Northern Irish golfer on the PGA and European Tours
Infortar Estonian Challenge winner Martin Franssen has claimed a 19-under total to win the DP World Tour’s HotelPlanner Tour event in Tallinn, edging England’s Andrew Wilson by three shots. Franssen, an Inverness-born, St Andrews-based player, secures his first Scottish title on the circuit, after a season of steady progress and a breakthrough victory the previous year.
The president has announced a trip to Ireland for Sept. 12-13, where he will attend events with embassy staff and officials, and visit Trump-owned golf properties. AP, New York Post and Independent note the trip underscores how official travel can intersect with family business interests, including LIV Golf ties and potential political signaling.
The PGA Tour has announced a major revision to its postseason format beginning in 2028: the BMW Championship will lead 90 players into a two-week, group-stage followed by a four-day match-play Tour Championship. The top 32 will advance; the final week is a four-day match-play bracket to crown the season-long champion.
LIV Golf has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in New Jersey and has agreed a restructuring with BC Partners while Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund has provided $49.6m in debtor-in-possession financing. The company has listed $500m–$1bn in liabilities, plans a player-majority ownership model and aims to return in 2027.
The LIV Golf breakaway has filed for Chapter 11 in the United States as Saudi PIF withdraws backing and BC Partners steps in with financing. The move aims to preserve LIV as a going concern while reshaping ownership, with talks of a return by stars to the PGA Tour and DP World Tour as contracts are renegotiated or cancelled.
US President Donald Trump is visiting Ireland for a two-day trip that includes meetings with Irish leaders and a stop at his Doonbeg resort to watch the Irish Open. Protests are planned, security is unprecedented, and Dublin’s Phoenix Park will host high-level talks amid a tense political and economic backdrop.
During a two-day visit to Ireland this weekend President Donald Trump has said he would "love to see" a united Ireland and called reunification "going to happen eventually." His remarks have prompted rebuttals from UK and unionist politicians, sparked protests in Dublin and renewed debate over the Good Friday Agreement's border-poll provisions.
U.S. President Donald Trump has said he would “love to see” a united Ireland and that reunification “will happen eventually,” remarks made in Dublin during a visit that has provoked mixed reactions across political camps. He added that unification would be a “fantastic” development and that the UK would have a say in the process. Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin has urged calm, while British and Northern Irish politicians have offered varied responses.
Trump has announced the removal of a 10% tariff on Irish whiskey following requests from Shane Lowry, Ireland’s prime minister, and other Irish officials. The move comes as part of a broader revision of tariffs on European spirits. Details on timing are still being clarified.
Josh Kerr has delivered a landmark season, winning the Ultimate Championship 1500m and collecting multiple titles, as Amy Hunt also posts a record-breaking year. The duo’s success fuels discussion over BBC SPOTY selection amid a strong athletics year.
The PGA Tour has detailed a two-tier framework—Championship Series and Challenger Series—set to launch in 2028. The plan includes a Last Chance Series for three top-tier cards, revised exemptions, and a structured points system. DP World Tour links remain under discussion as talks continue, with past major winners retaining extended eligibility.
LIV Golf has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the United States, owing about $45m to players. The move signals a reboot for LIV 2.0, but the path back to the PGA Tour and DP World Tour remains uncertain as contracts, funding and format are renegotiated. Top players are weighing departures as the sport reorganises.
The DP World Tour has revised its 2027 calendar as the Ryder Cup moves Ireland-ward, prompting date shuffles for key events and a reordering of the European circuit’s calendar. Several tournaments relocate in the lead-up to the 2027 season, with Wentworth and other Rolex Series events affected along with national opens and Open Qualifying Series slots.
Top golfers have expressed reservations about the UAE season-ending events amid regional conflict. The DP World Tour says it remains intent on staging the Abu Dhabi Championship and the Dubai Championship, but players are weighing safety and personal circumstances. Decisions are being monitored as new developments unfold.
Rai has stepped into the spotlight at Wentworth, recording a six-under-par 66 in the BMW PGA Championship while Rory McIlroy and Ryan Fox also feature in a marquee pairing. Rai says the experience is special, and McIlroy continues to refine his swing as the fields press toward the weekend.
The United States, led by Jim Furyk, are preparing to challenge Europe at Adare Manor in the centenary Ryder Cup. Furyk plans to revamp preparation, emphasising acclimatisation and deeper bench strength ahead of the European challenge led by Luke Donald. Both captains expect a raucous but respectful Irish crowd as the event returns to Europe.
LIV Golf is pursuing a 2.0 restructuring while facing a legal challenge from the DP World Tour over player releases and governance. The European tour is demanding players choose their associations, with deadlines looming as LIV seeks funding and a broader player equity model.
The Scottish No. 1 has withdrawn from the Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship and the Dubai finale due to concerns over the regional conflict, marking his first absence from a season-ending event since his DP World Tour debut in 2019. The field remains stacked as top players chase the Race to Dubai and the $10 million DP World Tour Championship.
LIV Golf is moving toward liquidation after BC Partners Credit withdraws funding for LIV 2.0, with players departing and bankruptcy proceedings advancing. The hearing in New Jersey faces a likely liquidation of assets as the league struggles to secure commitments for a revamped format.