Overview
Six-time major champion Nick Faldo has urged Jon Rahm to pay his outstanding DP World Tour fines to ensure his eligibility for next year’s Ryder Cup.
The Spanish two-time major winner faces penalties exceeding £2m for participating in conflicting LIV Golf tournaments.
Until the financial dispute is resolved, the former world number one remains barred from European calendar events and the 2025 Ryder Cup in Ireland.
LIV Golfers strike deals but stalemate remains
Eight of his fellow breakaway players, including European teammate Tyrrell Hatton, have already accepted agreements to clear outstanding dues and commit to mandatory tour appearances.
However, the 29-year-old has steadfastly refused to pay, despite recently withdrawing his formal legal appeal against the sanctions.
“Yes, we keep talking with the DP World Tour trying to figure out a solution that works best,” said Rahm when asked about his Ryder Cup hopes.
“I didn’t think that going the legal route and going to court was good for anybody so I have faith in us and the DP World Tour that we’re going to find a good solution for both of us.”
Faldo demands ‘gratitude’ from LIV rebels
European golf legend Faldo believes those who departed for vast Saudi-backed riches need to tread carefully regarding their ongoing demands.
“The real bottom line is these guys have got to show a bit of gratitude,” stated the 66-year-old Englishman.
“Don’t get full of your own importance, if you take six months off, golf would move on, wouldn’t it?”
“He is an important member to the last couple of Ryder Cups, but if he’s not there, he’s not there, so if you want to be there, pay up, my goodness.”
Autumn swing ambitions hang in the balance
The reigning Masters champion still hopes to compete in upcoming autumn events, including the Spanish Open, Irish Open, and BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth.
Dismissing claims of scheduling freedom, Faldo noted that signing lucrative breakaway agreements naturally restricts a player’s ability to pick and choose traditional tour stops.
“All they’ve asked for was to play a couple of designated events, you earn a boat load of money so give back, because it’ll pay forward, it’s as simple as that,” Faldo concluded.
“As of now, the DP World Tour is doing what they need to do and following the channels they need to follow, but I’m confident this will be sorted out before I tee it up in September,” added the Spaniard.
Defending champion Rory McIlroy begins his quest for back-to-back victories at the 2026 Masters as world number one Scottie Scheffler targets a third Green Jacket at Augusta National.
The Northern Irishman completed the career Grand Slam at last year’s tournament after defeating Justin Rose in a dramatic play-off.
He will now attempt to retain his title against a 91-player field in the opening major of the year.
Scheffler leads the challengers
Scheffler arrives in Georgia as the pre-tournament favourite despite a recent dip in form.
The American has failed to register a top-10 finish in his last three PGA Tour outings.
Heavyweight contenders Bryson DeChambeau and Xander Schauffele are also expected to feature prominently on the leaderboard.
Meanwhile, Cameron Young is looking to become the third consecutive player to win The Masters immediately after claiming victory at The Players Championship.
English hopes and perfect conditions
A strong English contingent features Rose, Matt Fitzpatrick and Tommy Fleetwood.
The trio are all bidding to become just the third Englishman in history to triumph at the iconic venue.
Competitors will be greeted by flawless weather conditions throughout the four tournament days.
Forecasters predict dry skies and steadily increasing temperatures, peaking at a hot 29C (85F) over the weekend.
Two-time US Open champion Bryson DeChambeau will play at the Masters this week using a 5-iron he fabricated himself with a 3D printer.
The 32-year-old American confirmed his unconventional equipment choice after completing a nine-hole practice round at Augusta National.
The United States Golf Association must officially approve the bespoke club before it can be used in tournament competition.
The ‘Mad Scientist’ pursues innovation
Nicknamed the “Mad Scientist” for his physics-based approach to the sport, the LIV Golf captain revealed he has spent years developing his own clubs.
When asked why he was introducing the self-built iron at the first major of the year, the tournament hopeful was characteristically blunt.
“Because they’re finally ready.”
The heavy-hitting golfer elaborated on his relentless pursuit of marginal gains and his willingness to experiment.
“There’s this nature that I have about myself where innovation is a habit of mine, and I really find and take pride in that ability to learn.”
Evolving approach at Augusta National
The former major winner arrives in Georgia in exceptional form, having secured his second consecutive LIV Golf victory in South Africa last month.
His strategy at the iconic venue has shifted significantly over the years.
He previously sparked controversy by declaring he would treat the demanding Augusta layout as a par-67 course due to his immense driving distance.
After that aggressive game plan backfired, a more conservative approach has yielded top-10 finishes in his past two Masters appearances.
A completely revamped golf bag
The equipment innovator ended his manufacturing deals with Cobra and LA Golf earlier this year.
His bag currently features an eclectic mix of gear, including a Krank driver, Avoda irons, and Bettinardi wedges.
Now, he is prepared to test his own engineering on golf’s grandest stage.
“We’ll see where it goes. We’ll see where it takes me,” DeChambeau said.
“All I could say now is, if I don’t put them in the bag, it’s my fault now.”
Tyson Fury has challenged Anthony Joshua to agree to a blockbuster all-British heavyweight clash before the end of the year, following his upcoming bout against Arslanbek Makhmudov.
The 37-year-old takes on the Russian at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday, marking his first ring appearance since December 2024.
Securing a long-awaited bout with his domestic rival remains the primary focus for the returning former world champion.
Previous attempts to finalise the highly anticipated match-up have repeatedly collapsed over the past decade.
Tragedy and a return to training
The prospect of a 2026 meeting faded following a fatal car accident in Nigeria last December that tragically killed two of Joshua’s close friends and team members.
However, the Olympic gold medallist has since resumed training and attended Deontay Wilder’s recent victory over Dereck Chisora in London.
With the American now heavily linked as an opponent for the Watford-born fighter, Fury believes a domestic showdown must happen immediately.
“This fight was supposed to happen so many times over the last 10 years, but then someone has had one more fight in between and someone has got knocked out or injured,” Fury said.
“I think we should get this fight on as soon as possible in case something happens in between.”
“Forget Wilder, the man is a shell of himself. Let me get through Saturday and then we will do the fight before the end of the year.”
Family rift overshadows comeback
It remains uncertain whether John Fury will be present in north London this weekend, as father and son are currently not on speaking terms.
Last month, the family patriarch publicly urged the heavyweight star to retire, claiming the gruelling trilogy with Wilder has left him severely diminished.
The returning veteran dismissed those comments, insisting his sole focus remains on his impending ring walk.
“I don’t care if he’s there, I’ve got business to take care of and who’s in the crowd is not an important thing to me at all,” he added.
“I haven’t really paid any attention to it because I take it with a pinch of salt.”
American golfer Andrew Novak is preparing to make his highly anticipated Masters debut at Augusta National this April among an unusually experienced class of first-time players.
The PGA Tour professional has spent years obsessively studying tournament footage from the iconic Georgia course.
He likens his intense preparation to analysing American football tape, building a mental encyclopaedia of specific putts and memorable shots.
Despite missing the cut at the Players Championship in March, the 30-year-old remains sharply focused on his upcoming appearance at the season’s first major.
Transitioning from spectator to competitor
Every April, the self-confessed golf fanatic creates a multi-screen setup at home to monitor every available angle of the action.
However, he acknowledges that digital preparation can only simulate so much of the unique Augusta environment.
“I just feel like I do know the course better than what an average first-timer does,” Novak said.
“That being said, I’m sure come Thursday on the first tee I’m going to be completely numb.”
Historical hurdles for tournament debutants
History is notoriously unkind to newcomers attempting to conquer the pristine fairways of the legendary layout.
American Fuzzy Zoeller was the last player to win the green jacket on his first attempt, achieving the remarkable feat 47 years ago.
Two-time champion Bubba Watson believes that patience and observation are crucial for those making their inaugural appearance.
“If I’m being honest, if you get lucky enough to win at this place, more than likely it’s going to be later,” Watson advised.
“Just enjoy it, take it all in, try to learn some things and get ready for the next time you come around here.”
A uniquely qualified rookie class
This year’s crop of 16 non-amateur debutants possesses an unusual level of professional pedigree.
The group collectively boasts 12 PGA Tour victories and 12 DP World Tour titles.
While claiming victory on Sunday remains a monumental challenge, this seasoned rookie contingent threatens to upset the established hierarchy.
Harlequins have signed England full-back George Furbank from Premiership rivals Northampton Saints ahead of next season.
The 29-year-old departs Franklin’s Gardens after spending nearly a decade in the first team, having originally joined the club’s youth setup as a teenager.
His arrival in southwest London is viewed as a major acquisition for a side aiming to rebuild under recently appointed permanent head coach Jason Gilmore.
Quins have endured a difficult domestic campaign and were eliminated from the Investec Champions Cup by Sale Sharks in the last 16 on Saturday.
‘Time to step out of my comfort zone’
Furbank believes the move will reinvigorate his career as he looks forward to forging a playmaking partnership with fly-half Marcus Smith.
I am incredibly excited to be joining Harlequins next season. The Stoop is a brilliant place to play – it always has a great atmosphere.
I have been at Saints since I was 14-15 years old so it will be a different challenge, but I am keen to step out of my comfort zone.
The former Saints captain added that he shares a very similar philosophy with Gilmore on how rugby should be played.
England ambitions and Northampton’s future
Despite being included in Steve Borthwick’s recent Six Nations squad, the versatile back did not feature in the tournament amid concerns over his match sharpness following recent injury struggles.
However, his club form has been impressive of late, culminating in a try-scoring performance as Northampton defeated Castres to secure a Champions Cup quarter-final against Bath.
Saints have prepared for his eventual departure by securing long-term contracts for key players including Alex Mitchell, Fin Smith and Alex Coles.
The East Midlands outfit remain confident in their existing backline options, with George Hendy, Edoardo Todaro and highly-rated academy prospect James Pater ready to step up.
World number one Scottie Scheffler has adopted a philosophical approach ahead of this week’s Masters at Augusta National, revealing he will not let his recent dip in form define him.
Despite maintaining his status at the top of the world rankings, the American has experienced a slight struggle since claiming his first victory of the year.
The two-time champion followed that early triumph with a pair of top-four finishes before his results began to slide.
In his last three outings, the elite ball-striker has failed to break 70 in his opening rounds, resulting in frustrating finishes outside the top 10.
Seeking balance at Augusta
Arriving at the season’s first major, the reigning world number one emphasised the mental toll inherent in professional golf.
“Most of the time in golf, you’re probably going to be a little bit disappointed at the end of the week just because there’s only one winner,” he stated.
He elaborated on his strategy for maintaining perspective amid the intense pressure of the sport.
“It’s always been a battle for me trying to strike a balance between continuing to work hard, staying competitive and also not having either my good golf or my bad golf define me.”
“If I let my bad golf define me, I’d be a pretty miserable person,” he added.
The challenge of reclaiming the green jacket
A return to the iconic Georgia venue often provides a comforting reset for past champions.
“Once you drive down Magnolia Lane, everything else melts away,” he remarked.
The Texan is aiming to reclaim the prestigious green jacket, a prize he has secured twice before but relinquished to Jon Rahm in 2023 and Rory McIlroy last year.
When asked to compare his current form to his previous victorious campaigns, he insisted his focus remains firmly on the present.
“I try not to look too far in the past, I try not to look too far in the future,” he said.
Defying the odds of back-to-back victories
Successfully defending a title at Augusta National remains one of the rarest feats in golf, achieved only by Jack Nicklaus, Sir Nick Faldo, and Tiger Woods.
The former tournament winner acknowledged the extreme difficulty of securing consecutive major championships.
“I think defending can always be difficult but I think that’s mostly just the odds of winning a tournament in back-to-back years,” he concluded.
World number one Scottie Scheffler leads a star-studded field as the 2026 Masters Tournament gets underway at Augusta National this Thursday.
Rory McIlroy returns to Georgia as the defending champion after claiming the coveted green jacket last season.
However, it is two-time winner Scheffler who arrives as the overwhelming favourite among golfing analysts.
The American currently tops the global rankings and is seeking a third career victory at the historic venue.
Rahm and DeChambeau pose major threats
Jon Rahm has quietly been producing some of the most impressive golf of his career over recent months.
The formidable Spaniard is widely tipped to re-emerge into the spotlight and awaken the famous Augusta roars.
Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau enters the first major of the year in scintillating form after securing victories in his last two worldwide starts.
The heavy-hitting superstar has significantly improved his putting on these iconic greens, dropping two putts per round off his average since 2023.
Rose seeks elusive maiden victory
English veteran Justin Rose represents a compelling contender following three previous runner-up finishes at this prestigious event.
No player in tournament history has led more rounds without ultimately securing the title.
The former US Open champion is currently displaying exceptional consistency, ranking tenth on tour in strokes gained on approach.
Precision iron play remains a critical factor for successfully navigating the notoriously demanding layout.
Schauffele and Koepka remain dangerous
Xander Schauffele boasts an outstanding recent record here, finishing inside the top 10 in five of his past seven appearances.
Following a frustrating injury-delayed 2025 campaign, the Olympic gold medallist recently secured a highly encouraging third-place finish at the Players Championship.
Brooks Koepka also cannot be discounted as he looks to add to his impressive haul of major championships.
The 35-year-old possesses a renowned ability to elevate his game on the sport’s grandest stages.