World number one Scottie Scheffler has completed a scouting trip to Shinnecock Hills as he prepares his bid to secure the career Grand Slam at the US Open later this month.
The American currently holds two Masters titles, alongside the PGA Championship and Open Championship crowns he claimed last year.
Victory in New York from 18-21 June would make him only the seventh golfer in history to win all four major championships.
Ahead of his attempt to win a third consecutive Memorial Tournament this week, the world’s top-ranked player made a brief stop in Southampton to assess the challenging layout.
Testing conditions in New York
This marked his first visit to the historic venue, which last hosted the prestigious tournament in 2018.
“It was kind of what I expected. I had heard some rumors about how difficult the greens were.”
Speaking at a Muirfield Village news conference, the two-time Green Jacket winner noted that while the fairways were surprisingly wide, the green complexes present the greatest challenge.
“Once you start missing fairways out there, you have no chance. But the fairways are generous enough to where it provides you some opportunity.”
He enters the upcoming major as a heavy favourite, having secured top-10 finishes in four of his past five US Open appearances.
Learning from past controversies
During the 2018 championship, the United States Golf Association faced heavy criticism after the greens became excessively fast and burnt out.
The setup was so severe that Phil Mickelson infamously hit a moving ball out of frustration on the 13th green.
Brooks Koepka eventually triumphed that year with a winning score of one-over par amidst the chaotic conditions.
Rory McIlroy, who recently completed his own career Grand Slam, also played the New York course on Monday.
The Northern Irishman agreed that the fairways are generous but warned competitors of a severely penal five-inch rough.
“If you miss the fairway even by a yard, you’re going to be penalized. So if you miss the fairway, I feel like you deserve a bad lie.”
The four-time major winner observed that the greens were currently rolling at a manageable 11.2 on the stimpmeter and hopes officials maintain that speed for the tournament.
Jack Nicklaus has revealed he told Rory McIlroy to avoid double bogeys moments before the Northern Irishman secured his second consecutive Masters title.
The 18-time major champion shared the details of their brief exchange during a press conference ahead of this week’s Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village.
McIlroy completed the career grand slam with his breakthrough victory at Augusta National in 2025, before successfully defending the coveted Green Jacket earlier this year.
Nicklaus, who holds the course record with six Masters victories, detailed how he approached the defending champion on the practice tee.
Focus on limiting damage
“I was getting ready to go to the first tee to do our opening, and I put my hands on his shoulders, and I said to him ‘no double bogeys’,” Nicklaus explained.
The legendary American noted that while the European star dropped a few shots over the weekend, keeping a clean scorecard early on proved crucial.
He added that he was delighted for the six-time major winner and admitted he has always been a massive supporter of his career.
A shot-for-shot strategy
The 86-year-old also reflected on the meticulous preparation that laid the foundation for his friend’s maiden triumph at Augusta two years ago.
The pair shared a lunch the weekend before the 2025 tournament where they discussed tactical approaches to the famous Georgia layout.
“Rory went through it shot for shot, and he said: ‘What do you think?’ And I said: ‘Well, I wouldn’t change a thing’,” Nicklaus recalled.
According to the tournament host, McIlroy only deviated from the plan once during his opening victory, choosing an aggressive line on the third hole during Sunday’s final round.
That bold decision resulted in a crucial birdie from the base of the hill which ultimately helped seal the historic win.
Completing the golfing CV
Following back-to-back major successes, expectations are high as the world-class golfer arrives at the Memorial Tournament.
The invitational event remains one of the few prestigious titles missing from an otherwise glittering professional resume.
“Now he’s only got one thing left on his resume that he really needs to have and that’s to win here at the Memorial Tournament,” Nicklaus concluded.
England are weighing up a Test debut for fast bowler Sonny Baker in Thursday’s series opener against New Zealand at Lord’s following their recent Ashes defeat.
Head coach Brendon McCullum has indicated the 23-year-old is competing for a place in a revamped pace attack.
Josh Tongue and the returning Ollie Robinson are expected to occupy two of the seam bowling slots.
This leaves the Hampshire quick going head-to-head with Gus Atkinson for the final bowling berth.
Pace and passion catch the eye
Atkinson boasts an exceptional record at the home of cricket, having taken 19 wickets at an average of 10.94 in his two previous appearances.
However, Baker’s superior speed and skiddy bouncers have brought him firmly into contention as management assess a mixed weather forecast.
The hosts are already blooding one newcomer in opener Emilio Gay for their first outing since the conclusion of a difficult Ashes campaign five months ago.
“He’s quick, and I think he’s going to be a cricketer that the country really gets behind. You can see he charges in and leaves everything out there.”
Brendon McCullum, England Head Coach
The head coach praised the young prospect’s deep passion for the game, describing his high-energy style as full noise.
McCullum also noted that the right-armer possesses the ability to touch 90 miles per hour and swing the ball both ways.
Bouncing back from white-ball struggles
If selected, the paceman will be hoping for a change of fortune following punishing international debuts in both limited-overs formats.
The fiery seamer conceded 76 runs in his solitary one-day international against South Africa and shipped 52 runs during his only Twenty20 appearance against Ireland.
Despite still awaiting his maiden international wicket, a lively start to the county season has convinced the national hierarchy of his resilience.
“He’s one of those customers that learns from tough experiences, and I think it strengthened him to be honest. I feel like he’s come back a better, stronger, and more complete cricketer.”
Brendon McCullum
The 43-year-old manager believes those early setbacks have ultimately forged a much tougher competitor.
Conditions to dictate final selection
The final decision between raw pace and proven Lord’s pedigree will depend heavily on the overhead conditions and pitch assessment later this week.
A flatter pitch under hot weather could heavily favour the extra air speed provided by the inexperienced speedster.
Alternatively, overcast skies may tempt the hosts to stick with their tried and tested bowlers who can naturally extract movement from the famous London slope.
Regardless of whether the selection comes this week, management remains adamant that the promising talent’s time will eventually come.
Former England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff has been appointed as the new head coach of Sydney Thunder on a two-year contract ahead of the upcoming Big Bash League season.
The 48-year-old replaces his compatriot Trevor Bayliss, who departed the franchise after a five-year tenure at the helm.
Bayliss led the Sydney-based outfit during a difficult transitional period, with the team finishing bottom of the table in both the 2023-24 and 2025-26 campaigns.
Balancing dual coaching roles
Taking charge of a BBL franchise for the first time marks another significant step in the Ashes hero’s burgeoning coaching career.
He will combine his new responsibilities in Australia with his ongoing role as head coach of the England Lions.
The Lancashire legend previously guided the Lions on a recent tour of Australia and managed the Northern Superchargers during two seasons of The Hundred.
‘Something really big to build on’
In his new position, the former fast bowler inherits a squad featuring established international stars like David Warner and English wicketkeeper Sam Billings.
“I can’t wait to get over there and get started, I’m looking at this with a lot of optimism,” said Flintoff.
“You look at the franchise, you look at the players, you look at the support, and I think there’s something really big to build on.”
The new boss emphasised the importance of creating a positive environment where veteran campaigners and emerging talents like teenage batter Sam Konstas can flourish.
“I want our players to connect with the people that come and see us and I want them to enjoy playing cricket, however, all that is underpinned by hard work.”
A crucial appointment for Thunder
Sydney Thunder general manager Trent Copeland described the acquisition of the English cricket icon as an enormous moment for both the club and the wider tournament.
The franchise will be hoping their new leader can inspire an immediate reversal of fortunes when the new domestic season gets under way.
Oleksandr Usyk will be stripped of his WBC heavyweight title if he does not face mandatory challenger Agit Kabayel in his next bout, according to president Mauricio Sulaimán.
Mandatory obligations enforced
The World Boxing Council previously sanctioned a voluntary defence for the unified champion against kickboxing star Rico Verhoeven in Egypt.
However, the governing body has now officially ordered the Ukrainian to fulfil his mandatory obligations following his 11th-round stoppage victory in May.
Many fans called for an immediate rematch due to the dramatic finish in front of the pyramids, but that option has been firmly ruled out.
The WBC ruling was very clear. We accepted Usyk’s petition for a voluntary defence, which has now taken place.
Now the mandatory fight is Usyk against the interim champion Kabayel.
Risk of losing unified status
Kabayel has patiently held the position of WBC interim champion and primary contender since February 2025.
The undefeated German challenger now awaits his long-overdue opportunity at the top prize.
Should the mandatory bout fail to materialise, the reigning WBA, WBC and IBF champion risks losing one of his three prestigious belts.
Usyk previously vacated his WBO crown in late 2025, which ultimately led to Daniel Dubois claiming the heavyweight title.
Sulaimán refused to confirm whether the interim titleholder would automatically be elevated to full champion if the belt is vacated.
Only when something happens, when something is presented, do we go through the Board of Governors to make the proper ruling.
Referee defended over controversial stoppage
Usyk’s recent title defence was heavily debated after referee Mark Lyson stopped the bout with just one second remaining in the 11th round.
Verhoeven, competing in only his second professional boxing match, had pushed the veteran champion to his limits before being dropped by a vicious uppercut.
Despite criticism that Lyson waved off the contest prematurely, the WBC president offered strong backing for the British official.
I’m very proud of Mark Lyson, the referee. Because the referee’s only concern is the safety of the fighter.
He’s not a timekeeper. He’s a lifekeeper. We will always support a referee.
Promoter Eddie Hearn feared Anthony Joshua would retire from boxing following a devastating car crash in Nigeria last December that killed two of the heavyweight’s close friends.
The 36-year-old was travelling in a Jeep that collided with a stationary truck, resulting in the deaths of his personal trainer, Latif Ayodele, and strength coach, Sina Ghami.
While the British fighter escaped with minor physical injuries, he required hospital treatment and extensive rehabilitation.
Physical and mental toll
Speaking ahead of a scheduled bout with Kristian Prenga in Saudi Arabia on 25 July, Hearn revealed the profound impact the tragedy had on his fighter.
The Matchroom boss admitted he had serious doubts about whether the former two-time world champion would ever return to the ring.
You’re talking about six months where he was involved in a tragic accident. Physically, he was seriously damaged in that accident.
Before he could even get into camp, he had to do three months of rehab, the menial stuff, being on a bike for three hours a day.
Hearn explained that the initial focus was entirely on basic physical recovery through minor body movements rather than boxing training.
A renewed driving force
Despite the physical setbacks, overcoming the psychological trauma posed an entirely different challenge for the heavyweight.
However, the promoter believes the tragic loss of his key team members has provided a new purpose for his upcoming return.
Mentally and emotionally, you can only imagine what was going through his mind. What he has done to pull himself back, physically and emotionally with this driving force. He’s more dangerous than he’s been before.
They actually dedicated their own lives to the movement of AJ and achieving his dreams in the sport and I think he’s carrying that purpose.
Hearn added that the victims were two of his greatest supporters who wanted him to succeed more than anything.
Legal proceedings ongoing
An immediate police investigation was launched in Nigeria following the fatal collision.
Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, 46, appeared at Sagamu Magistrates Court in Ogun state in February charged with causing death by dangerous driving.
He also faces charges of reckless and negligent driving, alongside operating a vehicle without a valid licence.
The accused was previously granted bail as he faces the prospect of a severe custodial sentence.
Tyson Fury has been urged by former world champion Duke McKenzie to avoid a tune-up fight against Andy Ruiz Jr ahead of his highly anticipated winter showdown with Anthony Joshua.
The 37-year-old recently returned to competitive action following a brief retirement, defeating Arslanbek Makhmudov on points in April.
Following that victory at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the former two-time heavyweight world champion immediately agreed to a blockbuster bout with Joshua.
Both British stars are now scheduling interim bouts, with Joshua set to face Kristian Prenga on 25 July.
Stylistic mismatch
The ‘Gypsy King’ expects to take a warm-up fight in August and has attracted interest from numerous contenders, including Mexican-American hard-hitter Ruiz.
However, boxing pundit McKenzie believes the former unified champion presents the exact wrong type of stylistic challenge.
“No, there is absolutely no sense in it,” McKenzie told talkSPORT Boxing.
“Stylistically, Andy Ruiz is all wrong, isn’t he? He’s not 6ft 6 or however tall Joshua is.”
“He’s not got long arms, he’s short, he’s diminutive and he’s a little pressure fighter.”
McKenzie advised that the returning heavyweight should instead target a tall, rangy opponent to adequately prepare for his domestic rival.
Remaining focused on August
Despite his recent setbacks against Oleksandr Usyk in 2024, the veteran remains fully committed to his three-fight plan for the calendar year.
He recently confirmed his intention to stay active, regardless of who stands in the opposite corner this summer.
“We have not got an opponent yet, but again, it’s never about the opponent, it’s just about me versus me always,” he told FurociTV.
“So, whoever the opponent is, if it’s Joe Bloggs or if it’s Mike Tyson, it’s all important to me. It’s just a run out for me, just to get sharper for the big one.”
However, the Manchester-born boxer is acutely aware that a shock defeat would completely derail the long-awaited clash with Joshua.
“Listen, I might get knocked out my next fight in August, so then it’s all over,” he conceded.
He insists he will not overlook his next challenger, noting that every heavyweight contest remains a deadly serious proposition.
Virat Kohli scored an unbeaten 75 to help Royal Challengers Bengaluru successfully defend their Indian Premier League title against Gujarat Titans, while teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi swept the end-of-season awards.
The defending champions chased down a target of 156 with two overs to spare in Ahmedabad to secure a five-wicket victory.
India’s veteran batting icon delivered a masterclass, hitting the fastest half-century of his IPL career in a 42-ball blitz.
He sealed the triumph in spectacular fashion, launching Arshad Khan for six to wrap up back-to-back titles for the franchise.
Sooryavanshi dominates season honours
Despite the Bengaluru outfit lifting the trophy, the tournament’s individual accolades belonged entirely to a 15-year-old prodigy.
Rajasthan Royals’ breakout star became the first player in history to win both the Most Valuable Player and Emerging Player awards in the same campaign.
He also claimed the prestigious Orange Cap, finishing as the leading run-scorer with a staggering 776 runs across 16 innings.
His unprecedented strike rate of 237.30 and a record-breaking tally of 72 sixes firmly established the teenager as the sport’s newest global superstar.
‘Super young players pushing you’
The emergence of the young opener drew inevitable comparisons to the phenomenal 973-run season produced by India’s talisman in 2016.
Acknowledging the shifting landscape of modern cricket, the match-winner credited the next generation for forcing him to evolve his own game.
“Such is the demand of the sport today, you have these super young players pushing you all the time and asking you to change your game and up the ante,” Kohli said following the victory.
“It’s an exciting situation because it gives you something to improve on, something to work towards.”
“The demands of the modern game, where you need to get those extra 30 runs, meant I had to change my mindset – not my game so much – to hit the shots I hit more often and take the opposition’s best bowlers on.”