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How Rory McIlroy victory sets stage for Donald Trump’s Do

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Donald Trump Rory McIlroy

Rory McIlroy victory sets stage for Donald Trump’s Doonbeg golf course to host high-stakes 2026 Irish Open

Rory McIlroy won the Irish Open at The K Club in Kildare on September 7, 2025.

Just after his win, news broke about next year’s venue. The 2026 Amgen Irish Open will take place at Trump International Golf Links & Hotel Doonbeg in County Clare, Ireland. The event will run from September 10 to 13, 2026. This will be the first time Doonbeg hosts the Irish Open. It is another major tournament added to Donald Trump’s list of golf events.

After Being Ignored by Donald Trump, Rory McIlroy Receives Strong Message From the President - EssentiallySports

JUST IN: Tiger Woods shows true colours with response after turning down

Donald Trump and Rory McIlroy bring Spotlight to Irish Open

Doonbeg’s selection adds to the growing list of Trump-owned courses hosting big events. Eric Trump spoke on behalf of the Trump Organization. He said: “This tournament is one of the most celebrated in golf, and bringing it to Trump Ireland is a true testament to the standard of excellence upheld at this property.”

Joe Russell, the general manager at Doonbeg, also spoke. He said: “It reflects the vision of the local community and the unwavering support of the Trump Family, whose commitment has been vital to our success.”

Rory McIlroy’s win at the K Club adds excitement for 2026. Fans will look forward to seeing if he can defend his title on a new course. The tournament will bring global attention, with McIlroy as the main star in Clare.

Micheál Martin and Irish Leaders Open Door for Donald Trump

On September 11, 2025, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said Donald Trump will be welcome in Ireland. He explained that ties with the United States support thousands of jobs in the country. Tourism Minister Peter Burke also welcomed the announcement. He said big events like the Irish Open and NFL games in Dublin help bring more visitors to Ireland.

Still, not everyone is happy. The Association of Catholic Priests in Ireland called the decision “shameful.” They asked if Irish golfers should play at a Donald Trump-owned golf course. Despite that, the DP World Tour confirmed the venue and dates. The Irish Open remains one of the most important events on its schedule.

Hotels, restaurants, and shops in Clare are now preparing. Thousands of fans, players, and media are expected to visit for the four-day tournament. The local economy is set for a major lift when Doonbeg hosts the 2026 Irish Open.

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GOLF

Tiger Woods shows true colours with response after turning down

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Tiger Woods

Tiger Woods shows true colours with response after turning down Ryder Cup offer

Tiger Woods has still made himself available for Team USA’s preparations for the Ryder Cup, despite turning down the opportunity to lead the side as captain. The golf legend, who boasts 15 major titles, hasn’t featured in the biennial showdown since 2018, when he suffered defeats in all four of his individual encounters.

Team Europe went on to claim victory in what represents one of eight triumphs for them across the past 11 Ryder Cup tournaments. Woods had been tipped as a potential skipper for Team USA earlier this year as they seek to alter the balance of that record.

Tiger Woods' role in the Ryder Cup this week? Zach Johnson explains

READ: Inside the Rapid Rise and Impressive Progress of Tiger Woods’

However, the 49-year-old declined the role, acknowledging that his commitments with the TGL and his participation in PIF talks had consumed much of his schedule. But he’s shown his class by still doing what he can to lend a hand.

Back in February, the sporting legend explained: “I just didn’t feel like I would be doing the captaincy or the players in Team USA justice if I was the captain with everything that I have to do.”

Following Woods’ decision to step aside from the captaincy opportunity, Keegan Bradley was subsequently selected for the role, with the 39-year-old announcing his player picks for Bethpage Black later this month back in August.

Bradley revealed his shock at being chosen as captain whilst acknowledging he had discussed the appointment with Woods, stating: “I don’t think I’ll ever be more surprised by anything in my entire life. I had no idea. It took a while for it to sink in.

“I’ve spoken to Tiger a bunch. I spoke to him this morning on the phone. He’s been very helpful. Tiger has always been really helpful to me. He’s a great voice to hear and he’s been nothing but – he’s been reaching out to me helping me, which has been amazing.”

Prior to Bradley confirming his selections for Team USA, rumours were rife about whether he’d choose himself and become the first playing captain at the Ryder Cup since Arnold Palmer.

During his considerations, Golf Channel’s Ryan Lavner revealed on the Sky Sports Golf Podcast that he sought guidance from Woods, who has first-hand knowledge of the situation, having been the inaugural playing captain in Presidents Cup history back in 2019.

Laver commented: “He certainly has sought the advice of Tiger Woods, who keep in mind was a playing captain in 2019 [at the] Presidents Cup. I think the onus is going to be on Keegan Bradley.

“He can rely heavily on Jim Furyk, a guy who’s been there and done that, he can rely heavily on Brandt Snedeker, who was part of the back-room staff last year at the Presidents Cup.”

Woods proved entirely successful in his double role as he claimed victory in all three matches he contested at the tournament, guiding the U.S. to triumph. Bradley’s squad, meanwhile, features automatic qualifiers Scottie Scheffler, J. J. Spaun, Xander Schauffele, Russell Henley, Harris English and Bryson DeChambeau.

The final six captain’s selections were announced as Justin Thomas, Collin Morikawa, Ben Griffin, Cameron Young, Patrick Cantlay and Sam Burns.

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CELEB NEWS

VIDEO: ‘Dodgy looking’ clip of Trump playing golf in Scotland spa

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Donald Trump

‘Dodgy looking’ clip of Trump playing golf in Scotland sparks cheating debate

In Golf in the Kingdom, a classic sports book about adventures on a mystical Scottish links course – and the spiritual growth that can take place there – the narrator’s ball ends up buried in a gorse bush.

His appeal to the local pro/guru he is with to drop the ball clear of the thorns is met with a brusque: “Play it like it lies. It’ll come out.” The ball stays put, but the ordeal leads to life lessons being learned.

How Donald Trump Cheats at Golf, According to a Sportswriter: 'He'll Do Anything'

READ: Donald Trump ‘lie’ over number of golf championships exposed af…

The principle of playing the ball as it lies is a central one in golf – rule 9 according to the world’s two main governing bodies, the R&A and the United States Golf Association (USGA).

So it is not surprising that eyebrows have been raised across the world at an apparent loose interpretation of the principle by Donald Trump while golfing in Scotland. A viral clip appears to show that as Trump approaches a bunker, an aide discreetly drops a ball just outside the sand trap. Trump springs from his buggy, club in hand and heads toward the ball, apparently eager to strike it from this friendly spot.

The Stop Trump Coalition, which demonstrated against the US president in Scotland, leapt on the moment and accused him of foul play. A spokesperson said: “Cheating at golf is a long way from Trump’s worst crime – but it does show the problem. Instead of calling it out, the powerful play along. His approach to golf is the same as his approach to business – and to politics.”

Most golf experts agree it is going too far to conclude that Trump really was cheating. The R&A did not want to get drawn in, but a source who works with the governing body said Trump could have argued he was practising and wanted to hit from a particular spot or that he was just playing casually.

But the problem is that it was not a good look for a sport that is working hard to appeal to a wider, younger audience.

Andrew Cotter, the golf commentator and presenter of the UK podcast The Chipping Forecast, said the context of what happened was not clear but concluded it looked “very, very bad”. For Cotter, the issue was the apparently secretive nature of the ball being dropped from the aide’s hand, which he described on the show as “dodgy looking” and a “bit of a covert operation”.

The award-winning American sportswriter Rick Reilly took to X to wryly state: “Well I’m just personally very disappointed in him.”

Reilly is the author of the New York Times bestseller Commander in Cheat, which examines Trump’s claims about his abilities and his success in the game. In the book, Reilly writes: “He fudges and foozles and fluffs” and alleges Trump is known as Pelé – after the Brazilian footballer – at one great US club because he kicks the ball back on to the fairway so often.

Another US writer, Tom Nichols, a specialist in international security at the Atlantic, joined in, comparing the episode to a scene in Goldfinger when a henchman drops a ball down his trouser leg for the titular villain during his match against Sean Connery’s James Bond, but added that his behaviour on the golf course was not “nearly the worst thing” about the president.

If a palate cleanser from all this was needed, a good place was Porthcawl on the south coast of Wales, where the Women’s Open is being played. One of the UK’s great golfers, Dame Laura Davies, made it clear during a Q&A for fans at the event that playing the game the right way remained vital, saying golf was one of the few sports in which competitors refereed themselves.

She cited the recent example of the American golfer Justin Thomas calling a penalty on himself in an event in South Carolina when he – and only he – noticed that his ball had moved and drew attention to it. Davies said: “No golfer ever wants to be associated with getting away with something.”

Liz Gray, who described herself as a “high handicapper” there to pick up tips from the world’s best female golfers, said: “I hated the clip. Golf is trying to shake off its fusty image and Trump doesn’t help.”

A coach encouraging children to try their hand at the sport in the festival village said young people were being attracted to golf by YouTubers such as the US-based Good Good crew. “I hope these kids don’t see that Trump video,” the coach said.

Time and again, the fans at Porthcawl made the point that the game is hard – but you must not cut corners to make it easier.

As the great American golfer Bobby Jones put it: “Golf is the closest game to the game we call life. You get bad breaks from good shots; you get good breaks from bad shots – but you have to play the ball where it lies.”

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CELEB NEWS

Inside the Rapid Rise and Impressive Progress of Tiger Woods’

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Inside the Rapid Rise and Impressive Progress of Tiger Woods’ Ambitious New North Texas Golf Course

Former PGA Tour star J.J. Henry, alongside Bluejack National’s visionaries Andy Mitchell and Kristin Mitchell, is driving remarkable momentum in bringing the one-of-a-kind Bluejack Ranch community to life.

On a warm, sunlit day in June, Henry could be seen maneuvering his Can-Am vehicle across the dusty roads and gentle hills of what was once expansive ranchland in Aledo. His mission? To give an up-close tour of a project poised to transform the landscape — a \$100 million master-planned development spanning 914 acres, complete with hundreds of homes and a world-class 18-hole golf course crafted by Tiger Woods’ own design firm, TGR Design.

The land’s rugged, natural beauty is reminiscent of the Texas Hill Country, with sweeping views and rolling terrain that invite exploration. For Henry, navigating the property has become second nature. Once known for his precision on the professional golf circuit, he now jokes about his latest role: “I went from a tour player to a tour guide, and I love it,” he says with a grin while steering through the property.

READ MORE : Charlie Woods, son of legendary Tiger Woods, continues to turn

Charlie Woods

Unveiled to the public just last year, Bluejack Ranch is shaping up to be far more than a luxury neighborhood. The plans read like a dream list for outdoor enthusiasts and luxury seekers alike: two championship-caliber golf courses, an equestrian facility with a horse stable and outdoor arena, and a 20-acre “working dude ranch” complete with horses, longhorn cattle, and even miniature donkeys. Residents will also enjoy a spa and wellness retreat, multiple pools, tennis and pickleball courts, and a family entertainment center designed for gatherings and celebrations.

From its ambitious amenities to its picturesque setting, Bluejack Ranch is steadily emerging as one of North Texas’s most exciting and distinctive new communities — a place where world-class design meets the spirit of the Texas countryside.

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CELEB NEWS

Charlie Woods, son of legendary Tiger Woods, continues to turn

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Charlie Woods

Charlie Woods, son of legendary Tiger Woods, continues to turn heads—and now, he’s taking an unexpected detour on his meteoric path to golf stardom.

5 minutes ago Not Resting on His Laurels, Charlie Woods Makes Surprising Announcement About Next Chapter
In a stunning development that has the entire sports world buzzing, Charlie Woods, the 15-year-old golf phenom and son of golfing legend Tiger Woods, has just made a surprising announcement about the next chapter of his young but already closely-watched career.

Speaking at a press conference held at The Medalist Golf Club in Hobe Sound, Florida, where both he and his father frequently train, Charlie delivered the unexpected news in front of a packed crowd of reporters, fans, and golf insiders. With his father standing supportively nearby, Charlie revealed his decision to temporarily step away from the junior golf circuit in order to pursue a new and unconventional training path aimed at preparing him for elite-level competition.

READ MORE : Sam Woods: Tiger Woods to Be Honored with Hall of Fame

“This isn’t about stepping back—it’s about stepping forward with purpose,” Charlie said with maturity far beyond his years. “I’ve learned so much in junior tournaments and had some great experiences, but I want to push myself further. I want to test my game in tougher conditions, against stronger competition, and with higher stakes.”

Sam Alexis Woods

Charlie Woods’ rise to prominence has been nothing short of meteoric. From his electrifying appearances alongside his father in the PNC Championship, where fans were awestruck by their strikingly similar swings and synchronized mannerisms, to his recent dominance in junior tournaments across the country, Charlie has consistently proven that he’s far more than just “Tiger’s son.” With a fierce work ethic, a deep understanding of the game, and an undeniable natural talent, Charlie has shown signs of becoming golf’s next generational star.

According to sources close to the Woods family, Charlie’s next chapter will involve a rigorous new training schedule, which includes private sessions with top-tier swing coaches, mental conditioning experts, and strength trainers. More notably, the plan also includes international travel to compete in invitational amateur tournaments across Europe, Asia, and South America—a bold move rarely taken by players his age.

Amanda Balionis Rory McIlroy

Insiders say this global tour will expose Charlie to diverse playing conditions, challenging layouts, and varying climates—all part of a carefully curated plan to accelerate his development as a world-class golfer.

“We want Charlie to be prepared not just to compete, but to win—anywhere, anytime,” a close family confidant told reporters. “This is about long-term vision and shaping a well-rounded, mentally tough competitor.”
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CELEB NEWS

Sam Woods: Tiger Woods to Be Honored with Hall of Fame

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Sam Alexis Woods

Sam Woods: Tiger Woods to Be Honored with Hall of Fame Induction Introduced by His Remarkable Teenage Daughter

Tiger Woods introduced his son to the spotlight at the PNC Championship the last two years. Now it’s his daughter’s turn.

Woods has chosen 14-year-old Sam to introduce him Wednesday night when he and three others are inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame.

She is the older of his two children, born the day after his runner-up finish in the 2007 U.S. Open at Oakmont.

Charlie Woods, who turned 13 last month, has played with his father in the PNC Championship. They finished runner-up in December, drawing enormous publicity because it was the first time Woods played since serious injuries to his right leg in a car crash.

Hall of Fame member Davis Love III will be introducing retired PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem. Another Hall of Fame member, Judy Rankin, will introduce three-time U.S. Women’s Open champion Susie Maxwell Berning.

Also recognized posthumously is Marion Hollins, a U.S. Women’s Amateur champion, Curtis Cup captain and the first woman to develop golf courses.

This is the first time since 2013 the induction ceremony is in Florida during The Players Championship.

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GOLF

Tiger Woods:3 PGA Tour rule changes influenced by

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Tiger Woods

3 PGA Tour rule changes influenced by LIV but Tiger Woods demand is step too far

From billion-dollar investments to overhauled pace-of-play policies, the PGA Tour continues to modernize in 2025 under Jay Monahan’s vision, following decades of following rich traditions and pressure to change due to the disruption caused by the Saudi-backed tour LIV Golf.

When golf fans picture the PGA Tour, they think of prestige and stars like Ben Hogan, Arnold Palmer, and Jack Nicklaus in collared shirts, creased slacks, and hats. But 2025 has blown the doors off tradition with things like Signature Events, new equity models, and strict pace-of-play rules, all designed in response to LIV’s modernized changes.

Tiger Woods may have crucial role in future of LIV Golf stars after final merger meeting - The Mirror

JUST IN: Rory McIlroy has done opposite to Scottie Scheffler with

Yet a straightforward request from Tiger Woods has remained ignored for decades, as PGA players still can’t wear shorts. The man referred to as the GOAT by many, although he has his own choice for the greatest player ever, has won 82 PGA Tour events and 15 major tournaments, and he has done all this in long pants while wishing his “chicken legs” could breathe.

In a previous interview in 2018, Woods was asked if he would rather play in shorts. He replied: “I would love it. We play in some of the hottest climates on the planet.

“A lot of the tournaments are based right around the equator, so we play in some of the hottest places on the planet. It would be nice to wear shorts. Even with my little chicken legs, I still would like to wear shorts.”

As the game continues to evolve, the world’s best players are scattered across multiple tours, and golf is seeing more diversity than ever; the tour continues to see its advancement.

PGA Tour Pace of Play rules

The PGA Tour’s newest pace-of-play policy was updated in March at the request of several top stars. It limits players to 40 seconds per shot. For players who aren’t granted the additional 10 seconds for special occasions, there is now a one-stroke penalty for the first offense, two for the next, and so on.

LIV has this rule on the tour and saw its first penalty occur during the LIV Golf Andalucia at Valderrama when Richard Bland took 84 seconds to play a shot on hole 15. The veteran shot a bogey on the hole, which was upgraded to a double bogey.

PGA Tour introduced Signature Events

In 2024, the PGA launched its “Signature Events” initiative, rebranding the “Designated Events” format from 2023.

The 2025 calendar now features eight high-stakes tournaments, including The Sentry, Pebble Beach Pro-Am, Genesis Invitational, Arnold Palmer Invitational, RBC Heritage, Truist Championship, and The Memorial Tournament.

World No. 1 player Scottie Scheffler took home $4 million for his Memorial Tournament win at Muirfield Village Golf Club last May.

These events feature higher prize money ($20 million) than the regular tournament competitions outside of majors and see a smaller field of players compete for a larger prize.

Each LIV tournament already has a purse of $20 million, and winners take home $4 million of the pot.

PGA Tour Player Equity

One of the most groundbreaking moves saw the PGA Tour extend ownership equity to nearly 200 members for the first time. On Jan. 31, 2024, a $3 billion partnership with Strategic Sports Group officially gave players a piece of the pie.

Woods and Tour Player Directors Patrick Cantlay, Peter Malnati, Adam Scott, Webb Simpson, and Jordan Spieth helped finalize the deal, ensuring pros had a stake in the product they built.

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GOLF

Rory McIlroy has done opposite to Scottie Scheffler with

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Rory McIlroy Scottie Scheffler

Rory McIlroy has done opposite to Scottie Scheffler with $3.6 million at stake

Scottie Scheffler has voiced his concerns about the risk of “draining” himself, echoing Rory McIlroy’s sentiments after the latter chose to bow out of the FedEx St. Jude Championship.

McIlroy, aged 36, stands out as the sole top 70 player not participating in the season’s inaugural FedEx Cup Playoffs event, which boasts a whopping first prize of $3.6 million. However, he recently banked $10 million without swinging a club.

Travelers odds: Scheffler, McIlroy favorites - NBC Sports

READ: VIDEO: What Tiger Woods did on the PGA Tour in

With the PGA Tour wrapped up, all eyes are now on the Playoffs. McIlroy is not taking part, but a PGA Tour sanction threat has been made as a loophole could be banned.

Scheffler will be joining the fray in Memphis alongside the rest of the top 70 contenders. However, despite his commitment to compete, he shares many of McIlroy’s apprehensions.

Speaking at a press conference prior to the TPC Southwind event, the World No. 1 shared: “Well, I think it all comes down to the preparation and showing up ready to play.”

He continued, “Like I said, at this point in the year, that extra practice is maybe only going to be draining for me a little bit. That’s something that I’ve learned to manage as my career has gone on. I would say my prep week last week definitely looked a bit different than it would have looked before the Scottish Open.”

“It definitely looked a little bit different than it would have looked if you go back to the beginning of the year when I was coming off injury. So making sure I’m rested, ready to play.

“My game is in a good spot, and I feel like some extra practice at this point in the year can almost be detrimental in terms of just physical and mental fatigue. Showing up like you’re ready to play.”

Both McIlroy and Scheffler have emphasized the importance of taking care of their bodies and avoiding an overload of golf. However, despite sharing similar concerns, Scheffler, riding a wave of 13 consecutive top-10 finishes, seems to have enough confidence to maintain his playing schedule, doing the opposite of what World No.2 has chosen.

Since as far back as November last year, McIlroy had been contemplating sitting out the event. His track record in Memphis is less than stellar. Last year, he ended up tied for 68th out of 70 players and has yet to clinch a win in Memphis after eight tries, with his closest shot being a third-place finish in 2023.

In a conversation with the Telegraph in November 2024, McIlroy revealed: “I’ll probably not play the first playoff event in Memphis. I mean, I finished basically dead last there this year [tied for 68 in a 70-man field], and only moved down one spot in the playoff standings.”

Entering the FedEx Cup Playoffs in second place, McIlroy has comfortably secured his spots in the subsequent Playoff events, the BMW Championship and the Tour Championship. The celebrated Grand Slam champion is well-positioned, ranking second and holding a substantial lead of 1,661 points over Tommy Fleetwood in third place.

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GOLF

VIDEO: What Tiger Woods did on the PGA Tour in

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Tiger Woods

What Tiger Woods did on the PGA Tour in 2019 that stunned Tommy Fleetwood

Tiger Woods once did something so impressive on the PGA Tour that Tommy Fleetwood was left stunned.

Woods is widely regarded as the best player of all time, and he has the joint most wins in the history of the PGA Tour, with 82 to his name.

The 49-year-old won 15 major championships throughout his career as well, and one round he played six years ago left Fleetwood in awe of his talent.

Tiger Woods revelation: Tommy Fleetwood on what it's like to play vs legend at Ryder Cup | Golf | Sport | Express.co.uk

READ: ‘Gorgeous’: How Duchess of York romantically pursued Tiger Woods after…See more

Even Scottie Scheffler has admitted that comparisons between himself and Woods are ‘silly’, such was the 15-time major champion’s dominance during his peak.

Woods now puts most of his focus into golf course design, but he will obviously be remembered most for his prowess during tournament weeks.

The 82-time PGA Tour winner had a knack of surprising his fellow PGA Tour players at times with his peerless performances.

What Tiger Woods did on the PGA Tour in 2019 stunned Tommy Fleetwood

Fleetwood played alongside Woods in the third round of the ZOZO Championship in 2019.

The 49-year-old went on to win the event by three strokes, but it was his third round 66 that really blew Fleetwood away.

The Englishman was speaking on the Rick Shiels Golf Show back in 2021 about Tiger’s prowess on the golf course.

And he raved about what he witnessed Woods do at the ZOZO in 2019.

Fleetwood said: “It was probably the best round of golf I’ve ever watched.

“He hit shot after shot that was perfect and I was having one of those days where I was playing distinctly average, I’m grafting away to be around par or 1-over.”

“At the end of the day, he taps in for his 66, nine birdies in his last 15 holes and he cruised to it. I shook his hand and I said, ‘that was really good today Tiger’.

Tommy Fleetwood in action during the 123rd U.S. Open Championship

“Then he looked at me, he winked and he went ‘How ’bout that huh?’ He knows he’s played well there, so that must be very, very good.

“He is so self-focused. It’s not that you don’t feel part of his round of golf, if he wants to talk he’ll talk, but he’s got that amazing focus that he’s always had and it almost makes it easier for you.“

Tiger Woods’ incredible PGA Tour record

Woods’ record on the PGA Tour is truly incredible.

He finished inside the top-10 in more than 50% of the tournaments he played, and he won more than 20% of the events he played.

Results Tiger Woods’ totals
Events played 378
Wins 82
Top-5s 163
Top-10s 199
Missed cuts 39
Money earned $120,999,166

It’s such a shame that Woods has suffered so badly with injuries over the past 15 years or so.

He would have undoubtedly won many more tournaments and, indeed, major championships had he remained healthy.

Still though, Woods will go down as one of the two best players to have ever graced the game, alongside Jack Nicklaus.

And the truth is that many people would put him right at the top of the list.

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Rory McIlroy given green light to ‘do what

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Rory McIlroy

Rory McIlroy given green light to ‘do what he wants’ after PGA Tour controversy

Rory McIlroy has been given the green light to “do whatever he wants” following his controversial choice to sit out the opening round of the FedEx Cup Playoffs. He has taken an opposite decision to Scottie Scheffler with $3.6 million at stake.

Following Cam Young’s victory at the Wyndham Classic, the PGA Tour kicked off the FedEx Cup Playoffs with the St. Jude Championship at TPC Southwind – but McIlroy chose to give the event a miss. The golfer hasn’t competed since achieving a tied-seventh placement at the Open Championship last month.

FedEx Cup Playoffs: Rory McIlroy's Absence Forces Player Council to Rethink Rules - Newsweek

READ: Rory McIlroy: People Had ‘Ill Intentions’ After Erica Stoll Divorce...

McIlroy’s choice to stay away from competition caught many off guard, even though he had hinted at this possibility a year earlier. He stands as the sole qualified player to bypass the inaugural playoff event, passing up the chance to compete in a tournament boasting a $20 million prize pool. However, he recently banked $10 million without even swinging a club.

Although Player Director Peter Malnati confessed he felt “very concerned” about McIlroy’s choice, fellow player Lucas Glover sees no problem with the decision. The former major champion believes the 36 year old has every right to make his own calls and must prioritize his personal interests.

“He can do whatever he wants and nobody can really say anything,” the 2009 U.S. Open winner stated during his SiriusXM PGA TOUR Radio program. “Is it unfortunate for the tour? Yes. Is it unfortunate for the tournament? Yes.”, reports the Mirror US.

“Is it unfortunate for the sponsors? Yes, but Rory has got to do what’s best for Rory. Rory has played a lot of golf, and he’s going to play a lot of golf after this, I understand that.

“Do I wish he was here? Sure. I know the tournament does, the sponsors do, the TV does but, with the current setup, they can’t say anything because it’s his choice, and it should be because we are technically independent contractors.

“I do think that now the precedent is set, there is perhaps reason to address this going forward. That being said, I don’t blame him. There is nothing anybody can do, he’s doing what’s best for him right now this year and that’s fine. He has played a ton and he’s going to play a ton later and doesn’t want to be here, so that’s that.”

McIlroy’s choice to bypass the St. Jude Championship might stem from his disappointing showing there last season. The golfer chasing the career Grand Slam started strong with a 68 but then struggled badly, ultimately finishing in a tie for 68th place – nearly dead last.

The Masters winner’s absence from the opening playoff event won’t hurt his shot at capturing a fourth FedEx Cup crown. Sitting in second place in the current rankings, McIlroy has already locked up his spot in the Tour Championship at East Lake, no matter how he performs in Memphis or at the upcoming BMW Championship in Maryland.

Despite a dip in performance, Rory McIlroy’s FedEx Cup ranking only dropped from third to fifth. In a conversation with The Telegraph back in November, McIlroy remarked: “I’ll probably not play the first play-off event in Memphis. I mean, I finished basically dead last there this year [tied for 68 in a 70-man field], and only moved down one spot in the play-off standings.”

Looking ahead, McIlroy is set to compete four times over the next six weeks starting from the BMW Championship. He’s then off to New York to don the colors of Team Europe at the Ryder Cup.

Fans can catch McIlroy swinging back into action at the BMW Championship, scheduled at Caves Valley from August 14-17.

Meanwhile, Tommy Fleetwood is currently topping the leaderboard at the St. Jude Championship, sitting pretty at 10-under partway through the second round.

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