Paju, Korea - Defending champion Fifa Laopakdee masterfully navigated punishing coastal winds to shoot an eight-under 63, holing out for a spectacular eagle to seize a three-stroke lead after the opening round of the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship in New Zealand on Thursday.

The 21-year-old Arizona State University senior, who last year became the first Thai player to claim this prestigious title, separated himself from the elite field at Te Arai Links’ South Course by capping a front-nine 31 with a stunning 83-yard approach shot that found the bottom of the cup on the par-four ninth hole.

“Before it started, I knew it was going to be windy out there and it was going to be tough,” said Laopakdee, who added four back-nine birdies to outpace the field. “Eight under wasn’t on my bingo card today, but I was able to pull it off and it feels amazing.”

Local favourite Joshua Bai, a 20-year-old University of Florida junior from nearby Auckland, carded a resilient five-under 66 to spearhead a strong home contingent, while 14-year-old prodigy Joseph Cao of Hong Kong impressed with a two-under 69 in an event offering coveted exemptions into the 2027 Masters and The 155th Open.

With unpredictable maritime conditions expected to continue testing the competitors, the 120-player international field faces a crucial 36-hole cut on Friday as Laopakdee looks to maintain his dominant form and move closer to a historic title defence.

Paju, Korea - The Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship will challenge the region’s top golfers on two spectacular coastal layouts, heading to Vietnam’s Hoiana Shores in 2027 and Australia’s New South Wales Golf Club in 2028.

Organisers from the Masters, The R&A and the APGC confirmed both world-class links venues will host the prestigious event for the first time, offering the amateur champion coveted major championship exemptions.

“We are very much looking forward to taking the championship to Vietnam for the first time and enjoying one of the world’s great emerging golf destinations,” said Mark Darbon, Chief Executive of The R&A.

Hoiana Shores, a Robert Trent Jones Jr design featuring sweeping views of the South China Sea, joins Alister MacKenzie’s century-old rugged masterpiece at Botany Bay, which famously hosted the 2009 Australian Open.

These demanding seaside tests will serve as the next vital springboards for future professionals, continuing a legacy that previously launched major champions Hideki Matsuyama and Cameron Smith to global prominence.

Paju, Korea - The PGA Tour, DP World Tour and Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia have extended their strategic partnership through 2027 to strengthen global pathways for regional golfers.

This expanded alliance guarantees the BMW Australian PGA Championship remains a co-sanctioned event until 2029, offering vital stability and a robust international platform for emerging talent across the region.

“Our role is to provide our players with a great Tour to compete on at home, while creating the clearest possible pathways for those who want to take their careers onto the world stage,” said PGA of Australia CEO Gavin Kirkman.

The formal connection between the tours originated in 2017 and recently enabled 22 Australasians to play the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, heavily supported by the local Order of Merit standings.

These bolstered playing opportunities will be prominently displayed when the BMW Australian PGA Championship begins at The Lakes Golf Club in Sydney on November 26.

Paju, Korea - The 2026 Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship brings 120 elite players from 39 countries to New Zealand’s spectacular Te Arai Links this week, battling for a coveted Masters Tournament invitation.

Set for October 29 through November 1, the premier event features 67 returning competitors, including defending champion Fifa Laopakdee of Thailand and Australia’s 21st-ranked Harry Takis, navigating the firm South Course.

Organizers have consistently used this joint initiative to develop the game regionally, cultivating a proven springboard that previously launched major champions like Hideki Matsuyama and Cameron Smith to global stardom.

Designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw in 2022, the par-71 coastal layout boasts 16 ocean-view holes, marking the championship’s highly anticipated return to New Zealand after a nine-year absence.

A massive international audience will watch the live broadcast across major networks, waiting to see who claims the gold medal alongside exemptions into The 155th Open and The Amateur Championship.

Paju, Korea - Eugenio Chacarra completed a demanding 25-hole marathon on Sunday at Delhi Golf Club to win the 2026 DP World India Championship with a 21-under-par total, taking over the top spot in the Race to Dubai Rankings.

The Spaniard posted a final-round 70 at the $4,000,000 tournament to hold off a late charge from New Zealand’s Daniel Hillier and finish two strokes clear at the top of the leaderboard. Overcoming a recent fractured toe, Chacarra navigated a weather-delayed schedule to seal his third title of the 2026 season following earlier wins at the KLM Open and Open d’Italia.

“All the hard work, came close the last couple weeks, and I wanted to get another one to get up in the Rankings,” Chacarra said after his victory. “I’m really proud of my short game and how I grinded and stayed patient throughout a tough final round.”

Hillier finished alone in second place at 19-under par after cutting Chacarra’s lead down to two shots on the back nine, while Poland’s Adrian Meronk and Spain’s Angel Hidalgo tied for third at 15-under. Defending champion Tommy Fleetwood closed in a tie for fifth place at 13-under par.

In addition to elevating him to the summit of the Race to Dubai Delivered by DP World, the victory moves Chacarra to the top of the European Team Rankings for the 2027 Ryder Cup.

Paju, Korea - Chinese-Taipei’s Wang Wei-hsuan secured redemption at the $1 million SJM Macao Open, defeating Korean star Sungjae Im in a dramatic play-off after losing in extra holes at the same venue last year.

The 27-year-old produced a moment of magic on the 18th hole in regulation, chipping in for an eagle to reach 17-under par and briefly take a one-shot lead. Im leveled the scores with a birdie on the final hole, but Wang sealed victory on the first extra play-off hole with a decisive birdie at Macau Golf & Country Club.

“After I chipped in on the 18th and then went to the scoring and then came back for the play-off, I could only think of last year,” Wang said. “I’m very happy that I could get the job done this time and win, and I’m really happy that I could do it in front of my wife and family.”

America’s Charles Porter braved illness to shoot the round of the tournament, firing a nine-under 61 featuring two early chip-ins and a closing eagle to climb into solo third place at 14-under. Compatriot Austen Truslow finished fourth at 13-under, while Wu Ashun and Danthai Boonma tied for fifth.

Following the thrilling finish in Macau, the Asian Tour heads to Hong Kong next week for the $2 million Link Hong Kong Open.

Paju, Korea - South Korea’s Tom Kim captured the men’s individual gold medal on Friday at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, closing out the final round with an 18-under-par total of 262 at Kasugai Country Club’s East Course.

Kim’s victory marks South Korea’s first gold medal in the men’s individual golf event since Kim Meen-whee took top honors at the 2010 Guangzhou Games. Japan’s Kazuki Higa earned the silver medal after defeating Thailand’s Sadom Kaewkanjana in a playoff.

Joined by Moon Doyob, who tied for eighth at eight-under 272, and Sunghyun Kim, who finished tied for 24th, the South Korean men’s trio compiled a 26-under 534 to claim the team silver medal. China took the team gold medal with a 28-under 532 total.

In the women’s competition, high school standout Yunseo Yang finished just outside the podium in fourth place with a seven-under 273, while Pranavi Sharath Urs of India won gold. The South Korean women’s squad tied for fourth place in the team standings at seven-under 553 as China claimed the gold medal.

With one gold and one silver medal, the South Korean national golf team concluded its campaign at the 20th Asian Games, reaffirming its competitive presence on the continental stage.

Paju, Korea - Scotland’s Michael Stewart and Australia’s Jack Buchanan shot matching seven-under-par 65s on Thursday to take a share of the opening-round lead at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.

The USD 5,000,000 tournament is staged across Carnoustie, Kingsbarns, and the Old Course at St Andrews as the 37th event on the Race to Dubai calendar. Stewart recorded a bogey-free round featuring an eagle and five birdies at Carnoustie, while Buchanan posted seven birdies at Kingsbarns to set the early pace.

“I played nice all day to be honest, lots of fairways, lots of greens and then on the back, the putter got hot,” said the 36-year-old Stewart. “I feel home at links golf, and as long as the rain stays away, we’re good to go.”

Making his DP World Tour debut after finishing runner-up in the Duddingston Classic on Wednesday, Stewart bypassed a practice round to launch his campaign. Meanwhile, 24-year-old Buchanan, who sits 167th in the Race to Dubai Rankings, produced a impressive performance as he seeks to secure his playing privileges for next season.

South African duo MJ Daffue and Casey Jarvis sit one stroke back in joint third on six-under 66, while World Number Four Matt Fitzpatrick carded a four-under 68 at Carnoustie and defending champion Robert MacIntyre opened with a one-under 71.The USD 5,000,000 tournament is staged across Carnoustie, Kingsbarns, and the Old Course at St Andrews, serving as the 37th event on the Race to Dubai schedule. Stewart recorded a bogey-free round featuring an eagle and five birdies at Carnoustie, while Buchanan posted seven birdies at Kingsbarns to set the early pace.

“I played nice all day to be honest, lots of fairways, lots of greens and then on the back, the putter got hot,” said the 36-year-old Stewart. “I feel home at links golf, and as long as the rain stays away, we’re good to go.”

Making his DP World Tour debut after finishing runner-up in the Duddingston Classic on Wednesday, Stewart bypassed a practice round to launch his campaign. Meanwhile, 24-year-old Buchanan, who sits 167th in the Race to Dubai Rankings, produced a flawless performance as he seeks to secure his playing privileges for next season.

South African duo MJ Daffue and Casey Jarvis sit one stroke back in joint third on six-under 66, while World Number Four Matt Fitzpatrick carded a four-under 68 at Carnoustie. Defending champion Robert MacIntyre opened his title defence with a one-under 71.

Paju, Korea - South Korea’s Tom Kim has set his sights firmly on a gold medal at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, transitioning directly from competing in the Presidents Cup to representing his nation at Kasugai Country Club.

Despite facing jet lag and adjusting to differing grass conditions in Japan, the PGA Tour winner expressed confidence in his preparation after making the long-distance journey. Kim noted that heavy rainfall altered course dynamics during practice, though the shorter distance compared to PGA Tour venues presents a familiar challenge.

“My goal is to win the gold medal,” Kim said during his pre-tournament interview. “I slept well on the flight, so my physical condition is good. The key will be executing a clear course strategy and adapting smoothly to the turf.”

Off the course, Kim reflected on the stability brought by his recent marriage, crediting his domestic life for enhancing his focus on golf. Addressing the pressure of playing under the national flag, the young star emphasized maintaining composure and patience rather than letting expectation dictate his performance.

“Representing my country in Japan means giving my absolute best,” Kim added. “In the past, rushing things rarely worked out for me, but everything flows better when I stay relaxed. Whatever medal comes, I will be satisfied as long as I focus on the process.”

Paju, Korea - Playing at Kasugai Country Club’s East Course in Aichi Prefecture, Tom Kim and Moon Doyob both carded two-round totals of seven-under-par 133 to sit tied for fifth place in the men’s individual competition. The Korean men’s trio, completed by Sunghyun Kim, posted a team total of 14-under 266 to hold third place, keeping them just two strokes behind overall leader Japan.

“The field is extremely tight, but we are well-positioned for the final two rounds,” said Kim after advancing into the weekend. “We managed our game plan effectively afternoon and made sure all three of us safely advanced through the cut.”

In the women’s division, high school standout Yunseo Yang surged into sole possession of third place at seven-under 133, trailing tournament leader Shannon Tan of Singapore by six shots. Yang’s performance propelled the South Korean women’s team into a tie for fourth place at six-under 274 alongside Chinese Taipei and Hong Kong, comfortably securing their spot among the top nine nations moving forward.

With all six Korean players safely through to the final 36 holes, the national squad remains well within striking distance for medals in both individual and team categories as third-round action begins in Japan.

Paju, Korea - South Korea’s Moon Doyob opened his national campaign in impressive fashion on Wednesday, carding a four-under-par 66 to tie for third place after the first round of the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.

Playing at Kasugai Country Club’s East Course in Aichi Prefecture, the 35-year-old sits just one stroke behind co-leaders Wang Wei-hsuan of Chinese Taipei and Kazuki Higa of Japan, who both posted five-under 65s. Fellow countrymen Tom Kim (67) and Sunghyun Kim (68) finished close behind in joint seventh and ninth respectively, putting South Korea tied for second in the men’s team competition alongside China at seven-under 133, two shots behind host nation Japan.

“I managed to stay patient and capitalize on my scoring opportunities today,” said Moon following his round. “The team is in a solid position, and we are looking forward to keeping this momentum going over the next three days.”

In the women’s division, high school standouts Gyubin Kim and Yunseo Yang led the South Korean challenge, both carding two-under 68s to sit in a tie for seventh place. Singapore’s Shannon Tan took the early headline with a brilliant seven-under 63 to establish a three-stroke lead over India’s Pranavi Sharath Urs.

South Korea’s women’s team ended the day tied for second place at four-under 136 alongside China, Chinese Taipei, and Thailand, four shots behind team leaders Singapore. With Seojin Park posting a one-over 71, all three Korean players remain well within contention as second-round action continues in Japan.

Paju, Korea - The four-day tournament runs through October 3 at Kasugai Country Club’s East Course in Aichi Prefecture, featuring a 72-hole stroke play format across men’s and women’s individual and team events. A total of four gold medals are up for grabs, with team scores calculated using a best-two-scores approach per round.

“The team is focused on delivering a strong start,” said representatives following the lineup announcement, as professional golfers Sunghyun Kim, Tom Kim, and Doyob Moon lead the men’s contingent, while high school standouts Gyubin Kim, Seojin Park, and Yunseo Yang represent the women’s squad.

Selection for the national squad was unanimously finalized by the Korea Golf Association’s performance committee based on World Golf Rankings and national points standings. Historically, South Korea has captured 14 Asian Games gold medals in golf, with their most recent triumph coming in the men’s team event at the Hangzhou Games in 2023.

Morning tee times see the men’s team launching their drives from the first hole, while the women’s team begins their opening rounds from the tenth tee later this afternoon, setting up a decisive week ahead in Japan.

Paju, Korea - The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews made history on September 25, 2026, welcoming Claire Dowling as its first female Captain during the traditional driving-in ceremony on the 1st tee of the famous Old Course.

At precisely 8:00 a.m., a cannon blast signaled the start of the proceedings, and Dowling hit her opening drive down the fairway before a large crowd of members, past captains, and spectators who gathered to witness the milestone moment.

In taking on the historic role, Dowling will serve as a global ambassador for both the Club and The R&A. Throughout her term, she will represent the organization at major professional and amateur championships worldwide, supporting The R&A’s strategic initiative to grow and promote golf internationally.

“To begin my year as Captain here in St Andrews, surrounded by friends and fellow Members, is a very special moment,” Dowling said following her tee shot. “It is a huge privilege to serve as Captain of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews and I am honoured to be the first woman to take on the role. The Club has such a remarkable history and tradition, but it is continuing to evolve, which is so important for any institution.”

Dowling brings an extensive competitive and administrative background in golf to the captaincy. Born and educated in Dublin, she enjoyed a decorated amateur career, winning five Irish Championships, the 1986 Ladies’ British Open Amateur Stroke Play Championship, and the 1987 Spanish Amateur Championship. She played in four Curtis Cups for Great Britain and Ireland, featuring in the historic 1986 team that secured GB&I’s first-ever victory on American soil at Prairie Dunes.

She later captained the GB&I Curtis Cup team in 2000 and was among the first group of women invited to join The Royal and Ancient Golf Club in 2015. Alongside her administrative service, Dowling is a seasoned referee who has officiated at seven Open Championships. In 2021, she and her husband Peter made history at Royal St George’s as the first married couple to referee at the same championship.

The ceremony also preserved one of St Andrews’ most enduring traditions. While the captaincy was originally awarded to the winner of the annual Challenge for the Silver Club, it transitioned to an elected position in the early 19th century. Under longstanding custom, the incoming Captain buys back their opening tee ball from the caddie who retrieves it, paying with a gold sovereign bearing the image of His Majesty King Charles III.

Canadian caddie Dillon McCarron, 30, retrieved Dowling’s drive to earn the traditional reward.

“With Claire being the first female Captain, it’s quite an honour,” said McCarron, who is in his second season caddying at St Andrews. “I didn’t really know where the ball was going to go, but it came right to me. I didn’t think there would be much chance with so many caddies out there, so it’s very exciting.”

The retrieved ball will now be cast in silver and added to the historic Silver Club collection.

Paju, Korea - Ryder Cup Europe officially announced the launch of a new local Impact & Legacy Fund, designed to support grassroots projects and community-driven initiatives across Limerick City and County in the build-up to the 2027 Ryder Cup.

Created to ensure golf’s premier team event leaves a lasting, positive footprint beyond the fairways of host venue Adare Manor, the initiative will award individual grants valued at up to €20,000 to eligible local organizations and social projects.

To qualify for funding, applicants must deliver positive local outcomes across one or more of five key pillars aligned with Limerick’s 2023–2028 Local Economic and Community Plan and the Ryder Cup’s Beyond the Fairway social responsibility framework: Community, Skills & Education, Environment, Disability, and Regeneration.

Submissions are now open on the official Ryder Cup website and will accept applications through January 29, 2027. A specialized steering committee comprising representatives from Ryder Cup Europe, Limerick City and County Council, and Limerick Senior Hurling Team Manager John Kiely will evaluate all proposals. Successful applicants will be announced on April 30, 2027, ahead of the biennial matches scheduled for September 13–19, 2027.

“The Ryder Cup will be the biggest sporting event to be staged on the island of Ireland, and we want to make sure that the event transcends golf and delivers long-term benefits for the local community,” said Richard Atkinson, Chief Ryder Cup Officer at the European Tour Group. “This new Impact & Legacy Fund will allow locally rooted organizations and individuals to use the Ryder Cup to further the excellent work they are already doing to make the region an even better place to live and work.”

Irish government and civic leaders welcomed the launch, pointing to the fund as a key mechanism to translate global sports exposure into tangible local returns. Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport Patrick O’Donovan TD emphasized that creating a lasting social legacy remains a priority for host major events, while Mayor of Limerick John Moran noted that the 2027 staging represents a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” to deliver lasting benefits across the Mid-West region.

Organizers expect the grant scheme to complement a broader regional economic boost generated by the 2027 matches, which is projected to drive surges in international travel, increase local hospitality footfall, and generate long-term value for Ireland’s tourism sector.

Paju, Korea - World No. 19 Robert MacIntyre returns to the Home of Golf this week aiming to become just the third player in tournament history to claim multiple Alfred Dunhill Links Championship titles.

The 30-year-old Scot, who earned a four-stroke victory last year across the Old Course at St Andrews, Carnoustie, and Kingsbarns, seeks to join Tyrrell Hatton (2016, 2017, 2024) and Pádraig Harrington (2002, 2006) as a multi-time winner of the DP World Tour flagship event.

“It’s special,” said MacIntyre, coming off a top-10 finish at the BMW PGA Championship. “To finally get across the line here on home soil is always extra special. I think it’s just learning what it takes to play the Old Course. If I do certain things well, you should play well or score well.”

MacIntyre will pair with amateur partner Brett Overman for the opening three rounds, playing in a marquee group alongside three-time champion Hatton and his father, Jeff. Hatton enters his 11th tournament appearance looking to make history as the first four-time winner of the event, aiming to match legendary achievements by Sir Nick Faldo, Seve Ballesteros, and Bernhard Langer on the DP World Tour.

Meanwhile, three-time Major winner Pádraig Harrington reaches a landmark 25th consecutive appearance, remaining the only professional to play in every edition of the tournament since its inception in 2001.

They face tough competition from World No. 4 Matt Fitzpatrick, fresh off his victory at the FedEx Open de France last week. Fitzpatrick, who swept both the individual and Team Championship titles alongside his mother, Sue, in 2023, is teamed with his father, Russell, while his brother Alex plays alongside Sue.

The unique pro-am format sees the field play one round on each of the three courses before a 54-hole cut leaves the top 60 professionals and top 20 team pairs to compete in Sunday’s final round on the Old Course.

Among the celebrity field competing in the Team Championship are former global football star Gareth Bale, actor Michael Peña, cricket icons Kevin Pietersen, Sir Ian Botham, and Michael Vaughan, as well as musicians Tom Chaplin, Dave Farrell, Ronan Keating, and Huey Lewis.

Paju, Korea - Augusta National Golf Club and The R&A announced a continued joint alignment on Monday regarding qualification criteria for the 2027 Masters Tournament and The 155th Open Championship, granting invitations to winners and top finishers from select national opens worldwide.

Building upon the framework established for the 2026 major season, the joint initiative expands upon The R&A’s long-standing Open Qualifying Series to provide direct international pathways into both major championships across multiple global tours.

“The Masters Tournament has a longstanding history of assembling an international field, so we embrace this opportunity to highlight the global nature of the game of golf,” said Fred Ridley, Chairman of Augusta National Golf Club. “Today’s announcement reinforces our shared commitment with The R&A to offer pathways for players from around the world to earn their place in the Masters and The Open.”

The Open Qualifying Series, which originated in 2013, will encompass 19 events across 15 countries for the 2027 season, offering exemption spots for players aiming to compete at St Andrews.

“National opens have a proud history in the sport and their inclusion in The Open Qualifying Series builds upon the Championship’s tradition of being open to the best players from around the world,” said Mark Darbon, Chief Executive of The R&A. “Working alongside Augusta National Golf Club allows us to continue our shared commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for players worldwide.”

The 91st Masters Tournament is scheduled for April 5–11, 2027, at Augusta National, while The 155th Open will take place from July 11–18, 2027, at the Old Course in St Andrews. The full schedule for The Open Qualifying Series and additional exemption lists will be released by The R&A on Tuesday.

Paju, Korea - Thailand’s Pavit Tangkamolprasert carded a third-round five-under-par 67 on Saturday to hold a one-shot lead at 19-under 197 at the Yeangder TPC, keeping his nose ahead of a crowded leaderboard at Linkou International Golf & Country Club.

Seeking his first Asian Tour victory since the 2019 Sabah Masters, the 37-year-old opened his day in style with an eagle on the par-5 first hole before adding three birdies to extend his flawless, bogey-free streak through 54 holes.

“I’m quite surprised because I’m usually a birdie-bogey player, but this week I’ve put the ball in very good positions,” said Pavit, a two-time Asian Tour winner and eight-time Asian Development Tour champion. “I just have to stay calm tomorrow, do what I did for the past three days, and see what happens.”

Defending champion Kazuki Higa of Japan sits just one stroke back at 18-under after matching Pavit’s third-round 67. Higa, who won last year’s event en route to becoming the first Japanese player to capture the Asian Tour Order of Merit, closed the gap with a birdie on the 72nd hole of the day.

The chasing pack gained significant ground during Saturday’s moving day, led by the Philippines’ Miguel Tabuena, who matched the lowest round of the week with a bogey-free 10-under 62 to tie for third at 16-under par.

Joining Tabuena in a four-way tie for third are Hong Kong’s Taichi Kho (64), American Peter Uihlein (65), and local favorite Chien-yao Hung (67). Chinese Taipei’s Chieh-po Lee (64) and Thailand’s Jazz Janewattananond (68) sit a further shot back at 15-under par, while Asian Tour Order of Merit leader Travis Smyth of Australia lurks at 14-under following a 66.

Paju, Korea - England’s Charlotte Heath secured her breakthrough maiden Ladies European Tour (LET) title on Sunday, holding off a fierce final-round challenge to win the La Sella Open at La Sella Golf in Denia, Alicante.

Entering the final round with a four-shot advantage, the 24-year-old rookie weathered gusting winds and a tightening leaderboard to post a final-round 73. Finishing at 10-under-par 206, Heath sealed the two-stroke victory in style by pitching to nine feet on the 72nd hole and rolling in a birdie putt.

The win earns Heath a €150,000 winner’s check in her debut season on tour, overcoming previous close calls in her rookie campaign.

“It’s incredible,” said Heath, who credited caddie Alex Long for keeping her grounded during a high-pressure afternoon. “This year, I’ve gone out in the leading group twice before, so I guess it’s third time lucky. When the pressure is on, negative thoughts can creep in, so having someone calm alongside me made a huge difference.”

Fellow Englishwoman Alice Hewson surged into contention late with a birdie on the 18th to post an eight-under total, sharing second place alongside Italy’s Alessandra Fanali, who fired a round-of-the-day 68. Sweden’s Kajsa Arwefjall finished solo fourth at seven-under par, while Slovenia’s Pia Babnik matched the low round of the day with a 67 to tie for fifth at six-under alongside Germany’s Helen Briem.

Singapore’s Shannon Tan, Czechia’s Tereza Kazar Melecka, and Ireland’s Lauren Walsh finished tied for seventh at five-under par.

The LET now heads to Golf Club Milano for the Buccellati Ladies Italian Open, scheduled for September 25 to 27.

Paju, Korea - American JJ Spaun made his Rolex Series debut a triumphant one on Sunday, firing a five-under-par 67 to claim a two-stroke victory at the 2026 BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth Club.

The 36-year-old, who started the final round one shot off the pace, recovered from an early bogey on the opening hole with birdies at the 4th and 5th. Spaun then caught fire on the back nine, rolling in four birdies across his final five holes—including crucial conversions at the 15th and 16th—to set the clubhouse benchmark at 17-under-par 271.

The victory marks Spaun’s second title on the DP World Tour following his major breakthrough at the 2025 U.S. Open at Oakmont. He joins Arnold Palmer (1975) and Billy Horschel (2021, 2024) as only the third American player to win the flagship event in Surrey.

“It means so much,” said Spaun following his victory. “To take my game across the world, and more specifically here in England—a place that’s dear to my family’s heart—I’m just grateful to have the opportunity and come out with the win. I kept telling myself to stay patient because of the closing stretch at Wentworth, and the back nine has been really good to me all week.”

Spaniard Manuel Elvira, the 54-hole leader, briefly shared the lead after an eagle at the par-5 17th but suffered a costly double-bogey on the 72nd hole to drop into a four-way tie for second place at 15-under par. Elvira posted a final-round 70 alongside World No. 2 Rory McIlroy (68), Adam Scott (68), and US PGA Championship winner Aaron Rai, who surged up the leaderboard with an eight-under 66.

Major champions Matt Fitzpatrick and Ryan Fox shared sixth place at 14-under par alongside Joost Luiten and Filippo Celli. Meanwhile, France’s Frederic Lacroix generated the highlight of the day by scoring a hole-in-one on the 14th hole to win a BMW iX5 xDrive 60 M Sport.

Paju, Korea - Career Grand Slam winner Rory McIlroy returns to Wentworth Club this week for the 2026 BMW PGA Championship, seeking to add a second title at the DP World Tour’s flagship event in Surrey.

McIlroy, who famously captured his first victory at the West Course in 2014 after erasing a seven-shot overnight deficit with a closing 66, enters the US$9,000,000 tournament following a strong finish at last week’s Amgen Irish Open. The World Number Two is looking to make up ground in his pursuit of an eighth Race to Dubai crown, sitting second in the season-long standings behind Patrick Reed.

“It’s always nice to be back, even more meaningful now that we have a home here,” said McIlroy, who tees off in the opening two rounds alongside reigning US PGA Championship winner Aaron Rai and Open Champion Ryan Fox. “It really does feel like a home event. A great field is always assembled, and we play in front of an amazing atmosphere. Honestly, it’s one of my favorite weeks of the year.”

McIlroy will face a formidable international field that includes defending champion Alex Norén. The Swede, who defeated France’s Adrien Saddier in a dramatic playoff last year, is aiming for his third BMW PGA Championship title. A victory would place Norén alongside Bernhard Langer and Colin Montgomerie, trailing only Sir Nick Faldo’s record of four titles in the modern era.

Two-time Major winner Jon Rahm also returns to Surrey in search of his sixth Rolex Series victory. The Spaniard boasts a stellar track record at Wentworth, having logged runner-up finishes in 2019 and 2022 alongside a fourth-place effort in 2023.

The English contingent is led by Justin Rose, making his 21st career appearance at the championship, alongside Rai, Matt Fitzpatrick, and Tommy Fleetwood.

“I’m certainly motivated to play well for the rest of the year,” McIlroy added. “Being second right now and a little ways off first is motivation enough to try to finish the year off well.”