American golfer, LIV Golf mainstay and two-time major champion
Bryson DeChambeau has been penalised two strokes for inadvertently improving his backswing by trampling on long grass at Royal Birkdale. The Open field reacts as Rory McIlroy criticises the episode as a poor look, while Lucas Herbert leads, and Ryan Fox climbs the leaderboard. The incident unfolds in a tense Friday to Saturday transition.
In a dramatic Open at Royal Birkdale, Lucas Herbert and Sam Burns have posted 62s, joining the club of majors record scores. Ryan Fox matches the 62 in the third round to move within striking distance, while Rory McIlroy fights to make the weekend as DeChambeau navigates a penalty controversy and Fleetwood pushes toward the lead.
The PGA Tour and DP World Tour are listening to players seeking to shift circuits, while LIV Golf faces financial turmoil and a potential wind-down. Returning pathways for ex-LIV members are under debate, with DP World Tour and PGA Tour weighing new eligibility rules amid antitrust scrutiny and ongoing restructuring efforts.
LIV Golf has announced a transition plan away from Saudi funding after the PIF ends its backing at the close of the 2026 season. A new independent board is leading a move to secure long‑term capital through diversified partners, while the tour maintains its schedule amid ongoing discussions with potential investors.
LIV Golf faces financial uncertainty as Saudi PIF funding is reported to be winding down after this season. Executives warn remaining 2026 events could be in flux, with Bedminster deemed most likely to proceed. The tour is actively seeking new investors while exploring ways to sustain its team-based format.
Fleetwood is chasing a maiden Open title at Royal Birkdale as Sam Burns leads with Lucas Herbert and DeChambeau in pursuit. The local favourite has two late bogeys in round three that dashed the dream but remains in contention ahead of Sunday’s final round.
Rory McIlroy has posted a two-over-par 72 in round one at Royal Birkdale, with six bogeys and four birdies. He acknowledges a rough finish to day one and says he is focused on bouncing back as conditions vary and pressure builds on the early leaders.
Bryson DeChambeau has incurred a two-shot penalty for inadvertently improving his lie at the fifth hole of Royal Birkdale, while Lucas Herbert and Sam Burns share the Open lead after a record-tying second round.
Rory McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau thrill fans as their third/fourth rounds unfold at the Open, delivering powerful drives, bold play and near misses. Fleetwood and Burns also contribute, leaving the leaderboard tight and the drama high as the weekend approaches.
The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale ends with Ryan Fox of New Zealand claiming the Claret Jug after a late surge, finishing one stroke ahead of Cameron Young. Fox, nephew of a rugby legend and son of a former All Blacks captain, converts a nervy final birdie on the 18th after a standout week that featured a 62 on Saturday.
The PGA Tour, DP World Tour and Asian Tour have formalised a multi-year alliance through 2029, with some events co-sanctioned again and pathways for Asian players to reach European and Challenge Tour events. The move follows LIV’s weakened position after Saudi funding shifts, and prompts reactions from players such as Rory McIlroy.