The European Tour will work with the PGA on a global schedule, leading to playing opportunities for better prize funds, as well as collaborating on commercial opportunities

PLANS for a breakaway “super tour” appear to have heralded a major move to create a strategic alliance between the European Tour and the PGA Tour.

In a bid to fend off moves by the The Raine Group – reported to be backed by Saudi Arabian money – the European Tour and PGA have signed a partnership agreement.

And 2021 is set to see changes to the playing schedules on both sides of the Atlantic as a result.

The Tours said on Friday they will work in partnership on a number of areas including global scheduling, prize funds and playing opportunities for their respective members.

In today’s announcement, both tours have agreed to “explore all facets of collaboration, working together on strategic commercial opportunities including collaborating on global media rights in certain territories.”

The PGA Tour has already taken a minority stake in European Tour Productions (ETP), the media production company, which produces and distributes content internationally.

Further details on the other areas will be announced in due course, the European Tour said in a statement from its Wentworth HQ.

But the most likely outcome is FedEx Cup points will be available for American players – and those Europeans with status in the States – at the European Tour’s lucrative events between September and November.

Commissioner Jay joins ET board

PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan will take a seat on the European Tour board

The European Tour statement added: “One element of the partnership which can be confirmed is the fact that PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan will take a seat on the board of the European Tour.”

Before the European Tour launched the UK Swing in July – after a three-month break in tournaments because of the COVID-19 crisis – its head Keith Pelley warned players the days of large multi-million prize funds, and many of the players’ perks of a luxury lifestyle on Tour, were under serious threat from the economic effects of the pandemic.

Speculation has been rife since March that the Tour was short of cash, and may have been looking for an injection from, or possible merger with, the PGA Tour.

Without the cash generated by the Rolex Series, which was reduced from eight to just four events in 2020, this year’s prize funds represented a major step backwards, with a huge gulf between a winner’s cheque on the PGA Tour and a European one.

European Tour chief executive Keith Pelley said: “This partnership is an historic moment for the game of golf, and is a fantastic opportunity for both the European Tour and the PGA Tour to explore ways to come together at the very pinnacle of our sport – and work in unison for the benefit of the men’s professional game.”

Mr Pelley added that the announcement was the formalisation of a closer working relationship between the two Tours in recent years.

He added: “It was one which was crystalised earlier this year when both Jay and I were part of the working group containing representatives of the four Majors and the LPGA, a group which helped shape the remainder of the golfing calendar for 2020 during unprecedented times.

“We shared the challenges of working through a year neither of us could have ever imagined and we found definite synergies in many areas of our respective Tours. That gave us the impetus to move forward together and arrive at this momentous announcement we are making today.”

Jay Monahan, Commissioner of the PGA TOUR, said, “We are thrilled to announce this further strengthening of our partnership with the European Tour.

“We look forward to working together for the benefit of the men’s professional game and for golf fans around the world.”

Brooks Koepka has publicly distanced himself from plans for a breakaway Premier Golf League – reported to be backed by Saudi Arabian money. Picture by GETTY IMAGES

Why world’s top three declined PGL approach

EARLIER this year the world’s top three players all came out publicly to state they would not back plans for a Premier Golf League, reported to be touting for the world’s top 48 players to create a breakaway tour.

Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm and Brooks Koepka all pledged their loyalty to both America’s PGA and European Tours – with McIlroy saying he was unhappy at the prospect of Saudi money being linked as a backer of the Raine Group plan.

Koepka, who rang Rory to discuss the move, also voiced fears that it was wrong to limit the highest and most lucrative level of the game to just 48 players.

Rory said in March: “I think one of the great things about golf is the fact that there are these story lines of the underdog – and the fact that anyone can really qualify for the US Open and have a great tournament, and have a chance to win.

“Those are the wonderful things about golf. For this league to sort of take that narrative away, and as Brooks said, he’d have a hard time looking at some of those guys in the eye that don’t make that top 48.

“The top players going to this other league it basically, not puts these other guys out of a job, but it definitely diminishes what they’re playing for and what they could earn on Tour.”

The new tie up also poses question marks over the future of the Ryder Cup.

The Ryder Cup is jointly owned by the European Tour and the PGA of America – the body of thousands of ordinary club professionals in the USA.

Any future merger between the PGA Tour and the European Tour would shift the power balance Stateside, and give it a share in sharing the spoils of the huge revenues the worldwide sporting event generates.

One seasoned golf industry executive said after the agreement was announced said: “If you’re the PGA Tour, why wouldn’t you want to flip those economics in your favour?”

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The USGA has created a special exemption category that will give five European Tour players, who are no already exempt, a start in the US Open at Winged Foot, in September.

STARTING spots in the US Open will be up for grabs in a mini order of merit for players competing in the European Tour’s UK Swing, which gets under way next month.

The USGA – golf’s governing body in North America – has agreen that 10 exemptions will be available to European Tour members in a mini Order of Merit for the first five events in July and August.

The UK Swing begins at the Betfred British Masters at Close House, near Newcastle, from July 22-25.

The event – hosted by Lee Westwood – will launch the European Tour’s Golf for Good initiative, a strong feature of all its events over the remainder of the 2020 season.

As part of the initiative, a mini order of merit will run for all six events in the UK Swing, with the top 10 sharing an additional £250,000 to donate to charities of their choice.

The USGA has confirmed the top 10 aggregate points earners in the mini order of merit that are otherwise not exempt at the conclusion of the Wales Open at Celtic Manor – will be exempt for the rescheduled US Open at Winged Foot Golf Club, from September 17-20.

The traditional US Open sectional qualifying events were cancelled earlier this season – following the upheaval in the global golf calendar due to the global Covid-19 pandemic.

That included the European qualifier at Walton Heath, which has been held in June, since 2005.

The US Open field will now be comprised entirely of exempt players.

Five-time runner-up Phil Mickelson now makes it into the starting line-up as one of the world’s top 70 when the Official World Golf Rankings were frozen in March.

Having dropped out of the world’s top 50 in recent months, he would have faced having to come through qualifying if COVID-19 had not struck.

Mickelson famously took six at the last at Winged Foot in 2006, after carving his tee shot wildly into a compound, handing Geoff Ogilvy the US Open.

Victory would have mean the left-hander could have completed a career Grand Slam when he won The Open at Muirfield in 2013.

Two spots from the top 10 at Memorial, the 3M Open, Barracuda Championship, FedEx St Jude Invitational and Wyndham Championship will earn exemptions.

Three more spots will also be available at the USPGA Championship.

Two spots will be given to the leading money winners on South Africa’s Sunshine Tour, the Asian Tour, the PGA Tour of Australasia – plus two from the Japan Golf Tour Order of Merit.

John Bodenhamer, USGA senior managing director of championships, said: “We think this is the best path forward.”

Lee Westwood will host the Betfred British Masters at Close House, near Newcastle, in July

Austrian Open marks tour return

THE European Tour resumes with two events in Austria – the Austrian Open – between July 9 and 12 – and the Euram Bank Open, from July 15-18.

The action then switches to the UK and the Betfred British Masters, which was held at Hillside in May 2019 when Sweden’s Marcus Kinhult.

That will be followed by the English Open at Coventry’s Forest of Arden Marriott Hotel & Country Club, and the English Championship at Hanbury Manor Marriott Hotel & Country Club, at Ware, in Hertfordshire.

The European TEuropean Tour, our then moves around the M25 and down the M4 to Celtic Manor, in Newport.

The Welsh Ryder Cup venue will host back-to-back European Tour tournaments – the Celtic Classic and the Wales Open.

The UK Swing then concludes with the UK Championship at The Belfry, another Ryder Cup venue synonymous with the European Tour.

European Tour chief operating officer Keith Waters said: “Throughout our discussions with the USGA, it was clear they shared our desire to offer European Tour players an opportunity to earn places in this year’s US Open.

“We thank them for working with us to create this new exemption category encompassing the first five events in the UK Swing.

“The UK Swing mini order of merit already offers an additional incentive through the Golf for Good initiative.

“And we are pleased that players now have more to play for, with places available in the second Major championship of the season.”

South Africa’s Dean Burmester, who led US Open Qualifying at Walton Heath in 2019. Picture by EUROPEAN TOUR

Walton Heath’s US Open qualifier run ends

THE US Open’s European qualifier has been held at Walton Heath since 2005 – when 200-1 outsider Michael Campbell claimed his place and went on to win at Pinehurst.

The USGA’s John Bodenhamer said: “The US Open qualifier in England has historically featured a very strong field.

“We felt it was important to provide an opportunity for players throughout Europe to earn a place in this year’s championship.

“We are grateful to the European Tour for the wonderful collaboration that allowed us to create this exemption category for the 2020 US Open.”

The top 70 from the world rankings, which were frozen on March 15, are already exempt for Winged Foot.

Along with increasing that category by 10 spots, the USGA chose to use the last ranking before it was frozen during the shutdown in golf worldwide.

Eddie Pepperell and Robert MacIntyre, who are not set to play until July 9, will benefit from that announcement.

•A full list of US Open exemption categories can be found on usga.org and usopen.com.

Andy Sullivan says the European Tour players have been unfairly disadvantaged by the Official World Golf Rankings points allocations since the PGA Tour returned this month

Andy Sullivan blast in World Golf Rankings row

NUNEATON’S Andy Sullivan has been very outspoken about how European Tour players have been disdvantaged by the resumption of the Official World Golf Rankings.

The PGA Tour resumed playing in Texas three weeks ago.

And with most of the world’s top 10 players turning up for events they would normally miss, it ensured big world ranking points for the winners of the Charles Schwab Cup, the RBC Heritage and this week’s Traveller’s Championship.

Sullivan said: “It’s obviously massively frustrating. A lot of the goals we set are around world rankings and getting into majors and World Golf Championships events.

“And you do feel like your opportunities are being taken away with us not playing for a month-and-a-half and they’re ahead of us.

Sullivan has dropped seven places since the PGA Tour’s restart without striking a ball before play commenced at the Traveller’s Championship today (Thursday).

The World No. 145 added: “They’re getting points while we are just sitting down watching them just take our points basically.

“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t absolutely fuming and I just think it’s an absolute joke.

“It’s completely unfair. It’s a world ranking system not a US tour system so I think its ridiculous.”

McIlroy blast for stayaway European Tour stars

RORY McIlroy upset some of his European Tour rivals by saying if they were concerned about their careers they should be playing in the USA this month.

Westwood said he was not prepared to travel to the USA and undergo 14-day quarantine to play a couple of events on the PGA Tour.

Especially as he would face a similar spell in quarantine when returning to the UK, with his commitment to the first event meaning he would not be able to go back to play in the rearranged USPGA Championship.

The 47-year-old from Worksop will host the Betfred British Masters for a second time at Close House, where he is the touring pro at his adopted home in the North East.

The first Major of 2020, will now be played at San Francisco’s TPC Harding Park, from August 6-9.

Tommy Fleetwood is one of the UK’s players in the top 20 who has not travelled to the States in June.

Oxfordshire’s Eddie Pepperell was another who said he was not prepared to undergo a 14-day quarantine to play in the USPGA.

But his former B.B.&O. amateur team-mate Tyrrell Hatton did make the trip this mont.

And he was rewarded with third place at Hilton Head in the RBC Heritage this week.

The Harleyford ace was going for back-to-back wins in the States after his victory in the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill, the week before The Players Championship, in March, when the PGA Tour was brought to a standstill by the coronavirus.~

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Ryder Cup player Andrew Coltart – who is now one of Sky Sports top golf pundits – thinks the 2020 Ryder Cup must go ahead – even if fans are banned because of the COVID-19 crisis

EX-Ryder Cup player Andrew Coltart warned Europe’s top players they must play against the USA at Whistling Straits in September – because there is no guarantee the COVID-19 crisis could be over in another 12 months’ time.

So even if fans are barred from watching Padraig Harrington’s Europeean team go head to head with Steve Stricker’s American team at the Wisconsisn course, which hosted the USPGA Championship twice between 2004 and 2010, the Scot thinks the 2020 Ryder Cup must be played.

Coltart told Sky Sports Golf viewers: “Thomas Bjorn made a good point that we don’t know where we’re going to be in 12 months.

“We don’t know whether the vaccine is going to be effective or whether they’re going to have a vaccine.

“If the event has to be suspended again because of another spike… goodness me, the economic fallout of that could be catastrophic.”

It means Coltart is in the camp with Ryder Cup captains Paul McGinley and Padraig Harrington who have called for the event to go ahead.

Meanwhile Ian Woosnam, the winning captain in Dublin in 2006, has said the Ryder Cup without fans in September would be a disaster.

Coltart’s view that the biennial contest – which has been won by Europe in seven of the last stagings since 2002, the last time the event was rescheduled following the 9/11 terrorist attack on New Year – is not universally popular with the prospective members.

The famous Ryder Cup trophy at Whistling Straits, in Wisconsin – the venue for 2020

Coltart: 2020 will go down in history

RORY McIlroy has led European calls for the event to be postponed – if fans are not going to be allowed at Whistling Straits.

Earlier this month, McIlroy was asked if he would consider refusing to play in a Ryder Cup without fans.

The World No. 1 said he would prefer the tournament to be played in 2021 – if it is not safe for fans to attend because of the coronavirus pandemic.

He said: “Look, I love the Ryder Cup. But I can’t see it without fans.

“I think there are enough people in the game who don’t want the Ryder Cup to happen without the fans.

“So this year it will be played with the fans if we can do that, or we’ll have to figure out kicking it down the road to a later date.

But Coltart believes the players have an obligation to entertain the millions of golf fans who would watch on TV, in addition to the 40,000 crowds expected on all three days.

It would give fans all around the world something to smile about after all the death and disruption as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I think if we can go ahead with it we should go ahead with it,” said Coltart, who made his Ryder Cup debut playing against Tiger Woods in the Sunday singlesat the Battle of Brookline, in 1999.

Coltart added: “I totally accept that won’t be an opinion shared by absolutely everybody.

“But nonetheless I think the world has been through a tumultuous period, a very difficult period for a lot of people.

“Some people have come through unscathed, other people have been nowhere near as fortunate.

“Golf is a great opportunity to heal the world – not just the sporting world – but the world in general.

“And I think the Ryder Cup is a fantastic opportunity for that.

“What better than two continents going at it in the cauldron of the Ryder Cup?

“Yes, there won’t be the fans, but people back home are crying out for some sense of normality – something to help pick their lives up from what has been a very, very difficult time.

“I accept that it won’t be like the Ryder Cups of years gone by.”

Rory McIlroy thinks the 2020 Ryder Cup will be postponed until 2021

Rory: No fans, no Ryder Cup

RORY McIlroy has led European calls for the event to be postponed – if fans are not going to be allowed at Whistling Straits.

McIlroy was asked if he would consider refusing to play in a Ryder Cup without fans, earlier this month.

He said: “Look, I love the Ryder Cup. But I can’t see it without fans.

“I think there are enough people in the game who don’t want the Ryder Cup to happen without the fans.

“So this year it will be played with the fans if we can do that, or we’ll have to figure out kicking it down the road to a later date.”

Coltart was one of two players controversially left out of the fourballs and foursomes on the first two days in Boston by captain Mark James.

The USA stormed back from a 10-6 deficit to win amid incredible scenes.

But they sparked one of the biggest rows in Ryder Cup history with accusations of unsporting behaviour levelled at the US team by captain Mark James.

Coltart accepts that the 2020 Ryder Cup is also certain to stand out in the competition’s history – which dates back to the first unofficial match between two teams representing the USA and Great Britain and Ireland at Wentworth in 1926.

The two-time European Tour winner said: “It will be very difficult for them, as they’ll always be remembered as the players who played in that Ryder Cup, or captained that Ryder Cup.

“But I think there’s maybe an obligation to the world to get that game played and to try and get us back to a sense of normality.”

USA captain Steve Stricker and Europe’s Padraig Harrington have discussed playing the Ryder Cup even if fans are barred in September. Picture by GETTY IMAGES

Captains caught on either side of Ryder Cup debate

THE debate over holding the 2020 Ryder Cup with or without fans, in September, has split Tour golfers down the middle.

Senior European Tour figures like past captain Paul McGinley and current captain Padraig Harrington have changed their tune since speculation began with the COVID-19 lockdown in March.

While they spent the last couple of months trying to bang the drum for a fan-less Ryder Cup, McIlroy has been consistent in his stance.

McIlroy said in May: “I think the majority of players would like to see it pushed back until 2021 – so that they can play in front of crowds and have the atmosphere that makes the Ryder Cup so special.

“The players are the ones that make the Ryder Cup. If they are not on board with it and don’t want to play then there is no Ryder Cup.

“I see it being pushed back until 2021 and, honestly, I think that will be the right call.”

Ian Woosnam: Ryder Cup is all about the players

RORY made his debut at Celtic Manor in 2010 and has won 13 out of 24 points so far in five appearances.

He was famously almost late on the tee for his Sunday singles at Medinah in 2012. Rory required a police escort to get to the course after getting confused by the US time zones, while watching TV coverage in his hotel room.

Rory arrived with 12 minutes to spare. He beat Keegan Bradley 2&1 as Jose-Maria Olazabal’s team came back from 10-6 down to win 141/2-131/2.

Woosnam, who played in eight consecutive Ryder Cups, said last week: “For me it would be an absolute disaster.”

The first and only Welshman to win the Masters in 1991, told a ‘Ryder Cup at Home Social’ – alongside Peter Baker and Paul Lawrie – last Friday: “It’s all about the fans – the atmosphere, being there.

“I can understand the corporate side of it – and television. But you have to remember the players are playing for nothing, and it’s all about the players really. Everyone wants to be there.”

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European Tour player Matthew Jordan passed on tips to amateurs in the England national squads – he was a member three years ago. Picture by LEADERBOARD PHOTOGRAPHY

MATTHEW Jordan watched Tiger Wood and Rory McIlroy win The Open at his home course at Hoylake in the space of eight years.

But he had no notion he would one day join the World No. 1 on the European Tour.

Even 18 short months ago, Jordan could not be sure he would ever make it as a pro golfer.

Now he’s settling in alongside the big guns during his rookie season on Tour and has the world at his feet.

Jordan’s story is truly inspirational and his telling of it proved to be fascinating for the England Golf squad players, who logged in for an online Q&A session.

As a young amateur, Jordan was a slow-burner, making his way steadily rather than spectacularly through the boys’ squads.

Then his game clicked with victories in the St Andrews Links Trophy and Lytham Trophy.

That earned him a place in Great Britain and Ireland’s 2017 Walker Cup team alongside Hampshire’s two Amateur Champions – Harry Ellis, Scott Gregory – and Jack Singh-Brar, who is also on the European Tour.

A year later Jordan turned pro – but with many questions about his suitability for the pro game still unanswered.

Yet a true competitive edge shaped in the England Golf squads soon shone through.

Matthew Jordan won the Hampshire Hog in 2016 at North Hants the home club of England Golf ambassasor Justin Rose. Picture by ANDREW GRIFFIN / AMG PICTURES

From North Hants to Challenge Tour

A COURSE record 63 in the first round of the British Masters at Hillside in May last year – after receiving an invite – brought his name to the fore.

Victory in a Challenge Tour Event in Italy in June lit a fire under him.

And it’s still burning brightly as he waits to make his way on the full tour when the European Tour resumes in late July.

During a relaxed chat with the current England squad players and coaches, Jordan talked about his rise in the game, his hopes for the future, his methods on the course – and his dedication to smart practice routines.

He also admitted his rise was something he didn’t think of as a kid – nor even dare to dream about as a young adult.

“It’s certainly been unexpected from where I was a little over a year ago,” admitted the 24-year-old member at Royal Liverpool GC.

“I didn’t even have Challenge Tour status and I was just trying to play where I could. It happened so quickly.

“I played eight events after I turned pro and hadn’t done very well. But at least I got some experience.

“The big one for me was a Challenge Tour event in Turkey. I shot 62 which was the lowest round I’d ever shot.

“I was in contention all week and then finished in the top 10.

“Then I played in the British Masters and shot nine-under on day one and the confidence built ahead of my win in Italy.

“It all snowballed very quickly.

“You don’t know that until you get there – there is a worry that the guys are on a different level and are loads better.

“I had watched great tour events featuring the top players on TV and then suddenly I’m walking into a venue and joining these guys on the range. It’s pretty cool.

“As a fan, that was big at the beginning. But I’m trying to do as well as possible and that soon loses its appeal.

“I want to focus, do well, stay on tour and achieve more.”

Matthew Jordan watched Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy win the Claret Jug in 2006 and 2014. The Open is due to return to Hoylake in 2023. Picture by The R&A

How Hoylake heroes inspired Matthew

GROWING up in Hoylake – the location of one of the world’s great links courses at Royal Liverpool – meant Jordan was spoiled for inspiration as a youngster.

As a 10-year-old he remembers being obsessed when Tiger Woods rolled into town in 2006.

Tiger put on a ball-striking masterclass to win back-to-back Open Championships – and his first away from St Andrews.

“I got Adam Scott’s ball on a practice round. And I got Phil Mickelson’s autograph and Sergio Garcia’s too,” said Jordan.

“I didn’t get Tiger’s – I just froze when he walked past and didn’t have the courage to ask. But it stands out.”

Then four years later it was McIlroy who claimed the Claret Jug – on a Hoylake course that had spent 40 years off The R&A’s Open rota.

“It does inspire you,” said the Cheshire county player, who was 18 at the time.

“In 2014, that same summer, I got my A-levels and a place into Uni. But my dad said I should defer and try golf for a year or two.

“I hadn’t thought about it. I thought I’d play the summer and do something else. Maybe study psychology.

“Then I tried it and still never had the thought of where I would end up.

“It was only when I started doing well that the thoughts changed.

“It was a blessing in disguise I didn’t go to Uni when I see what has happened since.”

His big breakthrough, ironically came when winning the Hampshire Hog at North Hants GC, in 2016 – the home club of England Golf ambassador Justin Rose.

Matthew Jordan won the St Andrews Links Trophy in 2017. Picture by KENNY SMITH

Valderrama victory Jordan’s highlight of lockdown

JORDAN has had to adapt during lockdown because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

But he has kept sharp – even winning a virtual event when top pros battled it out on online playing Valderrama in the European Tour BMW Indoor Invitational Series.

His next outing is the British Masters at Close House next month as his adventure continues.

“I was happy to chat with the England players as I enjoyed my time in the set-up working with great coaches and learning the game,” said Matthew.

“Hopefully, what I passed on and my story so far can help someone else make the same step.”

And of course when the Open returns to Hoylake in 2023, he has the chance to be part of the history of the Open Championship.

•Royal Liverpool was originally to host The Open in 2022 – before the 2020 and 2021 Opens were pushed back because of the coronavirus pandemic.

It will take place at Royal St George’s in 2021 a year later than planned, with the 150th Open being staged at the game’s historic home at St Andrews, in 2022.

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Danny Willett receives the Green Jacket from Jordan Spieth with Augusta National Golf Club chairman Billy Payne (right) after the Yorkshireman won th 2016 Masters.

DANNY Willett’s Green Jacket will always take pride of place in his locker, but an England team blazer remains dear to his heart.

In fact, the 2016 Masters champion rates playing as an amateur in the Home Internationals for England as his favourite team golf experience.

But given his experiences as a member of Darren Clarke’s team at the 2016 Ryder Cup, when he was at the centre of a media storm created by a magazine interview given by his brother, that might not be such a surprise.

But there were several more surprises in a wide-ranging, open and honest online Q&A session, which Willett conducted with England Golf coaches and players.

Willett was the toast of world golf four years ago when he came from three shots back.

He carded a brilliant final round 67 to win the Masters by three shots from defending champion Jordan Spieth and Lee Westwood.

To date, it remains the greatest achievement of the Yorkshireman’s career although his first victory on home soil – in last year’s BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth – was another major milestone.

And it was a hot topic for discussion during another lively webchat hosted by England performance director Nigel Edwards.

Willett, Lowry, McIlroy, Wood and Edwards featured in elite contests

BOTH Willett and Edwards share more than an England Golf connection.

In 2007, they were part of the GB&I Walker Cup squad – also featuring Rory McIlroy – which narrowly lost out to a star-studded American side including Rickie Fowler, Dustin Johnson and Webb Simpson, at Royal County Down.

The pair were also in the same European team that won the Michael Bonnallack Trophy in 2008, beating Asia- Pacific at Valderrama, alongside Gloucestershire’s future Ryder Cup player Chris Wood, and last year’s Open Champion Shane Lowry.

Willett – currently based in Florida’s Isleworth, as he waits for the tours to start on both sides of the pond – talked through his amazing work ethic, his attention to detail and the processes he has followed all his career.

And he recalled with fondness an amateur career during which he won the Australian Strokeplay, the Spanish Amateur and English Amateur en route to becoming No. 1 on the World Amateur Golf Rankings.

Willett said: “I loved everything about team golf with England when you had a group of guys taking on Wales, Scotland and Ireland.

“You maybe had 40-50 of the best players from the UK there and you were trying to impress for Walker Cup places and Jacques Leglise teams.

“You wanted to beat everyone, you certainly didn’t want to lose to a rival country. But there was still a great camaraderie.

“Yorkshire normally had quite a good bunch and we were well represented.

“But you caught up with people you hadn’t seen since the last event and I was good pals with Oliver Fisher and Tom Sherrard among others and it was great to get everyone together.”

Danny Willett (back row right) in the European team that won the 2008 Michael Bonallack Trophy, playing alongside Shane Lowry, Nigel Edwards and Chris Wood.

Danny has not been back to Royal St George since English Amateur victory in 2007

WILLETT, who was a junior at Rotherham GC, has won seven times on Tour and, at 32 years of age, has arguably yet to reach his prime.

As a youth, Willett was always earmarked for a great career – and his English Amateur win at Royal St George’s in 2007 remains a landmark moment.

“It was a great week,” recalled Willett who beat Matt Cryer 3&2 to lift the silverware.

“I played a lot of good players that week and then beat Matt in the final.

“It was the end of a pretty exceptional summer and the culmination of lot of good golf that I played at that time.

“To win any event is brilliant – to win on home soil in front of England officials and organisers it was a really special one to get it under your belt.

“It was a great golf course to win on too – and I’ll now need to wait until next year to go back with this year’s Open postponed.

“Oddly enough I haven’t played there since I won the English Amateur.

“I was looking forward to going back – but it’s more just looking forward to The Open as an event.

“For an Englishman, The Open in England is truly special just as it is for a Scotsman in Scotland or the Irish boys last year at Portrush.

“You take Opens wherever they are – they are always phenomenal, but it’s great to get a home crowd.

“I have fond memories of that place and it’s been a helluva long time since I played it. To go back as professional with a different golf game would have been a lot of fun.”

Willett has seven victories on the European Tour to his name – he also claimed the biggest cash prize in 2018 by winning the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai.

Danny Willett during the Q&A session with England’s national squads

Rotherham still producing top teenage talents

AS a Yorkshireman, Willett remain fiercely proud of his home county and still keeps one eye on the amateur game.

The rise of Rotherham’s Ben Schmidt in the last year has caught his attention.

Willett added:”I still chat to Graham Walker about the lads coming up through Yorkshire and different bits and bobs.

“There are a couple of players in Yorkshire – Ben being one – and I keep track even though life is busy.

“I’ve tried to help him out for a few things here and there. He’s young, but he has to keep working hard and see where he gets.

“It’s good and well winning, but the scores he was posting were the thing to look out for. That’s the impressive part.

“He’s also won in Australia and if you have a game that travels, then that’s a good thing.”

Fellow Rotherham GC member Ben Schmidt, the youngest-ever winner of the Brabazon Trophy, has been given advice by Danny Willet. Picture by LEADERBOARD PHOTOGRAPHY

•Next in line for the England squads is a Q&A with Ryder Cup player and European Tour winner Chris Wood.

Matt Wallace, Matt Fitzpatrick, Tommy Fleetwood, Meghan MacLaren and Bronte Law have all hosted similar sessions.

The post Willett says England Home Internationals win in 2009 was his best team experience appeared first on Golf North.

Dustin Johnson who will take part in the TaylorMade Driving Relief skins match at Florida’s Seminole Golf Club

RORY McIlroy and Dustin Johnson will battle for a share of $3million when they take on Rickie Fowler and Matthew Wolff in Sunday’s TaylorMade Driving Relief charity match at Seminole Golf Club.

The format for the contest has been confirmed by the PGA Tour – the best ball-skins will see the value of each hole rise from $50,000 to $500,000 for the 18th.

The first six holes will be worth $50,000 each. The team with the lowest score will win the cash – if the hole is halved it rolls over to the next.

The next 10 holes will be worth £100,000 each, with the 17th rising to £250,000.

A closely-fought back nine could easily see the value of the final couple of holes rise anywhere up to $1million, or maybe more.

McIlroy and Johnson are playing for the American Nurses Foundation, while Fowler and Wolff are playing the CDC Foundation.

Each team will start with $500,000 in the bank and the team with the most skins money after 18 holes will be declared the winner.

On top of each skins value, players will earn $25,000 from Farmers Insurance for every birdie they make, while an eagle will earn the players’ charities an extra $50,000.

And should anyone pull off a hole-in-one at any of the four par threes – or an albatross on either a par four or par five, they will scoop an extra $150,000 for their respective good causes.

Sudden-death shoot-out at 17th

Certainly the fans watching on TV will be thrilled if a big rollover results on the back nine and they witness a seven-figure sum on the line on the final hole.

The bonus cash for eagles and birdies will not be counted for the overall result but players from both sides can earn bonuses on each hole, regardless of how the team score stands.

So, for instance, if one player makes a birdie four to win or tie the hole, his partner can still putt for a four to earn the bonus for charity.

There is one final complication… the time and when darkness may fall in Florida – if the final skin is still tied after the four players complete the 18th, they will go into a sudden-death shoot-out.

A statement on the PGA Tour website explained: “In the event that the 18th hole is tied and play ends before 5.45pm, the players will play the 17th hole (from approximately 125 yards).

“If that hole is tied, the players will play the 17th hole again and the skin will be decided by a closest to the hole competition (played from same shortened yardage).

“In the event that 18th hole ends after 5.45pm, there will be a closest to the hole on the 17th hole (from approximately 125 yards).”

Players will be allowed to use distance measuring devices (DMD), but they will not have a caddy at Seminole. They will be allowed to wear shorts and will feature in on-course interviews with the NBC Sports team.

The highly rated Seminole Golf Club at Florida’s Juno Beach, close to Palm Beach, will stage the 2021 Walker Cup, as well the TaylorMade Driving Relief skins match

Seminole to stage 2021 Walker Cup

SEMINOLE is set to be used for the 2021 Walker Cup when Great Britain and Ireland will try to win on US soil for just the third time in nearly 100 years.

The Donald Ross course is considered one of the Scottish best two designs, along with Pinehurst No. 2, and features spectacular views of the Florida coastline.

The greens complexes are consisdered some of the trickiest in the USA, with upturned saucer greens creating fast, breaking putts with considerable elevation changes.

The post TaylorMade Driving Relief could results in $1million shootout on Seminole’s 18th appeared first on Golf North.

European Ryder Cup captain Padraig Harrington says the match against America may have to go ahead without fans – even though the idea is unpopular with some of his big name players

RYDER Cup captain Padraig Harrington has unintentionally named Luke Donald as a vice-captain for the 2020 Ryder Cup.

Harrington confirmed two things about his plans for Whistling Straits – if the biennial clash with the Americans can go ahead in September – in a TV interview with Sky Sports.

But while the European team captain insisted he will not be having 12 picks in response to the vastly changed PGA and European Tour schedule for the rest of 2020, he did not mean to announce publicly one of his picks for vice-captain at Wisconsin.

Harrington made the revelation he intends to have Luke Donald as a vice-captain for the 2020 Ryder Cup when speaking to Sky Sports’ Golf Show, talking to Sarah Stirk and Jamie Spence.

Harrington said he has been discussing his plans including tactics, logistics and golf stats with key members of his backroom team on a regular basis.

He then let it slip that Donald would be again be a vice-captain – a role he filled for Thomas Bjørn at Le Golf National in 2018 – earning wide acclaim on the European side as the USA were routed.

Harrington also said he agreed with the likes of Jon Rahm and Rory McIlroy that playing without fans would take away much of the spectacle.

But the Irishman, who won back to back Opens and the USPGA at Oakland Hills four years after he helped Europe win the 2004 Ryder Cup at the Detroit course, has warned the Ryder Cup may HAVE to be played behind closed doors.

“None of the players want to have a Ryder Cup without the fans,” said Harrington, who said at the start of last month he believed the Ryder Cup would not go ahead off if fans were unable to be at Whistling Straits because of the coronavirus pandemic spreading across the USA in April.

“It’s an option that nobody wants to take, and the players don’t want it, Harrington told Sky.

“But we might have to take one for the world team of sport and put an event on that people can watch.

“It wouldn’t be the same for us, obviously, but it’s sport on TV that we’re all craving.

Padraig Harrington says he needs to be prepared as is he was playing the Whistling Straits course by Lake Michigan in the 2020 Ryder Cup – which may have to go ahead without fans

‘I need to be prepared as possible’

“If we see any live sport right now, we’d all be sitting at home watching it,” Padraig said.

“Clearly, nobody wants to play a Ryder Cup behind closed doors.

“But they’re keeping a prudent eye on it because they know that, if the PGA Tour events in June go well without the fans, it’s a possibility.”

Europe’s top two ranked players – Rory McIlroy and Jon Rahm – have said the Ryder Cup will lose much of its appeal from the players’ viewpoint if it is played behind closed doors.

Irishman Harrington, who won three out of six Majors played between the 2007 Open at Carnoustie and the USPGA the following year, says he is determined to “be as prepared as possible” for a trip to Wisconsin in just over four months’ time.

“I’m trying to prepare every day like I’m going to play the Ryder Cup. It might not be a normal Ryder Cup in September, but I need to be as prepared as I can be,” said the 48-year-old.

“I’ve spoken to Guy Kinnings (Ryder Cup director) this week, I spoke to Luke, one of my vice-captains, yesterday, and I talked to the stats guy today because I’ve sat down to look at how my team would look if I had to pick it now.”

Harrington has so far only named Robert Karlsson as a vice-captain, but is expected to have four or five in total. Thomas Bjørn used Karlsson, Graeme McDowell, Lee Westwood, Donald and Harrington.

Padraig Harrington who unintentionally announced he intends to have Luke Donald as a vice-captain at the Ryder Cup in September. Picture by GETTY IMAGES

‘I won’t get 12 picks’ says Harrington

PADRAIG Harrington does not think he will need a one-off change of selection policy, allowing him to pick all 12 European players – because of the cancellation of the first here majors of 2020 which would have a big say on who would fill the top nine qualifying positions.

“I’m not getting 12 picks, that’s for sure,” said Harrington, live on The Golf Show on Sky Sports News, on Tuesday, having floated the idea at the start of April.

Harrington, who made his Ryder Cup debut in the infamous Battle of Brookline defeat in 1999, said: “The Tour have been very reasonable.

“They did the numbers on it, I asked for a few situations to do more numbers, and they presented that to the tournament committee to have a look.

“It’s not just reasonable, it’s actually quite fair whatever option I’ll have in terms of picks.

“It’s kind of irrelevant how many picks I get. The difficult pick is always going to be 11 and 12.

“Even if I had six picks, the last two would be the most difficult and they’re the ones that are usually more controversial.

“It’s not a huge deal in terms of how many picks I end up with, because it’ll come down to two people at the end.

“But it’s fair, and anyone that has played well, will be well looked after in this system, and there will still be room for manoeuvre for some players who haven’t played their way into the team so far.”

“I know the different models that are in place depending on when we get back to playing, so I’ll have a little look at that.

“I’m very happy with how the team is shaping up, but I’d certainly like to see some form before I have to make those picks.”

He is likely to name at least one vice-captain at the same time or shortly after the team is picked in early September.

Harrington (left) celebrates victory at The Belfry with Darren Clarke and Lee Westwood. Picture by STUART FLETCHER

Harrington teams won four of six Ryder Cups

HARRINGTON was one of just three Europeans to win their Sunday singles match as the Americans came back from 10-6 down to win by a point, in Boston.

He has played in six Ryder Cups – including in 2002 at The Belfry, the last time the event was postponed after the 9/11 attack on New York.

Harrington ended up on the winning team in four of them, winning 101/2 points in 25 matches.

The Dubliner’s last appearance was in Colin Montgomerie’s team at Celtic Manor in 2010.

Harrington was a vice-captain in 2014, 2016 and 2018, and became the third pro from Ireland and Northern Ireland to lead Europe in the Ryder Cup after Paul McGinley (2014) and Darren Clarke (2016).

As well as his three Majors, Harrington has 12 other European Tour wins to his name – the last at the 2016 Portugal Masters.

He also has three regular PGA Tour wins to his name and two more on the Asian Tour as well as a win in Japan.

He was named Europe’s 2020 Ryder Cup captain in January 2019.

Rory McIlroy who won the 2014 USPGA at Kiawah Island – scene of a famous Ryder Cup defeat for Europe back in 1991’s War on the Shore

Rory McIlroy: Without fans it won’t be the Ryder Cup

RORY McIlroy told the BBC two weeks ago that the Ryder Cup should be postponed until 2021 rather than be played in September without fans.

“A Ryder Cup without fans is not a Ryder Cup. It wouldn’t be a great spectacle, there’d be no atmosphere.

“So if it came to whether they had to choose between not playing the event or playing it without fans, I would say just delay it a year and play it in 2021.”

“Obviously it would be better for the Europeans to play without fans because we wouldn’t have to deal with some of the stuff you have to put up with, but at the same time it’s not a Ryder Cup,” added McIlroy.

It is nearly 21 years ago that US fans upset both Jose-Maria Olazabal and Colin Montgomerie during the Sunday singles in the Battle of Brookline with abuse that brought condemnation from European captain Mark James.

If the Ryder Cup as pushed back to 2021 and then played again in 2023 it would allow Italy – one of the countries worst affected by the COVID-19 pandemic – an extra year to prepare for hosting the event, said McIlroy.

The Northern Ireland golfer has four Majors to his name, but has not won one since the 2014 USPGA at Kiawah Island.

The South Carolina course was also the scene of more unsporting behaviour by US fans and players in the “War by the Shore.”

The post Harrington ‘names’ Donald as Ryder Cup vice-captain and rules out getting 12 picks appeared first on Golf North.

Rory McIlroy is backing suggestions the 2020 Masters could move from April to October because of the coronavirus

WORLD No. 1 Rory McIlroy is one of the players who want the Masters to be played in October.

That could see the Augusta National Golf Club host the Masters for the first time in the autumn in its 87-year history.

And it could see the players head down Magnolia Lane after Europe try to win the Ryder Cup on US soil for only the third time in 20 years – the last was the Miracle of Medinah in 2012.

McIlroy, who needs a Green Jacket to complete a career Grand Slam in the Majors, said in an Instagram Q&A with Sky Sports Jamie Redknapp: “Augusta play their cards close to their chest.

“They don’t let much out of the bag. I hope they play it in October time which is the rumour. I think it would be great.

“‘Potentially you’re looking at four Majors and a Ryder Cup and the FedEx Cup in the space of 12 weeks.

“Say the Open gets postponed and moved back to September.

“You might have the PGA in August, then the FedEx Cup, then the Open Championship, then the Ryder Cup – and then the Masters.

“And if the US Open gets postponed maybe that gets pushed back to October or November.

“If we get back to playing by mid-summer it’s going to be a hectic 12 or 15 weeks.”

Rory McIlory is backing suggestions the Masters should move from April to October in 2020

Before the decision to postpone the Masters was made earlier this month, McIlroy had backed calls for the event to go ahead without the fans after he spoke to reporters after his first round at The Players Championship, which was called off later that night, just hours before Augusta National GC chairman Fred Riley made the call.

The 30-year-old, from Northern Ireland, who has four Major wins to his name – but the last of them came in 2014 – also called on the PGA Tour to test all players and caddies for COVID-19 before the PGA Tour decided later that week to shut down until May.

Rory told Redknapp he has been keeping fit in the gym and playing tennis at his Florida home during the PGA Tour’s shutdown.

“I need something to practice for,” said McIlroy. “I have no idea when we are going to play again and I’d rather build myself up to something.

“I know if I go out there and hit balls, I’m not doing it for any purpose.

“I love golf and it has given me a lot of really great things but I think I love the competition more. If there’s no competition, then there’s nothing to look forward to.

“Right now, I am just enjoying spending some time at home, getting after it in the gym, and spending time by the pool or playing tennis.

“I realise there are a lot of us who are very fortunate to have gyms in our house and all sorts of stuff so that we can keep busy.”

The 13th green at Augusta – the azaleas and rhododendrons will not be in bloom if the 2020 Masters is played in October instead of April because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Masters played outside April twice

THE first Masters was played at the course designed by Bobby Jones and Dr Alister MacKenzie in 1934 and for 81 of the 83 Masters that have been played were held in April.

The decision to put back the 2020 Masters meant the event might not be played for the first time since 1946 – the last of a three-year break during the Second World War.

But with a massive spike in hotel prices around Augusta, during the week of October 5-12, becoming evident online the smart money is on The Masters being held that week.

It is too hot in Georgia for the players to compete at Augusta – and the course is normally closed during the summer until September.

The greenkeepers would have a battle to present the immaculate Augusta fairways in the conditions found in April – and there will be no azaleas and rhododendrons to provide the spectacular colour.

But most TV fans, already craving a return to the sport after a month’s inactivity beause of the coronavirus pandemic, will probably put up with a different looking course as long as they get to see the Green Jacket presented after four days of sublime golf.

•The current PGA Tour schedule can be seen by clicking here.

The post appeared first on Golf North.

World No. 1 Rory McIlroy watched Tiger Woods win the World Golf Championshiop at Mount Juliet in 2002 – now he hopes he can win a second Irish Open at the Kilkenny course.

RORY McIlroy will make a much-anticipated return to the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open at Mount Juliet Estate in May.

The four-time Major winner will join his fellow Northern Irishman, close friend and tournament host Graeme McDowell, when McIlroy tees it up at the second Rolex Series event of the 2020 Race to Dubai season.

The current World No. 1 will head a star-studded field which also includes defending champion Jon Rahm and the reigning Open Champion Shane Lowry, when the event takes place from May 28-31.

McIlroy will be targeting a second victory in an event which he himself hosted from 2015-18 – helping elevate the historic national open to become one of the European Tour’s eight premier Rolex Series events.

The 30-year-old famously lifted the trophy at the K Club in 2016, delighting the home crowds with a swashbuckling display down the stretch to hold off Scot Russell Knox – who went on to claim the title in 2017 – and Welshman Bradley Dredge.

“I’m looking forward to it a lot,” said McIlroy. “It’s a bit different going back for a May date as opposed to July, and at a parkland course at Mount Juliet.

“I’ve never played the course but got good memories – it was the first time I ever watched Tiger Woods play in person.

“My dad drove me down and we watched the WGC there and that was really cool, so it’ll be exciting to tee it up there myself and try to win a tournament there.”

Dubai Duty Free chief executive Colm McLoughlin said: “We are delighted Rory has confirmed his attendance at the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open at Mount Juliet.

“Our involvement as title sponsor of the tournament began when Rory took on the hosting duties in 2015, and he did a great job in raising the profile of the event.

“We are looking forward to a great week in Kilkenny and working with Mount Juliet, the European Tour, this year’s host Graeme McDowell, Sport Ireland and all of the other entities to make this event a great success.”

Mount Juliet already boasts a prestigious list of winners after a three-year stint of hosting the event – with Nick Faldo, Bernhard Langer and Sam Torrance winning in 1993, 1994 and 1995 respectively – and McIlroy will be hoping to join that list in May.

The luxury five-star resort in Kilkenny also hosted Shell’s Wonderful World of Golf in 1997 – a challenge match between Tom Watson and Fred Couples, won by the latter – as well as the WGC-American Express Championship in 2002 and 2004 – won by Tiger Woods and Ernie Els respectively.

Buy early bird tickets by March 3

EARLY bird ticket prices begin at €13 for the Wednesday pro-am day, with Thursday and Friday day tickets available for a special price of €23.

Saturday and Sunday tickets begin at €27. Fans can enjoy five days of world-class golf and entertainment for only €83 if they purchase their season tickets prior to Tuesday, March 3.

Children under 12 years of age are entitled to free entry when accompanied by an adult.

Day junior tickets for kids aged between 12 and 17 years of age are €10 (season ticket €25), while students aged between 18 and 24 with valid ID, and over 65s, can buy concession tickets.

The latter cost €15 for Thursday and Friday, €20 for Saturday and Sunday (€60 for a season). Parking access can be purchased for €5 per day, or €10 to cover all five days.

The only official sales channel to purchase tickets is via ticketing platform Eventbrite by clicking here.

The resale of Dubai Duty Free Irish Open tickets on unofficial platforms contravenes the European Tour’s ticket terms and conditions and render the tickets void.

Official hospitality tickets are also available on the ticketing page, or by calling the Euorpean Tour sales team on (01344) 840681.

The post World No 1 McIlroy confirms entry for Dubai Duty Free Irish Open at Mount Juliet appeared first on Golf North.

Rory McIlroy shot a superb 65 to lead the World Golf Championship in Mexico City by two as he seeks to complete the WGC Grand Slam. Picture by GETTY IMAGES

RORY McIlroy soared into a two-stroke first round lead at the WGC-Mexico Championship in his bid to complete the WGC Grand Slam.

The World No. 1 continued a stunning run of recent form with a six-under par 65, at Chapultepec Golf Club, in Mexico City.

The Northern Irishman has won every other World Golf Championships title and is hoping to complete the clean sweep this week in Mexico City.

McIlroy completed the third leg of the WGC Grand Slam when he triumphed at the most recent one – the WGC-HSBC Champions – in November.

“It was good. All aspects of my game were working pretty well,” said McIlroy after his first round.

“I drove the ball well, and I took advantage of that. I think the big thing was I putted well. I didn’t putt so well at Riviera last week.

“I went back to my old putter, I was trying a new one last week. It didn’t quite work out the way I wanted it to, but I was comfortable on the greens and holed some nice ones coming in.”

While questions may remain over McIlroy’s putting prowess, there was no doubting his premium ball-striking, regardless of the effect of playing at altitude, with Chapultepec some 7,600 feet above sea level.

Rory revealed: “I think I’ve got the altitude pretty figured out. I’ve always played well at altitude.

“I’ve played well in Crans over in Europe a few years. I finished second there last year, I obviously finished second here last year.

“I think I have a pretty good formula for it, and I can hit the ball a long way here, which helps, and then my distance control has been pretty good.

“That combined with not really guessing too much over things. Certainty goes a long way, especially around this place.”

McIlroy got off to a fast start after a stunning second shot into the par five 11th hole – his second – yielded an eagle, and he finished in some style too as a pair of closing birdies moved the 30-year-old two clear of Bubba Watson and Justin Thomas.

Louis Oosthuizen was one of four players a shot further back on three under, while his fellow European Tour Members Tyrrell Hatton, Paul Casey, Patrick Reed and Lee Westwood all carded 69s to sit four off the lead on two-under.

Oosthuizen said: “I felt like I was really unlucky on one. I pitched it on the downslope in the bunker and it stayed there, and had absolutely no shot – ended up leaving myself 10 feet for par and missed that.

So not the start I wanted, but I just fought it out really, and there’s still a lot of work to do.

“I’m struggling finding a driver that I’m comfortable with, so you’ll see me a few times in places that I’m normally not at.

“But I’m fighting it out, and I’ve done a good job on the greens today,” added Oosthuizen, who was third behind McIlroy at Sheshan Golf Club, in the HSBC Champions, in 2019.

•To follow Rory McIlroy’s hopes of completing the WGC Grand Slam click here.

Hatton happy to be playing again

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE pro Tyrrell Hatton was relieved to play well having missing three months while waiting for a persistent wrist injury to heal.

Hatton, who won the Turkish Airlines Open, in November, said: “Overall, I’m pretty happy with that.

“I’ve only been back hitting balls for the last three and a half weeks, so it was a long lay-off. I’m quite happy,” said the Harleyford GC member.

“Obviously I’ve done well here in the past, so I know the course pretty well, and yeah, it was just good to kind of get back out there and play competitive golf again.

“I always enjoy short, fiddly golf courses, I guess, and this is certainly up there with the best of them,” said Hatton, who also won the 2017 Italian Open on a tight parkland track.

“And I guess it’s funny because you need patience around here, and that’s something that I don’t really have.

“For some reason the course has kind of been fairly kind to me, and hopefully it continues this week.”

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