Philip Reid

1 day ago | irishtimes.com | Philip Reid

Zurich Classic of New OrleansPurse: €8.05m/$9.2m (€1.15m/$1.329m each to the winning pair)Where: New Orleans, Louisiana, USAThe course: TPC Louisiana – 7,425 yards, Par 72 – is a Pete Dye design with input from former tour player Steve Elkington and Kelly Gibson. The course, which opened for play in 2004, is a public facility located in over 250 acres of wetlands along the Mississippi river and features in excess of 100 bunkers and five water hazards.

1 day ago | irishtimes.com | Philip Reid

Two-time Major champion Xander Schauffele has identified Rory McIlroy’s career Grand Slam achievement as being a “pretty scary thing” for his rivals. Schauffele – who defends his US PGA title at Quail Hollow next month and The Open at Royal Portrush in July – believes the Northern Irishman has the potential to freewheel into future Majors without any of the mental scars or pressure that had accompanied his efforts for more than a decade. “It’s incredible for the game of golf.

2 days ago | irishtimes.com | Philip Reid

The visible signs of a 13-week countdown to The 153rd Open at Royal Portrush are evident around the majestic Dunluce links, as horseshoe grandstands and corporate hospitality – an integral part of the commercial success of the championship’s return – merge in with the natural sand dunes.

2 days ago | irishtimes.com | Philip Reid

Leona Maguire is the sole Irish player in the field at this week’s Chevron Championship at The Woodlands in Texas, the first of five Major championships on the LPGA Tour where world number one Nelly Korda is the defending champion. Maguire hasn’t missed a cut in eight starts so far in what has been a season of consistency without ever contending. Her best finish came in the season-opening HGV Tournament of Champions where the Co Cavan-born player finished ninth.

5 days ago | irishtimes.com | Philip Reid

The main man, numero uno, isn’t alone at the top. For sure, Rory McIlroy is the headline act; and his win in the 89th Masters at Augusta National – where he completed the career Grand Slam – only served to further his global recognition index: his image, with that of Tiger Woods, now the chart-topper when it comes to public awareness of professional golfers, and up there with Lionel Messi among all sports stars.