Irish golfer on the European and PGA Tours; Open Champion (2019)
English hopes of ending the Open drought in England are rising as Fleetwood, Fitzpatrick and other homegrown players pursue glory at Royal Birkdale. The Open is returning to English soil for the first time since 1992, with fans hopeful the home advantage finally translates into a winner.
The Masters champion has moved into contention on day two, citing improved driving and a still-unsettled feel on the greens. He has birdied multiple holes, expressed intent to push on in challenging conditions, and believes a strong start on Saturday could put him in serious title contention.
Bryson DeChambeau has incurred a two-shot penalty for inadvertently improving the area of his intended backswing on the fifth hole at Royal Birkdale. Lucas Herbert and Sam Burns share the Open lead after a record-tying second round of 62, while DeChambeau remains five under and potentially out of contention.
Michael Kim has shot a 59 in Minnesota, the 16th such round on the PGA Tour, after a four-birdie finish. He leads by three at the 3M Open. Other updates from Royal Birkdale include Cameron Young leading at nine under and Rory McIlroy struggling to find momentum.
Sam Burns has surged to a 10-under par lead after a blistering 65 in the Open’s 54-hole round, capitalizing on a chaotic week marked by Bryson DeChambeau’s controversial penalty and a record-tying scoring day at Royal Birkdale. Burns, who had planned to skip the Open because of his wife’s due date, credits his family’s support for giving him the focus to chase his first major.
Padraig Harrington has joined Luke Donald’s Ryder Cup staff as a vice-captain for the 2027 event at Adare Manor, Ireland. He brings European experience and local insight as Europe aims for a third straight victory against the USA.