At 88 years-old, acclaimed golfer Gary Player maintains his fitness with a routine that includes hundreds of press-ups every morning. Although Player jokes about barely being able to place the ball on the tee these days, he stood alongside other sports legends — Tom Watson, 74, and Jack Nicklaus, 84 — as they took honourary swings at Augusta on Thursday. Sarcasm flowed freely among the three, together boasting 11 green jackets and a combined 140 Masters appearances. However, according to reporter Philip Reid, their jovial demeanour turned solemn when discussing the divisive impact of LIV’s entry into the game. Greg Norman, LIV’s manager, had to purchase a ticket from the secondary market for the inaugural round, where he saw his own player, Bryson DeChambeau, clinch the clubhouse lead with a score of 65.
Meanwhile, six shots behind DeChambeau, mastering the art of golf resembles an addiction for Rory McIlroy. This fiercely competitive spirit is shared by Robbie Henshaw and his team at Leinster who are hell-bent on securing a fifth Champions Cup. Ahead of the finals rematch on Saturday, Gerry Thornley chatted with Henshaw, as Brendan McGilligan shared the latest insights from the opposing La Rochelle camp, stationed in Cork, or “Ronan’s city”.
The female Irish rugby team will face off against Wales in the Six Nations competition in Cork, a match previewed by John O’Sullivan. In Gaelic games news, Ian O’Riordan catches up with Meath goalkeeper, Seán Brennan, who started as a goalie after being diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat during his youth.
Amidst football updates, Gavin Cummiskey had a chat with Damien Duff about Shelbourne fans’ recent flare-throwing incident, resulting in a ban for upcoming away matches in Galway.
Sonia O’Sullivan, renowned athlete, recalls being back in Cobh for the 10-mile road race named after her, while Johnny Watterson discusses the significant shift in World Athletics’ decision to bestow cash rewards upon Olympic gold winners, thus disrupting the traditional non-monetary recognitions.
In his latest article on horse racing, Brian O’Connor observes that the Grand National provides a dual-edged platform for the sport. This event offers not only a significant showcase but also a source of intense criticism, especially as the reality of jump racing brings with it the undeniable mix of excitement and disaster, including the potential for fatal outcomes.
On the television front, fingers are crossed that the weather will cooperate for the Masters’ second round following a disrupted opening round at Augusta. Sky Sports Golf will broadcast the round two coverage starting at 2 pm. Later in the evening at 7.35, there will be a match between Shelbourne and Bohemians in the League of Ireland Premier Division, airing on RTÉ 2.