused of not knowing the rules surrounding world title shots in boxing after applying for a title shot he’s ineligible for.

According to Hall of Fame promoter Don King, Paul tried to secure a WBC cruiserweight world title fight against WBC cruiserweight champion Badou Jack.

However, Don King Productions rejected this move by the influencer boxer. The outfit remains firm on enforcing a rematch clause for former champion Noel Mikaelian.

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The WBC Rejection: No Ranking, No Shot
Added to King’s denial of the opportunity is the fact that the WBC hasn’t ranked Paul in the Top 40, let alone the Top 15.

Any boxer who fights for the WBC title, barring a legend or Emeritus champion, cannot earn sanction to battle for the green and gold. Therefore, Paul’s omission must have come as a shock.

In a direct statement on the matter, the King clarified the position and ruled out any possibility of Paul skipping the line.

Don King’s Stance: Bypassing Boxing’s Rules
Despite Paul’s growing star power and financial appeal, King made it clear that he can’t bypass boxing’s established processes.

“Don King Productions is denying Jake Paul’s request for former WBC Cruiserweight World Champion Noel Mikaelian to step aside from his world title rematch against Badou Jack, the current WBC Cruiserweight World Champion.

“The Hall of Fame promoter King said the WBC wouldn’t even be able to sanction the matchup as the WBC does not currently rank Paul.”

The development brings a halt to speculation that Paul could leapfrog the division’s contenders and challenge Jack, who defended the title in May.

With Mikaelian’s contractual rights in place stemming from that spring bout in Saudi Arabia and Paul absent from the WBC rankings, the matchup is effectively off the table.

Paul, who currently holds a No. 14 spot with the WBA, has been campaigning for a world title opportunity at cruiserweight after stringing together wins over low-profile opposition.

However, any bout under their jurisdiction would require a significant rule exception.

One commenter on Instagram questioned, “Does Jake Paul even know the sanctioning rules?”

BOXING

Floyd Mayweather Completely Misses the Mark With $1.2M Flex

Floyd Mayweather hung up his gloves in 2017 after defeating Conor McGregor, yet eight years into retirement, he remains a regular fixture in the headlines.

Recently, rumors of bankruptcy began circulating, prompting “Money” Mayweather to shut them down immediately. Given that he reportedly earned over a billion dollars throughout his boxing career and various business ventures, the speculation came as a surprise. In typical fashion, Mayweather has been actively dismissing the rumors, most notably by flaunting his wealth across social media.

Earlier this month, he expanded his estimated $40 million car collection with several new additions. Among them was a custom-colored sports car he dubbed “Miami Dolphins” or “Tiffany Blue.” He also added a Ferrari 488 Spider and a Porsche 911 GT3 RS. The rarest within the new lineup was a limited edition Maybach Landaulet G-Wagon worth more than $1.2 million. “One of only 99 in the world,” noted his car dealer, Nick, who emphasized that it still had “delivery miles” on it. And that particular vehicle has since become a favorite of his, which has more than a couple of posts dedicated solely to it on his social media.

JUST IN: Jake Paul Has World Title Dream Shattered As Fighter Refuses Deal

Just a few hours ago, Floyd Mayweather took to Instagram to share a video of himself captioned, “In my Maybach Landaulet G Wagon heading to @girlcollection.” In the clip, the 48-year-old can be seen relaxing in the back seat, dressed in a white tee paired with turquoise Louis Vuitton co-ords, black-rimmed glasses, and his Rolex GMT Master II. He appeared at ease, watching NBA highlights on the luxury car’s in-built entertainment screen.

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A post shared by Floyd Mayweather (@floydmayweather)

Mayweather looked relaxed in his new ride, enjoying the highlights while cruising through the streets of Las Vegas. While some fans praised Mayweather for enjoying the rewards of his undefeated 50-0 career, others harshly criticized the 48-year-old for flaunting his wealth. However, if you know Mayweather, you’d know this isn’t something new.

Floyd Mayweather’s still flexing, but who’s impressed?

One user remarked that Floyd Mayweather still doesn’t seem fully accustomed to new money, suggesting he should learn how to be rich with more finesse. “We gotta teach Floyd how to look cooler he do fly shit but he gotta look more relaxed let it come natural champ ✊🏾💯,” the user commented. Others were far less forgiving, labeling him the “most overrated boxer of all time.” While acknowledging his defensive brilliance and unblemished 50-0 record, critics questioned whether he’s truly done enough to cement a meaningful legacy beyond the numbers.

Some responses took a more mocking tone, especially over the Instagram clips Mayweather posted of Roy Jones Jr. being knocked out. “I thought I was gonna see Roy Jones getting dropped,” one user quipped sarcastically. Meanwhile, another dismissed his antics as “so cringe sometimes.” Yet not all reactions were critical. Several fans were stunned by his sheer purchasing power, expressing admiration for everything he’s accomplished. “This is what money does,” wrote one. Others grew curious about his next moves, asking, “After you buy all the finer things, what’s the next mission with the money?”

However, Floyd Mayweather also faced backlash for not giving back as visibly as legends like Sugar Ray Leonard or Manny Pacquiao, with one user bluntly stating, “You need to donate to people in need instead, bro.” However, it’s worth noting that through the Floyd Mayweather Jr. Foundation, he has contributed to causes like Opportunity Village and the Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth. On top of it, the foundation’s Fight4YourEducation program aims to motivate students year-round. “I want you all to grow up and be the best at what you do! Don’t focus on being the next Floyd Mayweather or anyone else,” he noted on his website.

BOXING

Jake Paul Has World Title Dream Shattered As Fighter Refuses Deal

Jake Paul‘s dreams of becoming world champion may have just been dashed.

Whether boxing fans like it or not, Paul has become one of the biggest names in the sport in recent years, having been involved in a number of high-profile fights, albeit some of them for very controversial reasons.

Last November, he took on a 58-year-old Mike Tyson in what was the heavyweight icon’s first professional bout in nearly two decades, with Paul winning by unanimous decision and Tyson looking exactly like a man who’s prime had been in the late 1980s.

READ: Shakur Stevenson Agrees To Move Up Two Divisions And Face KO Puncher To ‘Prove His Greatness’

Most recently, Paul defeated former WBC middleweight champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr in a cruiserweight contest in June, and had hoped that could pave the way for him to achieve his dream and earn a future world title shot.

It appeared that ‘The Problem Child’ was set to be ranked by the WBA and WBC, although backlash from fans may have forced those governing bodies to make a U-turn on those plans, but that hasn’t stopped Paul from targeting a showdown with WBC cruiserweight champion Badou Jack.

Those plans may have been dashed though, after Give Me Sport revealed that legendary promoter Don King denied a request from Paul for his fighter Noel Mikaelian to step aside from his world title rematch against Jack, following their initial bout in May.

Jack returned from over a two-year absence to defend his belt against Mikaelian, claiming a majority decision win, but many fans felt the verdict should have gone the other way, leading to an immediate rematch being called by the WBC.

Despite Paul’s hopes of landing the bout with Jack, it seems the rematch with Mikaelian will indeed go ahead, after it was reported that a deal had been agreed between the two parties, ending the need for purse bids that were scheduled for Tuesday.

CELEB NEWS

“I try to forget that part”: Rory McIlroy recalls horror opening round at nightmare Open

Rory McIlroy stood on the first tee in 2019 at Royal Portrush as the course record holder with his home nation watching and waiting.

It should have been a moment to dream of and remember forever but it turned into a nightmare. McIlroy shot a 61 on this track as a 16-year-old prodigy but here he was back as a four-time Major champion at 30 looking to win the Claret Jug in his homeland.

Yet when his tee shot which started as a slight draw turned into a nasty hook thanks to the high winds and sailed out of bounds, he would never recover. McIlroy shot an eight on that opening hole and the quadruple bogey helped him to a 79 before a 65 on the Friday failed to undo the damage to make the cut.

READ: Rory McIlroy makes honest admission after spending time with Erica Stoll in new home

“I remember the ovation I got on the first tee on Thursday and not being prepared for it or not being ready for how I was going to feel or what I was going to feel. Then the golf on Thursday feels like a bit of a blur. I try to forget that part of it.”

McIlroy admitted he got it wrong in 2019 as he tried to shy away from the adulation on home turf and keep himself to himself as much as possible. This time it will be different as the 2025 Masters champion looks to harness the love from the Irish fans to help him in pursuit of a second Claret Jug.

“I think in ’19 I probably tried to isolate, and I think it’s better for everyone if I embrace it,” he said. “I think it’s better for me because I can – it’s nice to be able to accept adulation, even though I struggle with it at times.

“But it’s also nice for the person that is seeing you for the first time in a few years. It just makes for a better interaction and not trying to hide away from it. It’s more of an embrace everything that’s going to come my way this week and not try to shy away from it or hide away from it, and I think that’ll make for a better experience for everyone involved.”

CELEB NEWS

Simone Biles wows in plunging dress amid surgery rumors as she honors Serena Williams

Simone Biles dazzled in a stunning dress while showing up for Serena Williams over the weekend.

The gymnast donned an elegant black dress with a deep neckline to celebrate the tennis legend’s U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Hall of Fame induction ceremony on Saturday, July 12, in Colorado Springs. The honor recognized Serena’s outstanding contributions to sports.

She was honored alongside other sports icons and contributors such as Allyson Felix, Gabby Douglas, and Bode Miller. Serena has won four Olympic gold medals for Team USA and boasts 23 Grand Slam singles titles under her belt.Simone shared her excitement on social media, posting: “@serenawillians, congrats on your USOPC hall of fame [four white heart emojis] Well earned babes! ! ! !” reports the Express US.

READ: Simone Biles Returns to Texas After Luxury Belize Trip—and Reveals an Exciting Update to Her…

The bond between Simone and Serena is well-known. The tennis superstar playfully teased the gymnast on a post from Simone’s Belize getaway with her NFL beau, Jonathan Owens. Simone’s Instagram featured a mix of vacation snaps including bikini shots, delicious eats, and couple selfies.

Her caption expressed her affection for the destination: “Belize, I love you [green heart emoji].”

Serena jumped into the comments with her signature humor, quipping: “Looks boring, lol [zany face, winking face with tongue out, and squinting face with tongue face emojis].”

While soaking up the sun in the south of France, Serena couldn’t resist teasing Simone with a video of the shimmering blue waters from a boat off the coast of Corsica, where she vacationed with her family.

She cheekily captioned the post, “Jealous?” and made sure to tag the 11-time Olympic medalist.

Simone quickly shared the video on her own Instagram Story, replying, “girllllllllllll yes,” accompanied by a broken heart and crying emoji, and playfully warned, “just you wait”.

Simone’s friendly jabs and support for Serena have been making waves, along with her outspoken views on Riley Gaines.

The two athletes found themselves at odds over transgender athletes’ participation in sports. The debate ignited when Riley criticized a post from the Minnesota State High School League celebrating its first softball state championship win.

Riley’s controversial comment suggested the victory was “to be expected when your star player is a boy,” targeting pitcher Marissa Rothenberger, a transgender woman who played a pivotal role in the team’s win.

The decorated Olympian clapped back: “@Riley_Gaines_ You’re truly sick, all of this campaigning because you lost a race. Straight up sore loser. You should be uplifting the trans community and perhaps finding a way to make sports inclusive, OR creating a new avenue where trans people feel safe in sports. Maybe a transgender category IN ALL sports! !”.

She went on: “But instead… You bully them… One things for sure is no one in sports is safe with you around! ! ! ! !”.

Simone was also caught up in a cosmetic surgery whirlwind after sharing a gorgeous bikini photo. The Instagram account @thecosmeticlane stirred up rumors of plastic surgery by posting two comparative photos of Simone.

They added the caption, “It looks like #SimoneBiles got a Breast Augmentation. I wonder what surgeon will step up to claim their work.. any guesses on size?” Simone has yet to confirm or deny these speculations publicly.

BOXING

Shakur Stevenson Agrees To Move Up Two Divisions And Face KO Puncher To ‘Prove His Greatness’

Shakur Stevenson is riding high off the back of an extremely watchable win over William Zepeda.

The American entered his latest WBC Lightweight World Title defence facing claims that he was not main event worthy due to a lack of engaging in fights, content to rely on his elite defence to win over twelve.

Whilst the Zepeda fight did go the distance, Stevenson stayed in the pocket for extended periods of time to showcase his stellar defence, countering the challenger and slipping around 700 shots, according to Compubox.He won a wide unanimous decision.

READ: ‘Let’s Make History’: Floyd Mayweather Responds To Roy Jones Jr’s Bold Challenge

With his belt retained and feeling a fresh appreciation for his skillset, Shakur has turned his attentions to what’s next. Out of blue, Conor Benn (23-1, 14 KOs) appears to be in the mix.

Speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show alongside Benn, Stevenson told the Brit that he is willing to more up to welterweight to face him.

“Let’s make it happen … I won my fight. Your last fight what did you do? I just told you [I’ll jump up two weight divisions] at 147. What are you gonna do? You’re not that big, bro. You’re not gonna hit me.”

Benn – who recently jumped two weight classes himself to face Chris Eubank Jr and will do so again in their September rematch – responded by claiming Stevenson was hurt on Saturday night against Mexican pressure fighter Zepeda, and that he would feel a different power moving up.

“Zepeda almost knocked you out. I saw the legs buckle. I thought, at 135 this guy thinks he come come up 147 and fight me? We ain’t close to the same size … Listen, I’ll come back down and fight you at 147 in November.”

Finally, Stevenson agreed and the pair shook hands.

“November? Yeah, I’m down … After I beat you, just tell me I’m great.”

The exchange was friendly with a hint of competition, but neither man looked to be anything but serious about the fight plans. Whether or not it makes sense for their career trajectories is another matter.

CELEB NEWS

Rory McIlroy makes honest admission after spending time with Erica Stoll in new home

Rory McIlroy has disclosed that spending quality time with his wife Erica Stoll in their fresh residence has reignited his competitive fire.

Back in April, the Northern Irish golfer finally secured his fifth major championship and achieved the career Grand Slam by claiming victory at the Masters. The triumph represented a moment of release for Rory, who had endured an 11-year drought without capturing a major title.

Yet his performance rapidly declined in the subsequent months following his breakthrough win. He managed only a tied 47th placement at the PGA Championship and concluded the US Open in 19th position.

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During his competition schedule, construction was underway on a new Wentworth property where McIlroy and his family would relocate. Settling into his fresh residence has not only lifted his spirits but also helped him rediscover the drive and determination that propelled him to Masters glory.

Speaking to reporters at the Renaissance Club in North Berwick before the Genesis Scottish Open, McIlroy shared, “We came back a few weeks ago and moved into our new home in Wentworth and have been trying to settle in. It’s amazing what two weeks of a bit of detachment can do for you.

“Sitting there being with your own thoughts for a while. Yeah, it’s been nice to have this time to reflect and also to rekindle my excitement and enthusiasm for the rest of the year. Obviously we have this week in Scotland and then a massive week next week [for the Open] in Portrush.”

Rory would later confess that he had lost some of his drive after achieving the Grand Slam. During his time at the US Open, he even acknowledged that he wouldn’t be overly concerned if he missed the cut.

But after spending quality time with Justin Rose – the golfer he edged out for the Masters title in that dramatic sudden-death playoff – McIlroy recognized he needed to return to the UK to rediscover his passion for the game, reports the Mirror. He explained, “There’s a detachment from the sort of week-in, week-out grind when you get back over here and Justin and I were talking about that.

“You play PGA Tour golf for the first 25, 30 weeks of the year and you need to completely get away from it. This world of golf can become all-encompassing. In this last fortnight, I felt like I could detach and sort of hide in a way. I needed that. My game needed that.”

It’s been just over a year since McIlroy and Stoll announced they had both reversed their decision to divorce. In May 2024, just days before the PGA Championship, the Holywood native filed for divorce from his American wife.

A month afterward, they worked through their issues and chose to stay together rather than separate. The couple has now settled into their new home on the exclusive Wentworth Estate, which has previously housed notable residents including Prince Andrew, former King of Thailand Prajadhipok and, notably, former Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet.

It’s believed that McIlroy scooped up the estate in 2023, investing approximately £9 million ($12 million) to transform it into a family home. Planning documents describe the property as a: “Large, detached dwelling sited centrally within a substantive plot.”

CELEB NEWS

Tiger Woods and son Charlie footage emerges as Ryder Cup hero makes bold claim

Golfing great Sam Torrance has heaped praise on Tiger Woods and his young son, Charlie, highlighting their strikingly similar approach to the game.

The Scottish legend, who clinched four Ryder Cup victories with Team Europe, knows a thing or two about family success in golf, having triumphed at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship with his own son, Daniel, in 2003.

The dynamic duo of the Woods family have teed off together five times at the PNC Championship, most recently securing a runner-up spot in the 2024 tournament, just behind Bernhard and Jason Langer.

READ: (VIDEO) Tiger Woods Rumors: The 2 Failed Surgeries No One Knew He Had

Torrance, who has previously lauded the pair’s bond on the course, remains captivated by Charlie’s burgeoning talent, especially after the youngster’s victory at the Team TaylorMade Invitational in May.

Speaking to Mirror US, courtesy of Lottoland, Torrance reiterated his admiration for the teen golfer: “I just know how good the boy is. “When I said that about his father and son thing, I was very lucky to win the Dunhill with my son.

“So I know how special it is to have a boy of your own that can play the game and Charlie looks magnificent.”

He said: “I mean, if you’ve seen the clips of the two of them together, it’s like little and large. They do exactly the same thing. The way they lean on the putter, the way they swing.

“There’s no finer tutor than Tiger Woods to his son. I was very fortunate to have my father teach me my whole life, and there’s nothing better than having someone that loves you teaching you.”

Woods is expected to be in a familiar setting come August, potentially supporting his son at the AJGA Junior Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass’ Players Stadium Course.

This is the same course where Woods celebrated his Players Championship victories in 2001 and 2013, reports the Mirror US.

Torrance, who previously praised Woods’ then-13 year old son during the Notah Begay III Junior National Golf Championship, believes the young golfer has an excellent role model and coach in his father.

“There’s nothing better (for Tiger) and, christ, he’s got a machine there, I think,” Torrance stated. “It will be nice to see how that develops because he couldn’t get a better coach.

“He’ll obviously have all the practice facilities etc he’ll ever need. He’ll not want for a thing in his life, but he’s got a great wee swing and the mannerisms they share is quite extraordinary.”