Three-time Masters champion Nick Faldo has accused golf authorities of a predictably weak response after Tiger Woods stepped away from the sport following a recent car crash and driving under the influence charge.
Woods recently announced his withdrawal from public life following an accident last week, which led to a DUI charge that the golfer currently denies.
The PGA Tour subsequently released a supportive statement confirming the 15-time major winner will miss next week’s Masters tournament to focus on his health and well-being.
However, this official stance has drawn sharp criticism from Faldo, who believes the sport’s administrators are failing to demand proper accountability.
Faldo demands accountability for self-inflicted issues
Speaking ahead of his punditry duties at Augusta, the 68-year-old suggested the tour will simply protect their biggest star as they always have done.
“There’s one side that’s like let’s care for Tiger, and then there has got to be a responsibility and an accountability side as well.”
The former European Ryder Cup captain stressed that the incident goes beyond golf and requires a firmer disciplinary approach.
“This is a serious thing that he has done. There has to be some accountability. Forget about golf.”
PGA Tour accused of avoiding serious action
Faldo expressed frustration at the prospect of the American simply retreating to a tropical island for treatment before returning to the circuit without facing consequences.
Recently appointed PGA Tour chief executive Brian Rolapp has publicly offered his support to the 50-year-old following the incident.
Despite acknowledging the chronic physical discomfort his former rival endures, the English commentator maintained that the underlying problems are entirely self-inflicted.
“I feel sorry for Tiger that he is living 24/7 in pain. But it has all been self-inflicted.”
A history of vehicular incidents
The latest collision adds to a concerning catalogue of motoring incidents involving the legendary golfer over the past 15 years.
His high-profile troubles began with a fire hydrant collision in 2009 and included a 2017 arrest where he was found asleep at the wheel following an unexpected reaction to prescription medication.
More recently, the five-time Masters champion survived a near-fatal rollover crash in 2021 that caused severe leg injuries and permanently altered his professional career.
Following last week’s incident near his Florida home, police reports indicated that the veteran athlete was found in possession of hydrocodone pills.
Lauren Price will defend her WBC, WBA and IBF welterweight world titles against fellow undefeated fighter Stephanie Pineiro at Cardiff’s Utilita Arena this Saturday.
The unified champion puts her perfect 9-0 professional record on the line in front of a passionate home crowd.
Her formidable opponent arrives in the Welsh capital boasting an equally flawless resume, having won all 10 of her professional contests.
Undefeated records on the line
This highly anticipated showdown marks a significant milestone in the women’s 147-pound division.
Both combatants have completed their final media duties ahead of what promises to be a career-defining clash.
The defending titlist previously captured her belts with a masterful display and will look to cement her legacy.
How to follow the action
Fight fans can watch the preliminary bouts unfold live across BBC online platforms and the iPlayer from 17:00 BST.
Main event coverage will then transition to BBC Two at 20:00 BST on Saturday, 4 April.
The finest golfers in the world will descend upon Augusta National from April 9-12 as the countdown to The Masters enters its final week.
Anticipation is building rapidly for the first major championship of the men’s golfing calendar.
Competitors are finalizing their preparations ahead of tackling the famously pristine and challenging Georgia layout.
Historic venue awaits the elite
Winning the coveted Green Jacket remains one of the pinnacle achievements in the sport.
Defending champions and hopeful debutants alike must navigate infamous features such as Amen Corner to secure their place in history.
The pristine fairways and undulating greens of the legendary course traditionally provide a severe test of precision and nerve.
Broadcast and tournament details
Fans across the globe will be tuning in to watch the elite field battle for supremacy over 72 holes of stroke play.
Live coverage of the prestigious tournament will run extensively on Sky Sports throughout the four days of competition.
As the opening tee shots draw closer, the focus shifts entirely to who will conquer the iconic azalea-lined course this year.
Blues and Maori All Blacks lock Cameron Suafoa has retired from rugby at the age of 27 after revealing his cancer has spread and is now terminal.
The Auckland-born forward initially stepped away from the sport in 2024 to undergo treatment before returning to action with North Harbour in the National Provincial Championship.
However, the second row received a subsequent diagnosis confirming the disease had progressed.
Facing a new battle
In a video released by his Super Rugby Pacific franchise on social media, the New Zealand Sarcoma Foundation ambassador confirmed he will begin chemotherapy in the coming days.
I was told the unfortunate news that my cancer has spread, and it was terminal now.
He added that while his playing career is officially over, he is preparing to face a very different and difficult personal challenge.
This team definitely holds a special place in my heart. I was born and raised in Auckland, and was lucky enough to play for the Blues and be here for a few years.
A proud representative career
During his time with the Auckland-based franchise, the highly regarded forward made 31 appearances in the southern hemisphere’s premier club competition.
His impressive domestic form was rewarded with international recognition when he represented the Maori All Blacks against Ireland in Hamilton in June 2022.
Former New Zealand rugby player Shane Christie has been posthumously diagnosed with advanced chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) following his suspected suicide in August.
Coroner Ian Telford announced the findings on Thursday during a preliminary hearing into the 39-year-old’s death.
The post-mortem examination revealed severe abnormalities in brain tissue linked to repeated head impacts.
The former Crusaders and Highlanders back-rower retired from professional sport in 2018 due to ongoing concussion symptoms.
Campaigning for awareness
Prior to his passing, the ex-Maori All Black believed he was already suffering from the degenerative brain condition.
He became a vocal campaigner for greater understanding of CTE after the suspected suicide of his close friend and fellow professional Billy Guyton.
CTE can only be conclusively diagnosed after death and is known to cause severe mood swings, depression and impulsive behaviour.
Friends and family stated he explicitly wanted his diagnosis made public to raise awareness for other athletes experiencing similar neurological symptoms.
Brain bank confirmation
Pathologist Dr Clinton Turner confirmed the high-stage diagnosis after examining tissue at the University of Auckland brain bank.
Both Christie and Guyton had pledged to donate their brains to the facility to aid scientific research into contact sports.
Telford noted that while the pathology results are clear, the official cause of death will be formally determined by the ongoing coronial process.
The condition continues to cast a long shadow over contact sports, featuring prominently in discussions and lawsuits involving former rugby and American football players.
Governing body response
New Zealand Rugby chief executive Steve Lancaster publicly acknowledged the pathology results and the foundation’s findings.
“New Zealand Rugby acknowledges the CTE pathology results for Shane Christie confirmed by The Neurological Foundation Human Brain Bank.”
“We also acknowledge and respect the role of the coroner to determine the nature of any inquiry they may hold examining the cause and circumstances of Shane’s passing.”
The administrator added that the governing body takes the issue of repeated head knocks seriously.
“We share the concerns about the potential long-term effects of repeated head knocks in rugby and support the need for ongoing research into this.”
Sir James Anderson believes England can secure Ashes revenge on home soil despite their recent comprehensive 4-1 defeat in Australia.
The veteran seamer monitored the series from afar as Ben Stokes’ side suffered a heavy loss amid intense scrutiny over preparation and selection.
“Obviously, I think Ashes series are huge and everyone gets judged,” said England’s record wicket-taker.
“I still feel like they’ve got a great chance of winning in England, as well, in a couple of years’ time.”
ECB keeps faith in leadership
The England and Wales Cricket Board has opted against sweeping changes following the disappointing winter campaign.
Stokes retains the captaincy, while head coach Brendon McCullum and managing director Rob Key remain in their respective roles.
The 43-year-old declined to criticise the board’s decision to maintain the current hierarchy.
“We’ve seen it in the past where people have lost their jobs after Ashes series and maybe knee-jerk reactions to what that is.”
Seam attack offers cause for optimism
Despite the series defeat, the Lancashire stalwart identified several bright sparks within the current pace bowling reserves.
He highlighted Josh Tongue as a standout prospect for the Test arena but expressed caution regarding Jofra Archer’s future due to persistent injuries and scheduling commitments.
“I love Josh Tongue, I think he’s a serious bowler and I’m sure he’ll play many, many more Tests.”
The experienced campaigner also praised the efforts of Brydon Carse and Gus Atkinson during a difficult tour Down Under.
He urged emerging pace bowlers and batters across the county circuit to stake their claims early in the upcoming domestic season.
Red Rose promotion push
Focus for the legendary bowler now shifts entirely to domestic duties ahead of his first full campaign as Lancashire’s red-ball captain.
He is determined to guide his county out of the second tier and back into Division One of the County Championship.
Despite approaching his 44th birthday this summer, the prospect of a potential title challenge next year continues to motivate him.
“There were times throughout the winter where I maybe thought about, ‘What if we get promoted and we’ve got a chance to push for the championship next year, would I want to be involved in that?’ And of course I would.”
However, the physical toll of a remarkable career means he will manage his body and playing future on a strictly day-by-day basis.
Rory McIlroy returns to Augusta National this April to defend his Masters title, one year after finally securing the elusive career Grand Slam.
The Northern Irishman etched his name into golfing history last spring by capturing the prestigious green jacket.
That historic victory ended a long wait to claim the final major championship missing from his impressive resume.
However, the defending champion faces formidable competition ahead of the renowned tournament, which runs from 9 to 12 April.
Scheffler leads the contenders
Scottie Scheffler arrives in Georgia as the overwhelming favourite to secure another victory at the iconic venue.
The American has consistently dominated the upper echelons of the sport and poses a significant threat to the title holder.
A star-studded field will battle across the pristine fairways, ensuring a spectacular opening major for the 2026 season.
Chasing back-to-back glory
McIlroy’s triumph in 2025 completed a remarkable journey that began with his first major championship breakthrough back in 2011.
Only a highly exclusive group of golfing legends have ever managed to win all four modern major tournaments.
The four-time major winner will now attempt to become the first back-to-back champion at Augusta since Tiger Woods.
Amelia Kerr scored a stunning unbeaten 179 as New Zealand chased down a target of 346 against South Africa in Wellington to complete the highest successful run chase in women’s one-day international history.
The historic two-wicket victory levels the series after the hosts successfully reached 350-8 with just two deliveries remaining.
Arriving at the crease with her side struggling at 21-1, the reigning ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year anchored the monumental pursuit.
The 24-year-old all-rounder smashed 23 fours and a solitary six during a masterful 139-ball innings.
South Africa set imposing target
Earlier in the day, the visitors had seemingly batted themselves into an unassailable position.
Captain Laura Wolvaardt set the foundation for the Proteas with a composed 69 from 74 balls.
Anneke Bosch accelerated the scoring with 91, before Chloe Tryon added late fireworks via a blistering 25-ball 52 to propel her team to 346-6.
Gaze support secures historic milestone
The previous highest successful chase in the women’s 50-over format occurred last October when India overhauled a 338-run target set by Australia in a World Cup semi-final.
To eclipse that record, the White Ferns required vital lower-order support alongside their talismanic batter.
Izzy Gaze provided exactly that, contributing a crucial 68 from 48 balls to keep the required run rate manageable.
This latest achievement adds to an already glittering resume for the Wellington native.
The prolific scorer previously inspired her nation to T20 World Cup glory against the same opposition in 2024.
She also continues to hold the overall record for the highest individual score in women’s ODI cricket following her monumental 232 not out against Ireland in 2018.