Irish & International Sports News, Fixtures & Results

'Volatile' Rory might never be No 1 again - McGinley

Former Ryder Cup-winning captain Paul McGinley doubts whether Rory McIlroy will regain his place as world number one as he cannot replicate the consistency of Scottie Scheffler.

Golf • 20 Sep

7 September 2025; Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland watches his drive at the fifth tee box during the final round of the Amgen Irish Open Golf Championship 2025 at The K Club in Straffan, Kildare. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

McGinley: The Irish Open would struggle without McIlroy

Paul McGinley tells RTÉ's Game On that the Irish Open might owe its very existence to Rory McIlroy after Sunday's astonishing climax to the tournament.

Golf • 08 Sep

Paul McGinley's post-round comments placed Rory McIlroy's popularity in the spotlight

Champion's heady brew should be everyone's cup of tea

When Paul McGinley spoke of Rory McIlroy "dividing opinion" many would have been left confused, but the Holywood golfer has always had to work hard for his popularity in Ireland.

Golf • 14 Apr

Paul McGinley was a winning Ryder Cup captain in 2014

McGinley back in Ryder Cup fold as 'strategic adviser'

Former captain Paul McGinley has been made a "strategic adviser" to Europe's Ryder Cup team for next year's contest in New York.

Golf • 06 Jun 24

Paul McGinley believes that a deal between the PGA Tour and the Saudi-funded LIV tour could be years away

McGinley: There's a lot of public apathy towards golf

Despite talk of thawing relations and a reportedly "constructive" meeting in the Bahamas, Paul McGinley believes that a deal between the PGA Tour and the Saudi-funded LIV tour could be years away

Golf • 30 Mar 24

Clarke seizes lead at Senior Open Championship

Darren Clarke seized the early second-round clubhouse lead at the Senior Open Championship by adding a three-under-par 67 to his opening 65 at Gleneagles, leaving him eight-under-par overall.

Golf • 22 Jul 22

'It is a pity for him to go but 15 months is loads of time to get someone in place and get a feel for what they are doing'

Updated Harrington: Stenson removal won't derail Europe's plans

Padraig Harrington says Henrik Stenson's departure from the role of Europe captain, following his decision to join the LIV Golf Series, will not affect preparations for next year's Ryder Cup in Rome.

Golf • 20 Jul 22

Bryson DeChambeau may not even have the full support of the home support based on recent weeks on the PGA Tour

McGinley urges Europe to forget Koepka/DeChambeau feud

Former Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley believes it could backfire on Europe if they tried to make capital from the feud between Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau.

Golf • 18 Sep 21

"Kiawah Island has been a particularly happy hunting ground for Irish players."

Irish eyes have smiled before at brutal Kiawah Island

As theatres of sport go, Kiawah Island's Ocean Course strikes a resonance more akin to a raucous football stadium than arguably any other course in world golf. It will take no prisoners at this week's US PGA Championship.

Golf • 19 May 21

McGinley urges Rory to take time off & 'clear his head'

Rory McIlroy was advised to take a break from golf as he made an early exit from the Masters for the second time in his career.

Golf • 10 Apr 21

Rory McIlroy and Pete Cowen are working together

Cowen can help 'ignite' McIlroy at Masters - McGinley

Former Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley believes Rory McIlroy is just one key swing thought away from igniting his game heading into the 85th Masters.

Golf • 08 Apr 21

Paul McGinley: 'The Irish Open will always be fine.'

McGinley relaxed on Irish hopes and shifting sands

Paul McGinley has reflected on a golfing year like no other in a long and wide-ranging interview with RTÉ's Saturday Sport.

Golf • 26 Dec 20

Paul McGinley on the Staysure Tour in 2019

Paul McGinley relishing rebranded Legends Tour

Paul McGinley believes the future is bright for Europe's golden oldies following the relaunch of the over-50s circuit.

Golf • 01 Sep 20

Paul McGinley is open to the idea of a 2021 Ryder Cup

McGinley comes around to idea of Ryder Cup postponement

Paul McGinley admits that he is coming around to the idea of postponing the Ryder Cup until year as speculation grows that the USPGA are ready to move the showpiece event to 2021

Golf • 06 Jul 20

Lee Westwood after his victory in last January's Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship

'I haven't won a major but I've learned to ignore that'

Lee Westwood has learned to cast aside any negative thoughts that goes with not winning one of golf's four majors.

Golf • 06 Apr 20

Former Ryder Cup winning captain McGinley believes that if the Irish Open is to go ahead this year, which is very much in doubt, it may well have to be played behind closed doors

McGinley: 2020 Irish Open could be behind closed doors

Paul McGinley believes the prospect of an Irish Open without spectators is a real possibility given the threat of the coronavirus pandemic.

Golf • 05 Apr 20

Mount Juliet last hosted the tournament in 1995

Mount Juliet confirmed as Irish Open venue in 2020

Mount Juliet will host the Irish Open for the fourth time in 2020, it was confirmed this morning.

Golf • 29 Oct 19

Tiger Woods during practice at Royal Portrush

'It's very hard to know what's going on with Tiger'

Former Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley is baffled by Tiger Woods opting not to play competitively between the US Open and the Open Championship.

Golf • 16 Jul 19

A goat spotted on the course during today's practice

McGinley: Irish Open recovered from McIlroy 'body blow'

Tournament host Paul McGinley believes the Irish Open has recovered well from the "body blow" of Rory McIlroy's absence.

Golf • 02 Jul 19

Brooks Koepka won the US Open in 2017 and 2018

Treble-chasing Koepka 'shocked' by lack of recognition

Brooks Koepka is not exactly short of motivation as he aims to complete a rare hat-trick of US Open victories and claim a fifth major title in just nine appearances.

Golf • 11 Jun 19

Rory McIlroy will hope his nvoelty head cover brings him luck this week in Florida

McGinley: Rory has lost his Sunday swagger

Rory McIlroy is suffering from a lack of confidence after failing to convert numerous winning positions into tournament victories, according to Paul McGinley.

Golf • 13 Mar 19

Tuesday looks like being a monumental day for Padraig Harrington

Harrington Ryder Cup coronation to take place tomorrow

Padraig Harrington is expected to be named as Europe's captain for the 2020 Ryder Cup on Tuesday, during a press conference at the European Tour's Wentworth headquarters.

Golf • 07 Jan 19

Paul McGinley is confused by Rory McIlroy's decision to turn away from the European Tour

McGinley baffled by McIlroy's European Tour snub

Former Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley admits he is baffled by the prospect of Rory McIlroy playing just two European Tour events next season.

Golf • 14 Nov 18

McGinley & Harrington shine at blustery Alfred Dunhill

Paul McGinley and Padraig Harrington thrived in hugely testing conditions to sit one shot off the lead at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.

Alfred Dunhill Links Championship • 04 Oct 18

Rory McIlroy will feature this week at Pebble Beach

McGinley feels McIlroy's progress will be tested soon

Former Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley believes the next two tournaments will speak volumes about Rory McIlroy's progress after the end of his break from the sport.

Golf • 07 Feb 18