In today’s world of golf, Donald Trump seems to be the most talked about figure, much more than any other player, argues Dave Hannigan. This speaks volumes about the current state of the sport, he believes. Despite holding the world number one spot for almost a year, Scottie Scheffler can largely go unnoticed on the streets of New York, he suggests. However, during the annual Masters tournament, he believes that the American public will be riveted by golf. Scheffler, despite not being recognised by most of his fellow citizens, is the clear favourite, states Philip Reid.
Reid also examines the prospects for the Irish players, Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry, and delves into various intriguing aspects of the tournament. This includes the performance of the LIV contingent, led by previous winner Jon Rahm, on a course that has seen only slight modifications, as opposed to the extensive “Tiger-proofing” in the past which involved adding 500 + yards.
Switching focus to rugby, Ronan O’Gara’s La Rochelle squad have gone to Cork for training ahead of their Champions Cup match against Leinster. Donnacha Ryan, O’Gara’s assistant, shares that the French team has received a hearty welcome from the locals, many of whom have offered their assistance. Interesting, given the expectation that they would be firmly behind the Leinster team. La Rochelle’s formidable Fijian flanker, Levani Botia – known lovingly by fans as “the demolition man,” is also discussed by John O’Sullivan.
In the arena of football, Dutchwoman Vera Pauw has ultimately discussed her exit from the role of manager for Republic of Ireland post-World Cup last summer. She has criticised various individuals she consolidated with during her tenure, consisting of Diane Caldwell and Katie McCabe, players of the team, as well as Eileen Gleeson, her successor, and Jonathan Hill, the chief executive of FAI. Despite Hill’s mounting concerns, reports from Gavin Cummiskey suggest the FAI is not ready to announce their new men’s team manager as the story keeps unfolding.
Post the unexpected departure of Mickey Harte for Derry in September last year, Louth’s football team was on the hunt for a new leader. Gordon Manning had a discussion with forward Sam Mulroy on the reaction of the squad to this shift and their preparation for Sunday’s Leinster championship quarter-final against Wexford.
TV Watch: Sky Sports Golf is telecasting an extensive 10.5-hour coverage of The Masters, commencing today. Furthermore, this evening sees three English teams competing in the European League or Conference League – with Liverpool facing Atalanta (broadcasted on Virgin Media Two and TNT Sports 1 at 8.0), Bayer Leverkusen versus West Ham (on TNT Sports 2, 8.0) and Aston Villa sequare off against Lille (on TNT Sports 3, 8.0).