Lancashire, England - South Korea’s Hae Ran Ryu made a strong opening statement in her bid for a historic third consecutive Major victory, firing a five-under-par 66 in the opening round of the 2026 AIG Women’s Open at Royal Lytham & St Annes.

The 25-year-old sits in a tie for second place alongside Japan’s Shiho Kuwaki, two strokes behind early leader Jeeno Thitikul of Thailand, who set the pace with a course-record seven-under 64.

Having already captured both the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship and the Amundi Evian Championship this season, Ryu arrives in Lancashire on the brink of history. Should she lift the trophy this week, she will become only the third player in women’s golf history to win three LPGA Major titles in a single season, joining Babe Zaharias (1950) and Inbee Park (2013). Her strategic decision to skip last week’s ISPS HANDA Women’s Scottish Open to focus exclusively on Royal Lytham paid immediate dividends on day one.

Ryu ignited her round with a birdie on the par-3 1st and quickly built momentum with a cluster of gains on the 4th, 6th, and 7th holes to turn in four-under 32. After a minor setback with a bogey on the 15th, she responded immediately with a birdie on the 16th before closing her day in style with a final birdie on the par-4 18th.

Despite her sterling score, Ryu acknowledged the stern test presented by Royal Lytham’s penal pot bunkers. “I didn’t hit driver very often because there are just so many bunkers out here. To be honest, it was really tough,” Ryu admitted after her round. “Even when you hit a good shot on a links course, the fairways are firm and undulating, so the ball can still roll into a bunker. I found myself thinking, ‘Why is my ball over there?’ quite a few times today.” To navigate the hazards, Ryu relied heavily on precise course strategy and frequent consults with her yardage book, adding: “Going forward, I’ll continue trying to play calmly and solidly.”

Among other Korean contenders, 18-year-old amateur Yunseo Yang made an impressive Major debut, carding a one-under-par 70 to sit tied for 17th alongside Jin Hee Im and Subin Joo. Meanwhile, World No. 1 Nelly Korda—who split the season’s first four Majors with Ryu by winning the Chevron Championship and U.S. Women’s Open—struggled to a two-over 73, leaving her tied for 53rd heading into Friday’s second round.

Lancashire, England - England’s Georgia Hall returns to the scene of her greatest career achievement this week at Royal Lytham & St Annes, marking her Major championship comeback at the AIG Women’s Open just five months after welcoming her first child, Conor, in February.

Hall lifted the Claret Jug at Royal Lytham in 2018 for her maiden Major title, winning by two strokes on home soil. Returning to the famed Lancashire links layout this week with her family in tow, the 30-year-old admitted driving into the venue brought back fond memories and goosebumps.

“It gives me goosebumps. It was such a nice feeling to be back here, and a happy atmosphere seeing all the spectators,” Hall reflected. “It brings me a lot of confidence coming back here, and even playing in the practice rounds I see the shots I hit in certain positions. I remember every pin position. This event is the highlight of my year, and to have that support in England is extra special.”

Hall’s road back to competitive golf began just six weeks after giving birth, working through a gradual rehabilitation program alongside physical training and swing adjustments before sharpening her game at select Ladies European Tour events.

“I first picked up a club six weeks after giving birth at a local driving range,” said Hall, who sought advice from two-time AIG Women’s Open champion Catriona Matthew on navigating motherhood while competing on tour. “My rotation was pretty limited at first, but I enjoyed the progress. A lot of it was rehab and physical work, but I always had Lytham in mind. I didn’t want to miss this event.”

Supported by her parents and partner Paul, Hall has balanced final preparations with family life ahead of Thursday’s opening round. “I had a picture with Conor on the 18th green, and that will definitely be my screensaver,” she added. “To have my whole life there with Paul... I’m just really grateful that I made it back here and everything went well enough to allow me to play.”

Lancashire, England - The DP World Tour has announced a multi-year partnership with global online Forex and CFD trading provider Axi, naming the firm its Official Marketing Partner and Official Online Trading Partner through 2029.

The deal marks the first time the DP World Tour has introduced an Online Trading Partner category to its commercial portfolio, while making Axi the first company in the online trading sector to partner directly with a professional golf tour.

Under the agreement, Sydney-founded Axi will secure prominent brand visibility across DP World Tour events and serve as an Official Partner to four select tournaments each season. Axi’s branding will also reach an estimated broadcast footprint of 600 million homes weekly, alongside digital integration featuring a rebranded fantasy golf experience: Fantasy DP World Tour Powered by Axi. The game will introduce the Axi Edge Score, a metric evaluating player form, consistency, and risk approach to assist fans with fantasy selections.

“Golf and trading share the same DNA: success comes down to preparation, discipline, and the fine margins that separate good from great. That’s what Axi’s Edge is all about,” said Rajesh Yohannan, CEO of Axi. “Partnering with the DP World Tour—a truly global Tour with a truly global audience—allows us to tell that story on one of the biggest stages in sport. We’re proud to be the first online trading company to partner with a professional golf Tour.”

Guy Kinnings, CEO of the DP World Tour, welcomed the milestone addition: “Axi are a global platform with big ambition, and we’re delighted that they have chosen the DP World Tour for their first partnership in golf. Our audience is affluent, financially savvy and come from all four corners of the globe—giving Axi the perfect marketing platform to build from. Together, we will create compelling multi-channel brand campaigns and networking opportunities that elevate their presence in priority markets.”

Lytham St Annes, England - Belgium’s Manon De Roey and England’s Bel Wardle topped the leaderboard at Final Qualifying on Monday, firing matching four-under-par 68s at St Annes Old Links to earn their places in the field for the 2026 AIG Women’s Open.

Competing against a 111-player field in testing west coast conditions, 26-year-old Wardle relied on a blistering front-nine 32 to punch her ticket to her maiden Major championship debut. Meanwhile, 34-year-old De Roey—playing in the final group of the day after walking the course late Sunday following the ISPS HANDA Women’s Scottish Open—capped off her round with a closing birdie on the 18th to secure her seventh consecutive AIG Women’s Open appearance.

“It was tough out there, but I got on a birdie run which gave me something to fall back on,” said Wardle. “I’ve had a couple of years where I went off form, but I’m just so pleased. Royal Lytham & St Annes is fairly local for me, and it will be like a dream to play in the AIG Women’s Open.”

Five players finished one stroke back at three-under-par 69 to claim automatic qualifying spots: English amateur Lauren Crump, former Curtis Cup player Annabell Fuller, Australia’s Justice Bosio, France’s Vanessa Bouvet, and Spain’s Carla Tejedo Mulet, who holed a clutch eagle putt on the 18th hole.

The final six spots required a high-stakes play-off among eight players tied at two-under-par 70. Ireland’s Anna Foster clinched her ticket on the first extra hole with a birdie, while Chloe Williams, Polly Mack, Ana Peláez Trivino, Amanda Doherty, and past LPGA winner Jodi Ewart Shadoff successfully emerged from additional playoff holes to round out the 13 qualifiers.

The 2026 AIG Women’s Open, the fifth and final Major of the season, tees off at Royal Lytham & St Annes from July 29 to August 2.

Korea - Jerry Kelly produced a masterclass in lag putting and composure down the stretch at The Gleneagles Hotel to capture his first ISPS HANDA Senior Open title by two strokes.

The 59-year-old American entered the final round tied for the lead with Australia’s Cameron Percy before signing for a two-under-par 68 to reach 10-under 270. Kelly finished two shots clear of Percy, South Africa’s Darren Fichardt, and fellow American Matt Gogel, who surged up the leaderboard with a stunning, bogey-free 63.

Kelly built an early three-shot cushion on the front nine before managing a back-nine battle against pouring rain and a nagging back tweak suffered on the sixth hole. Holding a one-stroke lead on the par-five 18th tee, Kelly found a greenside bunker with his second shot but executed a brilliant recovery to four feet, draining the birdie putt to secure his 14th PGA TOUR Champions title and third Senior Major championship.

“It’s indescribable to win it. The Senior Claret Jug is the trophy that I’ve wanted as an over-50 golfer more than any other. To do it in Scotland at the Home of Golf... I’m absolutely speechless,” Kelly reflected. “My brain, actually, was the most successful part of my game today. I learned a lot about myself, and I wish I would have learned it 20 or 30 years ago. You’re never too old to learn, and that’s what really pulled me through.”

With the victory, Kelly becomes the first American winner of the Senior Open since Marco Dawson in 2015, while also earning a coveted exemption into The 155th Open Championship at St Andrews next year.

Scotland’s Stephen Gallacher recorded the lowest round of the tournament—an eight-under 62—to finish solo fifth at six-under-par, while American Taggart Ridings took sixth at five-under. Defending champion K.J. Choi tied for seventh at four-under alongside Zach Johnson, Boo Weekley, and Italy’s Emanuele Canonica.

Quick Facts

• Full Name: Jenny Shin (Korean Name: Ji-eun Shin / 신지은)

• Birthdate: October 7, 1992

• Birthplace: Seoul, South Korea (Moved to the United States at age 9)

• Height: 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm)

• Rookie Year: LPGA Tour (2011) / Futures Tour (2010)

• Key Strength: High tee-to-green accuracy, exceptional links-style adaptability, and competitive resilience

Career Highlights and Milestones

• Triumphant Scottish Open Champion (2026): Captured a dramatic wire-to-wire victory at the ISPS Handa Women’s Scottish Open at Dundonald Links, snapping a ten-year LPGA winless drought with a two-stroke victory over Kim A-lim.

• Youngest U.S. Girls’ Junior Champion (2006): Burst onto the global scene at age 13 by winning the prestigious U.S. Girls’ Junior Championship, becoming its youngest winner at the time.

• Maiden LPGA Tour Victory (2016): Claimed her breakthrough title on the LPGA Tour at the Volunteers of America Texas Shootout, firing a final-round 67 to win by two shots.

• Extended LPGA Tour Longevity: Has maintained elite consistency on the LPGA Tour for over 15 seasons, recording dozens of top-10 finishes across major championships and premier tour events.

Professional Wins (3 Titles Worldwide)

LPGA Tour Wins (2):

• 2026 ISPS Handa Women’s Scottish Open (Wire-to-wire victory at Dundonald Links)

• 2016 Volunteers of America Texas Shootout

Epson Tour Wins (1):

• 2010 The International at Concord

Play Style and Statistical Profile

Jenny Shin’s game combines technical precision with a high-adrenaline competitive mindset. Key elements of her play include:

1. Iron Precision and Distance Control: Shin relies on hitting greens in regulation consistently, avoiding big mistakes on demanding layouts.

2. Links Golf Mastery: As displayed in her 2026 Scottish Open victory, she excels at managing her ball trajectory in windy, dry, and unpredictable coastal conditions.

3. Adrenaline-Fueled Competitor: Shin openly thrives under pressure when feeling the heat of the leaderboard, using mid-round challenges to elevate her focus.

What Makes Her Special to Fans

Having grown up between South Korea and Southern California, Shin bridges the gap between Asian and Western golf cultures effortlessly. She is celebrated for her candid, filter-free personality in interviews and her honest reflections on the mental challenges of professional golf. Her decade-long journey between tour victories has made her a deeply admired figure among fans who value perseverance and passion.

Key Quotes

• On Winning the 2026 ISPS Handa Women’s Scottish Open After a 10-Year Drought: “I can’t believe it happened this week. The people around me patiently waited for me and believed in me, because I never really believed in myself. That’s what got me emotional. I hate being chased, but at the same time, I love adrenaline. I’m definitely a junkie for competition.”

• On Managing Mindset and Caddie Trust Under Sunday Pressure: “I’ve got a very chaotic mind, and my caddie knows how to calm that down, which is really all you need. I asked him, ‘I’m panicking, what should I do?’ And he said, ‘Just be with me. Stay here with me, look at the ball, and commit to what you were doing all week.’ That’s how I hung in there.”

• On Her Passion for Competing Despite Tough Years: “The competition is what kept me going. The mental battle out there was fun and exhilarating. So yeah, we’re all lunatics out here competing, and I’m definitely one of them.”

Korea - Korea’s Jenny Shin sealed an emotional wire-to-wire victory at the 2026 ISPS HANDA Women’s Scottish Open, ending a 10-year wait for her second LPGA Tour title and capturing her maiden Ladies European Tour (LET) trophy at Dundonald Links.

The 33-year-old posted rounds of 66, 67, 71, and 75 to finish at nine-under-par 279, holding off a fierce charge from compatriot A Lim Kim. The win marks Shin’s first official tour victory since the 2016 Texas Shootout, rewarding a decade of perseverance on the global stage.

Entering Sunday’s final round with a five-stroke cushion, Shin’s lead was severely tested after a mid-round stumble of three consecutive bogeys from the sixth hole. However, a clutch seven-foot par save on the ninth steadied her nerves, and back-to-back back-nine birdies on the 10th and 12th re-established her control over the tournament.

“My first win didn’t really feel like a win at the time—I didn’t feel like I deserved it,” Shin reflected. “But this one definitely feels a lot different. This one feels like I earned it. I worked hard for it. Four years ago, my putting coach asked me what my goal was, and I told him I needed to win before I retire. I wanted this so badly, and I’m just so proud of myself for hanging in there.”

Kim finished in solo second at seven-under par after firing the round of the day—a four-under 68 highlighted by five birdies—while Thailand’s Pajaree Anannarukarn took third at five-under par. Germany’s Esther Henseleit completed the top four at four-under.

With the victory, Shin now carries peak momentum into the year’s final Major, the AIG Women’s Open, taking place next week at Royal Lytham & St Annes.

Korea - European Ryder Cup Captain Luke Donald and 2019 Open Champion Shane Lowry have confirmed their return to the Delhi Golf Club for the second edition of the DP World India Championship, taking place from October 15–18, 2026.

The star-studded $4,000,000 event will showcase a marquee field featuring newly crowned Open Champion Ryan Fox alongside defending champion Tommy Fleetwood, back-to-back Masters champion Rory McIlroy, Justin Rose, and Viktor Hovland. Serving as the eighth of nine events in the pivotal “Back 9” phase of the 2026 Race to Dubai, the tournament plays a key role in shaping the field for the season-ending DP World Tour Play-Offs in Dubai.

Donald, who led Team Europe to historic back-to-back victories in Rome (2023) and New York (2025), made his professional Indian debut at the inaugural event last year. “It’s a privilege to be able to play golf all over the world, and I really enjoyed my first experience of Delhi last year,” said Donald. “It’s shaping up to be another incredible DP World India Championship field, and I look forward to teeing it up alongside so many European Ryder Cup players in particular.”

Lowry, a three-time Ryder Cup star who finished tied for third in last year’s inaugural staging, expressed equal excitement to return to the Indian capital. “I was pleased with how the week went at the DP World India Championship last year, and the fans gave us such a warm welcome,” the Irishman noted. “It was enjoyable to be part of the first edition of the event, and I look forward to more of the same this October.”

Co-sanctioned with the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI), the DP World India Championship offers the largest prize fund in the country’s golf history and underscores India’s rising influence on the global golfing calendar. Ticket registration for fans is now open.

Korea - Golf fans have reached the final 24 hours to enter the official ticket ballot for The 155th Open, set to take place at the iconic Old Course at St Andrews from July 11–18, 2027.

Following a record-breaking week at Royal Birkdale—where more than 300,000 spectators witnessed Ryan Fox capture the Claret Jug with a dramatic final-hole birdie—demand for the return to the “Home of Golf” has surged to unprecedented levels. The primary window for general admission applications officially closes on Friday, July 24 at 3:00 PM BST. To participate in the ballot, fans must register through One Club, the free digital membership initiative presented by Mastercard.

“Following an unforgettable week at Royal Birkdale, we have seen huge demand and interest from fans wanting to attend The 155th Open at St Andrews,” said Chris Gabe, Director of Fan Experiences at The R&A. “With just 24 hours left before the ballot closes, we are encouraging fans to submit their ticket applications right away so they avoid disappointment and do not miss out on their chance to enjoy a true celebration of golf next year.”

The R&A highlighted that applicants targeting Practice Days historically enjoy a higher rate of success. Key early-week events on the Old Course will include the second staging of the dramatic 12-player Last-Chance Qualifier on Monday, July 12—which recently awarded Joe Dean the final spot in the field at Birkdale—and The Heroes Classic - Champion Edition on Tuesday, July 13, featuring former Open Champions competing across the 1st, 2nd, 17th, and 18th holes.

While Ticket Plus options for Championship Days have already sold out, fans can still explore alternative access routes. Official hospitality experiences and destination packages—including stay-and-play offerings and the budget-friendly The Open Camping Village—remain available for direct purchase, providing guaranteed access without relying on ballot selection.

Korea- Korea’s Jenny Shin and American Lauren Coughlin carded matching six-under-par 66s to share the lead after a blustery opening day at the 2026 ISPS HANDA Women’s Scottish Open.

Shin set the early clubhouse target during the morning wave at Dundonald Links, utilizing pinpoint wedge play and sharp iron accuracy to overcome firm, dry conditions. Starting her round on the back nine, the 33-year-old turned in four-under before adding three more birdies on the front nine against a single bogey.

“On this golf course, the tee shots are pretty crucial,” said Shin, who spent the previous week playing coastal courses in Sweden to prepare for the links test. “The fact I was able to reach the par-5s and take advantage of making birdies there helped. It is a links golf course; you just don’t know where the ball is going to bounce. The secret is to just be in acceptance of whatever happens.”

Coughlin, the tournament’s 2024 winner, matched Shin’s six-under mark in the afternoon conditions, pouring in eight birdies alongside two bogeys. The American relied on a hot putter and precise distance control to navigate fairways playing considerably firmer and faster than in previous editions.

“I just played really solidly,” said Coughlin. “I’ve not ever really played it when it’s been this firm, so I had to hit quite a few different clubs off the tee than normal. I executed my game plan really well and made almost everything I looked at today.”

Korea’s A Lim Kim sits alone in third place at five-under-par following a 67 highlighted by three consecutive birdies from the 10th hole, while Sweden’s Lisa Pettersson occupies solo fourth at three-under. A four-way tie for fifth at two-under par features Germany’s Esther Henseleit, Sweden’s Anna Nordqvist, and Japanese duo Erika Hara and Miyu Yamashita.

The second round gets underway at 7:30 AM local time on Friday, with the field competing to make the 36-hole cut for the top 65 players and ties.

Korea - Australia’s Cameron Percy teed off in ideal morning conditions to take a slender one-shot lead following the opening round of the ISPS HANDA Senior Open at The Gleneagles Hotel. The 52-year-old capitalized on benign early winds on the King’s Course, unleashing a stunning run of four consecutive birdies around the turn to sign for an opening seven-under-par 67.

Percy, who has recorded top-10 finishes at three Senior Majors since turning 50, kept his ball impeccably in play all morning. After picking up early gains at the second and third, his four-birdie blitz from the ninth vaulted him to the summit. Despite dropping his sole shot of the day on the 13th, the Australian answered immediately by driving the short par-four 14th to setup a birdie before closing his day with a final gain on the 18th.

“I drove it really good, but you have to here. I didn’t hit in the rough once, and that was really nice,” said Percy, who is making his debut at Gleneagles. “Seemed to have really good numbers, and I stopped pretty close to the hole and made a couple putts. I found something late yesterday in practice and carried it over. Hopefully I’ll keep doing that.”

France’s Lionel Alexandre sits just one stroke adrift after delivering a flawless, bogey-free six-under 64. A formidable chasing group at five-under par features four-time Major champion Ernie Els, 2018 Senior Open winner Miguel Ángel Jiménez, and American duo Tom Penrice Jr. and Pat Perez. Penrice Jr. staged the afternoon’s most dramatic surge, rebounding from an early double-bogey with four back-nine birdies and an eagle on the 14th.

“Kept it under control. I had a nice start and played the front nine quite well,” reflected Els, who matched Jiménez with a single bogey on his card. “The greens were smooth this morning, but they are tricky to read and putt. It’s a course where you’ve got to get yourself around and play the wind, so I think scoring is going to level out a bit.”

Further down the leaderboard, a five-player group including Sweden’s Johan Edfors and America’s Jerry Kelly sits at four-under par, while two-time Major champion Zach Johnson opened his Senior Open debut with a solid three-under round alongside Ryder Cup veterans Boo Weekley and David Howell.

Korea - The Asian Tour, DP World Tour, and PGA TOUR have announced a landmark multi-year partnership running through at least 2029, opening a significant new chapter for global professional golf.

Under the new agreement, effective immediately, the PGA TOUR and DP World Tour—expanding on their existing Strategic Alliance—will collaborate directly with the Asian Tour to enhance commercial growth and expand playing opportunities. Crucially, the partnership establishes direct performance pathways for leading Asian Tour members to earn playing rights on the DP World Tour starting from the 2027 season.

Additionally, the DP World Tour will resume co-sanctioning select tournaments alongside the Asian Tour beginning in 2027, rekindling a historic relationship that first began with the 1999 Malaysian Open and previously encompassed 108 co-sanctioned events. Full details regarding the co-sanctioned schedule will be unveiled alongside the DP World Tour’s official 2027 calendar launch later this year.

“We feel the time is now right to collaborate with the DP World Tour and PGA TOUR to enhance the Asian Tour for our members, fans, and partners,” said Cho Minn Thant, Commissioner & CEO of the Asian Tour. “Bringing the three Tours together under one partnership will increase the bandwidth of the professional game in Asia. Not only will co-sanctioning events see our members competing regularly on the global stage, but we are excited to welcome players from the other Tours to our pinnacle events.”

Ben Cowen, Chief Tournament and Operations Officer for the DP World Tour, highlighted the unprecedented global potential of the tri-tour alignment: “As Golf’s Global Tour, we bring together the best international talent, and the formal pathways established by this partnership will provide unprecedented international opportunities for Asian Tour members. Our agreement represents a hugely positive step for golf in Asia and an exciting new era of collaboration for our game globally.”

PGA TOUR Senior Vice President of International Christian Hardy echoed those sentiments, noting that welcoming the Asian Tour into the existing PGA TOUR–DP World Tour framework strengthens the global ecosystem, enhances key National Opens, and streamlines the identification of the world’s next generation of elite talent.

Quick Facts

• Full Name: Ryan Fox

• Birthdate: January 22, 1987

• Birthplace: Auckland, New Zealand

• Height: 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm)

• Rookie Year: PGA Tour (2024) / DP World Tour (2017)

• Key Strength: Immense driving distance, high greens-in-regulation percentage, and ice-cold composure under extreme pressure

Career Highlights and Milestones

• Champion Golfer of the Year (2026): Captured his maiden Major title at the 154th Open Championship at Royal Birkdale. He tied the major record with a 3rd-round 62 and drained a dramatic 12-foot walk-off birdie on the 72nd hole to win by one stroke.

• New Zealand Sporting Royalty: Became only the third New Zealander in history to win a golf major (joining Sir Bob Charles and Michael Campbell). He is the son of legendary All Blacks rugby fly-half Grant Fox and grandson of New Zealand cricket captain Merv Wallace.

• Flagship Victory at Wentworth (2023): Won the DP World Tour’s flagship event, the BMW PGA Championship, coming back from a final-round triple-bogey to claim victory.

• Global PGA Tour & DP World Tour Star: Successfully established himself on the PGA Tour via the DP World Tour Top 10 eligibility list, competing at the highest level across both sides of the Atlantic.

Professional Wins (18 Titles Worldwide)

Major Championship Titles (1):

• 2026 The Open Championship (154th Open at Royal Birkdale – 10-under-par 270)

DP World Tour Wins (4):

• 2023 BMW PGA Championship (Flagship Event)

• 2022 Ras Al Khaimah Classic

• 2022 ISPS Handa Catch 22

• 2019 ISPS Handa World Super 6 Perth

Other Notable Wins:

• 2 Challenge Tour Titles

• 11 PGA Tour of Australasia Titles

Play Style and Statistical Profile

Ryan Fox’s game is built around overwhelming power balanced with creative trajectory control in adverse conditions. Key elements of his play include:

1. Bombing off the Tee: Regularly ranking among the longest drivers on tour, Fox uses his massive swing speed to shorten difficult par-4s and gain a distinct advantage on long layouts.

2. High-Octane Aggression: Rarely laying back, Fox plays an attacking style of golf that produces a high volume of birdies and eagles, as evidenced by his historical 62 at Royal Birkdale.

3. Masterful Links Craftsmanship: Raised in windy coastal environments, his ability to control flight in heavy seaside conditions makes him a natural fit for Open Championship setups.

What Makes Him Special to Fans

Carrying one of the most famous sporting surnames in New Zealand, Ryan earned widespread admiration for forging his own historic path outside the rugby field. Known for his down-to-earth Kiwi personality, speed of play, and genuine humility, his dramatic walk-off putt at Birkdale solidified his status as a fan favorite around the globe.

Key Quotes

• On Winning the 154th Open Championship at Royal Birkdale (2026):

  “You can’t feel your hands, I know that. I don’t know how I managed to keep the putter face square enough for that putt on 18 to go in, but it’s a dream come true. To lift the Claret Jug and see my name on this trophy is beyond anything I ever imagined.”

• On Handling Sunday Pressure and Overcoming Adversity on the Back Nine:

  “I was just trying to get it towards the hole somewhere. The difficult moments test you, but I just tried to trust my swing and stay aggressive when I had the chances down the stretch. It’s surreal that it went in.”

• On Carrying His Family’s Sporting Legacy to Major Glory:

  “Dad achieved incredible things with the All Blacks, so sports were always part of my life. But golf was my own path. To bring the Claret Jug back home to New Zealand and add to our family legacy in my own sport makes me incredibly proud.”

Paju, Korea - The Korea Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA) and the LPGA Tour have reached a dramatic agreement to significantly expand the number of KLPGA Tour players competing in the BMW Ladies Championship starting next season.

In a joint statement released on July 22, the KLPGA and LPGA confirmed that 15 KLPGA Tour players will be granted field spots for the 2026 edition, with that figure doubling to 30 players for the 2027 staging in South Korea.

Under the revised structure for this year’s event—scheduled to take place over four days from October 22 in Haenam, South Korea—the field will consist of 68 LPGA Tour players, 15 KLPGA Tour players, and 1 sponsor exemption in a no-cut format.

The resolution comes after eight months of rigorous negotiations following an initial face-to-face meeting in Seoul last October. Discussions had previously stalled after the LPGA maintained a firm stance on capping KLPGA participation at ten players. Under KLPGA regulations, a minimum of 30 participating tour members is required for an event to receive official status on its calendar, meaning the 2026 tournament results will not count toward official KLPGA season statistics or point standings.

However, the 2027 edition will see the overall field expand to 108 players—comprising 74 LPGA players, 30 KLPGA players, and 4 sponsor exemptions—with a midway cut introduced. Consequently, player records and prize earnings from the 2027 tournament will be fully recognized as official KLPGA Tour statistics.

In their joint statement, both sanctioning bodies underscored their shared commitment to the long-term success of the championship, stating they will continue to work closely together to foster the growth and development of women’s golf.

Korea - New Zealand’s Ryan Fox completed one of the most remarkable weekend comebacks in Major championship history, holing a nerve-shredding 11-foot birdie putt on the 72nd hole at Royal Birkdale to win The 154th Open Championship by a single stroke. The 39-year-old Auckland native carded a final-round two-under-par 68 to finish at 10-under 270, edging out American Cameron Young, who had earlier set the clubhouse target with a fiery 64. With his breakthrough victory, Fox becomes only the third New Zealander to capture a men’s Major title—joining Sir Bob Charles and Michael Campbell—and seals the largest 36-hole position comeback from T-52 to winner in modern Major history.

Having narrowly made the weekend cut on Friday before exploding with a course-record-tying 62 on Saturday, Fox entered Sunday’s final round trailing 54-hole leader Sam Burns by two strokes. After dropping a shot on the 11th hole to fall back to seven-under, Fox mounted a heroic back-nine charge with birdies on the 13th and 14th to pull level with Young. A nerve-racking bunker recovery at the 15th resulted in a bogey, but Fox immediately answered with a 10-foot birdie on the 16th to draw tied for the lead once more heading into the dramatic final hole.

Facing a 175-yard approach into the wind on the 18th, Fox executed a brilliant 9-iron to 11 feet and calmly drained the championship-winning putt. “I said to my caddie, Dean, on the 18th tee that we were going to take it on, that I was going to try to win the tournament, and I’d live with the consequences if I stuffed it up,” Fox reflected after lifting the Claret Jug. “To be the Champion Golfer of the Year... it’s unbelievable, surreal, crazy. I spoke to my kids last night and they said, ‘Bring back a trophy.’ I think this is a pretty cool one to bring back for them.”

Young, who won the Players Championship earlier this season, posted a six-under 64 featuring five consecutive threes on his front nine to hold the clubhouse lead at nine-under par for over two hours before Fox’s final-hole heroics. Overnight leader Burns stalled with a final-round 72 to finish solo third at eight-under par. Meanwhile, World No. 1 and defending champion Scottie Scheffler birdied 16 and 17 before a closing bogey left him at seven-under par in a tie for fourth alongside home favorite Tommy Fleetwood, while South Korea’s Si Woo Kim tied for sixth at six-under par following a final-round 72.

Korea - Pádraig Harrington returns to Scotland this week to defend his ISPS HANDA Senior Open title at The King’s Course at Gleneagles. The three-time Major winner—who captured his fourth Senior Major title at the U.S. Senior Open earlier this month—became just the fifth player in golf history to win both The Open Championship and the Senior Open following a three-stroke victory at Sunningdale last year.

“I’m excited, but there is always trepidation and stress when you’re defending,” said the 54-year-old Irishman. “Last year was a big deal for me. Having won The Open, you always want to back it up and win the Senior Open. The course is in great condition, but it’s pretty tight in places. I’d be happy if I finished this week without losing a golf ball—if I can manage that, I’ll probably be pretty competitive.”

Gleneagles last hosted Europe’s only Senior Major in 2022, when Darren Clarke edged out Harrington by a single stroke. Clarke returns to Perthshire this week alongside a stacked 144-player field featuring 15 Major champions, 29 Ryder Cup players, and five former Ryder Cup captains.

The 39th edition of the championship marks the Senior Open debut for Open champions Stewart Cink, Zach Johnson, and Henrik Stenson, while 1989 champion Mark Calcavecchia makes his first appearance at the event since 2018.

Korea - World No. 5 Lottie Woad returns to Dundonald Links in Ayrshire this week to defend her crown at the 2026 ISPS HANDA Women’s Scottish Open. Exactly one year ago, the English star made headlines globally by claiming victory on her professional debut at this very event. Returning with an additional LPGA Tour title now under her belt, Woad expressed fond nostalgia for the links layout while noting that recent warm UK weather has made the turf considerably firmer and faster compared to last year’s softer conditions.

“I definitely have special memories and positive ones coming into this week,” Woad remarked ahead of the $2 million co-sanctioned showcase between the LET and LPGA Tour. “Coming here last year, I was coming off a good stretch and everything happened pretty quickly... now it’s been a year and I’ve had time to reflect on it, it’s definitely more special than maybe I thought at the time. You’re getting more run off the tee and have shorter clubs in, but you can still be pretty aggressive.” In a nostalgic pairing repeat, Woad will play her opening two rounds alongside World No. 1 Nelly Korda and home favorite Charley Hull.

Meanwhile, Denmark’s Nicole Broch Estrup makes a milestone return to European soil, marking her first LET appearance in 17 months following the birth of her son, Max. Having already tested the waters on the LPGA Tour with a solid T14 finish at the ShopRite LPGA Classic and a T12 at the Dow Championship, the Danish star expressed immense excitement to reunite with her LET peers and bring her newborn son to the tournament grounds.

The 144-player field, representing 33 nationalities, will compete at Dundonald Links across four days from July 23–26 as players tune up for next week’s final Major of the European summer.

Southport, England - South Korea’s Sungjae Im vaulted into contention at the season’s final men’s Major Championship, securing a share of second place after the opening round of The 154th Open in Southport, England. Navigating the historically tight layout of Royal Birkdale Golf Club, the 28-year-old displayed superb accuracy to card a four-under-par 66, leaving him just one stroke adrift of surprise first-round leader Jackson Suber of the United States. Im shares the second spot with home favorite Daniel Brown on a heavily congested leaderboard.

The stellar start provides Im with a golden opportunity to rewrite his 2026 Major narrative, following a frustrating run earlier this year that saw him finish 46th at the Masters, miss the cut at the PGA Championship, and tie for 43rd at the U.S. Open. Im steady’d himself through a quiet front nine, trading a birdie on the par-three fourth with a bogey on the sixth, before unleashing a back-nine charge. Consecutive birdies on the 10th and 11th shifted his momentum, which he sustained by stiffing a third shot on the 14th to setup a tap-in birdie, before closing his day with an excellent up-and-down birdie from the greenside rough on the par-five 17th.

“The wind wasn’t overly brutal today, so I didn’t face major difficulties attacking with my tee shots and approaches,” Im reflected. “I memorized my strategy for the course beforehand and strictly stuck to my routine. I didn’t let greed get the better of me, and whenever a scoring chance appeared, the putts dropped. Among all the Open venues I’ve experienced, these fairways feel the narrowest. But if you keep the ball on the short grass, it plays fair—and that suits my style perfectly.”

Fellow countryman Si Woo Kim also enjoyed a highly productive opening day in Southport, grinding out a two-under-par 68. Kim’s three-birdie performance places him in a star-studded tie for 13th alongside World Number One and defending champion Scottie Scheffler. Scheffler looked poised to push for the absolute lead after turning in three-under, but an unexpected late bogey on the par-five 17th halted his charge.

Meanwhile, Tom Kim—who arrived in England carrying immense momentum after snapping a 33-month winless drought at last week’s Genesis Scottish Open—battled deteriorating afternoon conditions to sign for a stable, even-par 70. Kim sits in a tie for 39th alongside Australian standout Min Woo Lee. “The wind picked up significantly in the afternoon,” Kim noted. “I played a very quiet round with two birdies and two bogeys. While I wish a few more putts had dropped, it’s a solid baseline start, and I just need to figure out how to squeeze a few more scores out of days like this.”

Conversely, the opening round proved to be a brutal examination for the remainder of the field. Four-time Major winner Rory McIlroy struggled to find his rhythm on the links, stalling with a two-over-par 72 to sit in a tie for 85th. Further down the standings, Korean qualifiers Jeong-woo Ham and Ji-ho Yang endured agonizing afternoons, each carding seven-over-par 77s to fall back into a tie for 178th, leaving them with a mountain to climb to survive Friday’s upcoming midway cut.

Quick Facts

• Full Name: Joe Dean

• Birthdate: June 19, 1994

• Birthplace: Sheffield, England

• Height: 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm)

• Rookie Year: DP World Tour (2024)

• Key Strength: Remarkable mental toughness, driving accuracy, and thriving under extreme pressure

Career Highlights and Milestones

• The Ultimate Underdog Story: Famously worked as an early-morning delivery driver for Morrisons (a major UK supermarket) to fund his golf career, even after earning his DP World Tour card through Qualifying School.

• Magical Breakthrough in Kenya (2024): Just days after finishing a grocery delivery shift, he traveled to the Magical Kenya Open and finished tied for second, a life-changing result that secured his financial stability and playing future.

• Stepping Onto the Global Stage: Proved he belonged among the elite by qualifying for and competing in major championships, carrying the pride of working-class Yorkshire golf to the global audience.

Professional Wins and Career-Defining Finishes

Notable DP World Tour Performances:

• 2024 Magical Kenya Open (Runner-up – the breakthrough tournament that launched his full-time professional career)

• 2024 Soudal Open (Runner-up – proved his Kenya finish was no fluke with another brilliant display in Belgium)

• 2024 KLM Open (Top-5 finish – secured his spot in the 152nd Open Championship at Royal Troon)

In addition to his DP World Tour success, Joe Dean is a highly respected winner on the English local circuits, including victories on the PGA EuroPro Tour and 2020protour, which kept his dream alive during his toughest financial years.

Play Style and Statistical Profile

Joe Dean’s game is defined by a gritty, highly efficient style shaped by years of playing mini-tours where every shot literally impacted his livelihood. Key elements of his play include:

1. Fairway Finder: Dean’s swing is built for consistency rather than flashy distance. He excels at putting himself in position on tight, demanding golf courses, avoiding big numbers.

2. Mental Fortitude: Having faced the real-world stress of not knowing if he could afford his next tournament entry fee, Dean possesses an incredibly high threshold for pressure. Standard tournament nerves pale in comparison to his past financial struggles.

3. Simple, Repeatable Mechanics: Lacking the luxury of a massive traveling entourage of coaches and physios early on, Dean relies on a highly natural, self-built swing that stands up under intense Sunday pressure.

What Makes Him Special to Fans

Joe Dean represents the everyday working-class hero. While modern professional golf is increasingly dominated by young players backed by massive academies and early funding, Dean’s journey of waking up at 6:00 AM to deliver groceries before heading to the practice range resonates deeply with fans. His humble, down-to-earth demeanor and refreshing honesty about the financial realities of professional golf have made him one of the most widely supported players on tour.

Key Quotes

• On Finishing Runner-Up in Kenya After Working as a Delivery Driver: “I don’t think it has sunk in yet. It’s been a very difficult few years, and to do this in only my second start of the season is beyond my wildest dreams. Last week I was delivering groceries, and this week I’ve changed my life. I can finally focus on being a full-time golfer.”

• On the Financial Struggles of Chasing the Professional Dream: “People see guys on TV and think everyone out here is a multi-millionaire. The reality for guys like me is that golf is incredibly expensive. You’re constantly worrying about expenses, flights, and hotels. Having that delivery job wasn’t just about the money; it was about taking the pressure off my mind so I could just play.”

• On Making His Major Championship Debut at the Open Championship: “To go from where I was to playing in front of these massive crowds at The Open is just surreal. I used to watch this on TV while planning my week. To actually have my name on the leaderboard and hear the fans cheering for me is something I will never forget. I’m just trying to soak in every single second.”

Korea - England’s Joe Dean has successfully punched his ticket to The 154th Open at Royal Birkdale, clinching the final spot in the 156-player field after a thrilling victory in the inaugural Last-Chance Qualifier on Monday.

The 32-year-old held his nerve in warm and breezy conditions on the iconic Southport links, carding a two-under-par 68 to secure a one-shot triumph in the winner-takes-all, 18-hole shootout. The new qualifying enhancement, designed to generate drama and excitement for fans, saw a select group of 12 players battle it out for a singular dream opportunity.

Dean’s round was highlighted by a spectacular eagle on the par-five 14th hole, which he set up with a massive drive before hitting what he described as “probably the best 6-iron I’ve ever hit” from 250 yards out straight downwind. Alongside two birdies and two bogeys, his ability to string together three crucial closing pars allowed him to finish one stroke clear of fellow Englishman Andrew Wilson. South African Aldrich Potgieter finished third following a level-par 70.

“It was great today. Any opportunity to get in The Open again, I’ll gladly turn up and play,” said Dean, who notably tied for 25th at The Open in 2024. “One-day events, I seem to play better. I don’t quite know why, the mentality of trying to keep the same throughout any round. I don’t know if I got used to it a bit more and it was sort of just a one-round shoot-out.”

The victory earns Dean his third career appearance in golf’s original Major, having previously played all four rounds at Royal Birkdale in 2017—where he similarly tied for first in Final Qualifying at Notts Hollinwell—and at Royal Troon in 2024.

The Last-Chance Qualifier was introduced following a comprehensive fan survey by The R&A, which revealed a strong desire among spectators for more live golf, deeper engagement, and additional opportunities to celebrate the Championship’s unique traditions onsite. Dean praised the electric atmosphere, noting, “To see the amount of people out here today, it’s been great. I think it has drawn a lot more people.”