Craig Swan

Hibernian advanced to the Europa Conference League play-off round after holding Shkëndija to a goalless draw in Skopje, completing a 1-0 aggregate victory. David Gray’s side managed difficult heat and a poor pitch with disciplined, controlled football, while Miguel Chaiwa and Josh Mulligan impressed in midfield and the defence secured a much-needed clean sheet. Hibs now face Belgian club Gent for the chance to reach a European group stage for the first time and potentially earn a £5 million windfall.

Hibernian manager David Gray says Miguel Chaiwa and Josh Mulligan will remain focused on the club’s Europa Conference League clash with KF Shkëndija despite reported interest from Celtic, English clubs and Genoa. Gray stressed that potential buyers must meet Hibs’ valuations. Martin Boyle has recovered after being rested for the recent Rangers match and is fit to play, while Grant Hanley and Nicky Cadden are unavailable. Gray also acknowledged that Hibs must improve their ball retention and defensive transitions in the heat of the second leg.

Rangers lost 2-1 to Hibernian in Derek McInnes’s first home Scottish Premiership match as manager, with Josh Campbell’s penalty and Callum Wright’s injury-time deflected strike securing the visitors’ victory. Rangers briefly appeared to rescue the game when Miguel Chaiwa turned Djeidi Gassama’s cross into his own net, but defensive lapses and a lack of attacking quality undermined the hosts. Daisuke Yokota was the standout Rangers performer, while Youssef Chermiti, Vanja Dragojevic, Emmanuel Fernandez and several substitutes received particularly low ratings.

Benfica dismantled Hearts 5-1 in Lisbon in the first leg of their Europa League third qualifying-round tie. Rafa Silva scored early, while Tomas Araujo and Vangelis Pavlidis extended the lead before half-time. Gianluca Prestianni added a fourth after a Hearts error, and Tom Renaud briefly reduced the deficit, but late goals from Jhon Duran and Andreas Schjelderup completed a record-equalling European defeat for Hearts. Wouter Vrancken's team were criticized for poor marking, misplaced passes and conceding two penalties, leaving the return leg effectively beyond reach.

Hearts manager Wouter Vrancken is preparing his team to face Benfica in Lisbon in the Europa League by emphasizing cohesion, defensive discipline and courage in possession. Benfica’s dominant form, attacking movement and clinical finishing—especially striker Vangelis Pavlidis’s four-goal performance against St Gallen—pose major dangers. After conceding heavily to Sturm Graz and losing a lead against Aberdeen, Hearts must eliminate errors without simply sitting deep. Vrancken says all players included in the European squad are fit, while injured players were left out.

Benfica head coach Marco Silva says Hearts remain a dangerous Europa League opponent despite losing their first three competitive matches of the season and undergoing major changes, including the appointment of Wouter Vrancken. Silva praised Hearts’ near-challenge to Celtic and Rangers for last season’s Scottish Premiership title and stressed the importance of Benfica building a first-leg advantage in Lisbon before traveling to Scotland. He is also managing squad turnover, with captain Antonio Silva joining Bournemouth for £25 million and further changes possible before the transfer window closes.

Bryson DeChambeau defended his actions at the Open Championship after receiving a two‑shot penalty for improving his lie, a ruling that led to heated exchanges with R&A officials and speculation he might withdraw. Despite criticism from rivals including Rory McIlroy and reports he sought Donald Trump’s involvement, he chose to continue and completed the final two rounds, later acknowledging the controversy affected his performance but expressing pride in persevering.

Ryan Fox won The Open at Royal Birkdale with a final‑hole birdie, securing the Claret Jug and dedicating the victory to his daughters. The win extends a long family tradition of sporting success and makes him only the second New Zealander to claim the title after Bob Charles. Fox reflected on his family’s legacy, New Zealand’s golf achievements and the impact his victory may have on the sport’s growth at home.

Bob MacIntyre received an official Code of Conduct warning at The Open after slamming his driver on the tee, but said he will not change his temperament, describing emotional reactions as part of his nature. He expressed frustration with course setup and missed scoring opportunities after falling out of contention despite a strong start. MacIntyre compared conditions to other tournaments, criticised the lack of penal features for long hitters, and said the layout did not suit his game. He plans to take three weeks off before returning for the FedEx Cup playoffs.

Bob MacIntyre fell off the pace at Royal Birkdale after a one‑over 71 left him needing a standout final round to stay in contention for the Open title. Ludvig Aberg surged with a 67 to remain in the hunt, while Shane Lowry stayed within reach at four under after a 69. Local favourite Tommy Fleetwood received strong home support and briefly sat one shot off the lead before late bogeys dropped him to five under. Jon Rahm noted the intensity of the crowd and Fleetwood’s composure amid the atmosphere as several contenders prepare for a demanding final day.

Rory McIlroy sharply criticizes Bryson DeChambeau for disrupting play at The Open after receiving a two‑shot penalty for improving his lie. He accuses DeChambeau of seeking attention, calling his actions performative and unfair to players and officials forced to wait during the rules dispute. McIlroy says video evidence made the violation clear and supports the penalty imposed by R&A rules officials.

Marco Penge and Justin Thomas criticised delays to third-round tee times at Royal Birkdale after uncertainty over whether Bryson DeChambeau would continue following a two-shot penalty. Confusion persisted late into Friday night, leaving players frustrated at the lack of communication from officials. DeChambeau ultimately played, but Penge described the situation as poorly handled and highlighted how easily mistakes can occur on the dry course while declining to comment directly on the ruling.

Bryson DeChambeau received a two‑shot penalty at Royal Birkdale after officials determined he had improved the area of his intended swing while in thick rough on the fifth hole, dropping him from second to tied‑fifth. R&A executive Grant Moir explained that the rule applies even when the action is accidental. The ruling followed a lengthy on‑course review and heated discussions. Jon Rahm was separately cautioned for throwing a club under the event’s new Code of Conduct.

Bob MacIntyre recovered from a difficult start at Royal Birkdale to card a 69 and move into the Top 10 at The Open, four shots behind Lucas Herbert. After running hot early and chiding himself over mistakes, he refocused and produced a strong finish highlighted by a 39‑foot eagle putt on the 17th. Despite a dropped shot on the last hole, he believes he is well‑positioned for the weekend, citing solid short‑game form, disciplined play and improved composure.

Rory McIlroy endured a difficult opening round at the 2026 Open Championship at Royal Birkdale, citing inconsistent greens and his own mistakes for a disappointing score of 72 that left him seven shots behind leader Jackson Suber. Despite strong driving, he struggled with putting on patches of dead grass and made several short-range errors, though a final-hole birdie offered some recovery. McIlroy hopes improved morning conditions in the next round will allow him to regain ground.

Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler downplay concerns over golfing legacy as they prepare for the Open Championship, emphasising present performance over long-term reputation. McIlroy expresses confidence after correcting issues from the Scottish Open and reflects on pressure at home tournaments, while Scheffler discusses competitive motivation and the strain of constant scrutiny in the spotlight. Both aim to add another Open title as they enter the competition among the top contenders.

Jon Rahm advocates for rotating golf’s Major championships to global locations such as Australia and Asia, arguing the sport’s international status supports broader hosting. He acknowledges ongoing self‑doubt as part of athletic performance and describes learning from past tournament shortcomings, citing experiences with Bryson DeChambeau and Anthony Kim. Rahm expresses impatience to contend more frequently for Majors, aiming to create more opportunities to secure another win.

Tommy Fleetwood expresses confidence that fans at Birkdale will behave responsibly after previous incidents of booing at The Open prompted the R&A to issue a conduct warning. He acknowledges the difficulty of balancing lively atmospheres with respectful behaviour, noting his generally positive experiences with crowds. Recent concerns over fan conduct tied to betting are also raised, though Fleetwood believes such issues are hard to eliminate without diminishing the atmosphere central to major golf events.

Tom Kim won the Scottish Open with a final‑round 64 and received a congratulatory text from Tiger Woods, highlighting their supportive relationship. The victory ended a three‑year winless stretch and followed recent strong form, including a third‑place finish at the US Open. Kim reflected on past struggles, the guidance of top players, and the emotional significance of winning a tournament central to his early career. Scottish fans supported Bob MacIntyre, but Kim’s performance was warmly received as he celebrated a milestone achievement in the home of golf.

Bob MacIntyre described a difficult start to his final round at the Scottish Open that cost him a chance at the title despite a late recovery to finish tied third. He acknowledged frustration over a sequence of mistakes but highlighted improved play later in the round and took confidence from strong recent performances ahead of The Open. MacIntyre noted progress in his approach play and ongoing work with his coaching team, stressing the need for better execution and luck to secure future victories.

Rory McIlroy criticised his performance at the Scottish Open despite posting a strong final-round 64, citing technical issues and difficulties caused by weather delays. After struggling during the disrupted third round, he identified a swing flaw exacerbated by left‑to‑right winds and plans focused practice before The Open at Royal Birkdale. He remains confident he can correct the problem and contend for the title.

Bob MacIntyre surged to the top of the Genesis Scottish Open leaderboard after an early morning restart caused by weather delays, completing his third round with a series of birdies to reach 12-under par. Positioned to contend for a second title at Renaissance, he builds on strong prior performances at the event and looks to capitalize on enthusiastic home support heading into the final round.

Fog and repeated weather delays disrupted the third round of the Genesis Scottish Open, forcing play to be suspended twice and pushing the tournament toward a marathon Sunday finish. Rory McIlroy fell five shots off the lead after a series of mistakes in difficult conditions, while Matt Fitzpatrick and Michael Thorbjornsen share the lead at 11 under. Six players sit one shot back, with several contenders still needing to complete their third rounds before the final 18 holes begin.

Fog halted third‑round play at the Scottish Open after two days of sunshine, with only 17 players managing to start before officials suspended the event. Yuto Katsuragawa, the first off, completed six holes before conditions deteriorated. Fans faced long delays as later tee times, including Rory McIlroy, Matt Fitzpatrick, and home favourite Bob MacIntyre, were pushed back. MacIntyre sits two shots off the lead after a strong second round and remains well‑positioned to contend for another title.

Bob MacIntyre shot a second‑round 66 at the Renaissance Club to move within two strokes of the lead, strengthening his bid to repeat his 2024 Scottish Open victory. Encouraged by strong home support and solid play alongside Rory McIlroy and Chris Gotterup, he credited his caddy for keeping him focused during a challenging start. MacIntyre described the crowd’s energy as motivating and looked ahead to the weekend aiming to contend for the title again, while balancing time with his newborn son.

Rory McIlroy shot a 66 to share the Scottish Open halfway lead with Jordan Smith and Tom Kim, with Bob MacIntyre two shots back. McIlroy praised the strong atmosphere and his playing partners as he and MacIntyre position themselves for another tight finish, a year after they traded victories in consecutive tournaments. Chris Gotterup also remains close behind as the tournament heads into the final two rounds.

Tommy Fleetwood opened the Scottish Open with a 67 at Renaissance, putting himself in contention as he pursues both the tournament title and preparation for next week’s Open at Royal Birkdale. He expressed confidence in his recent form despite results not fully matching his play, emphasizing focus, attitude and acceptance on the course. Fleetwood noted the increasingly firm conditions and felt he capitalized on scoring chances, including a fortunate birdie response to an early bogey.

Rasmus Hojgaard surged late to join Rory McIlroy, Patrick Cantlay, Tom Kim and Bernd Wiesberger at the top of the Scottish Open leaderboard at five under. A late double bogey cost him the outright lead, but he recovered with a birdie on the penultimate hole. Jon Rahm struggled in his return to PGA Tour competition, finishing three over. Calum Hill posted a 67 to join Bob MacIntyre as the leading Scots while pursuing qualification for next week’s Open Championship.

Rory McIlroy opened the Scottish Open with a five‑under 65, crediting a lighter schedule for renewed balance and motivation as he sets long‑term goals after recent major wins. He discussed adjusting expectations, maintaining enthusiasm nearly two decades into his career, and reflected on a lucky bunker shot that preserved his score. McIlroy also responded to new R&A conduct guidelines ahead of the Open, linking unruly fan behaviour to broader societal trends rather than specific regions.

Bob MacIntyre describes working to control emotional outbursts as he opens the Scottish Open with a composed three‑under round and explains efforts over several years to improve his mindset. He reflects on past incidents, including criticism at Augusta, and stresses the importance of authenticity in golf while acknowledging the need to manage reactions under pressure. He says a balanced personal life is helping him approach challenges more calmly.

Ryan Christie describes the Scotland squad as shocked and saddened by Steve Clarke’s decision to resign following the team’s World Cup exit. He praises Clarke’s legacy and insists the next manager will face high expectations as the squad aims to progress further in future tournaments. Christie reflects on the narrow margins of Scotland’s elimination, the emotional experience of the competition, and his eagerness to return to tournament football. He also recounts time spent at the Genesis Scottish Open Pro-Am before resuming pre-season duties in England.

Royal and Ancient officials announced that fans who seriously breach behaviour rules at the 154th Open Championship at Royal Birkdale may be removed from the course. The policy follows recent instances of unruly conduct at major golf events, including booing during Brian Harman’s win at Hoylake and crowd issues at the Ryder Cup and US Open. Chief executive Mark Darbon emphasised preserving the event’s respectful atmosphere and traditions through The Open Commitment, which outlines expectations for spectators.

Rory McIlroy and Bob MacIntyre urge the PGA Tour to preserve the character and accessibility of the Scottish Open as new two‑tier competition plans for 2028 take shape. They warn that National Opens risk losing their identity if placed within restrictive formats and emphasise the Scottish event’s success as a co‑sanctioned tournament and ideal lead‑in to The Open. McIlroy suggests building a meaningful series of National Opens, while MacIntyre argues the event should remain a high‑end European Tour competition rather than a $20 million showcase, asserting that major exceptions in scheduling will be necessary.

Scott Brown, Kenny Dalglish and Ryan Christie join Ryder Cup stars Shane Lowry and Tyrrell Hatton in the Pro-Am at the Genesis Scottish Open. Lowry plays the first nine holes and Hatton the second as the group prepares for the $9 million tournament. Large crowds are expected as top golfers including Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy and Bob MacIntyre complete practice rounds.

The last three champions of the Genesis Scottish Open—Rory McIlroy, Bob MacIntyre and defending titleholder Chris Gotterup—will play together in the opening two rounds at the Renaissance Club, starting Thursday at 8:28 a.m. from the 10th tee and continuing Friday at 1:43 p.m. from the first. Gotterup welcomed the high‑profile grouping and the strong local support for his playing partners. Additional marquee pairings include Scottie Scheffler with Tommy Fleetwood and Matt Fitzpatrick, and Wyndham Clark with Viktor Hovland and Eugenio Chacarra, as fans prepare to fill the East Lothian venue across all four days.

Viktor Hovland jokes about performing Norway’s viral Viking Row celebration with Scottish fans at the Genesis Scottish Open if Norway defeat England in their World Cup quarter‑final. He describes national pride in Norway’s unexpected run after beating Brazil and shares experiences watching matches with other Norwegians abroad. Hovland also looks ahead to defending his own title while welcoming Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton back to the field under new DP World Tour arrangements, noting their importance to Europe’s Ryder Cup team.

Jon Rahm acknowledges LIV Golf’s financial uncertainty and does not rule out contributing his own money if asked, though no such request has been made. He returns to the Scottish Open after reaching an agreement with the DP World Tour and values the event as preparation for The Open. Several other LIV players are also competing amid the circuit’s search for new backers following the withdrawal of PIF funding. Rahm outlines his planned tournament schedule while considering the upcoming birth of his fourth child.

Top golfers including Scottie Scheffler, Tommy Fleetwood, Viktor Hovland and Rory McIlroy arrived at the Renaissance Club to prepare for the Genesis Scottish Open. Scheffler led early practice sessions as players tuned up for the $9 million tournament. Championship Director Rory Colville highlighted the strength of the field and enhancements to spectator facilities aimed at accommodating larger crowds. Several rising and established stars, including defending champion Chris Gotterup and Scotland’s Bob MacIntyre, are set for a competitive week.

Chris Gotterup returns to Scotland to defend his Genesis Scottish Open title after a rapid rise marked by recent wins at the John Deere Classic, Sony Open and Phoenix Open. Now ranked World No.7, he reflects on his growth, maturity and improved ability to manage adversity on and off the course. His strong links performance and confidence position him as a major contender, and his latest victory was made more meaningful with his brother Patrick serving as caddie.

The Genesis Scottish Open in North Berwick features a 156-player field including Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy and Bob MacIntyre, serving as a key lead‑in to the Open Championship. All previous winners at The Renaissance Club are competing, along with most of the European Ryder Cup team. The event offers a $9 million prize fund, includes LIV Golf players such as Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton, and provides full TV coverage on Sky Sports. Tickets remain available, and additional attractions such as a Toploader concert are planned.

Viljami Sinisalo’s strong performances after replacing the injured Kasper Schmeichel have left Martin O’Neill with a major decision over Celtic’s long‑term No.1. While Sinisalo has shown reliability during key matches and past emergency spells, his limited clean sheets stemmed partly from a weakened defence. Celtic have been linked with other goalkeepers, but several positions require more urgent attention, prompting consideration of Sinisalo as the main choice. O’Neill’s past mixed record in goalkeeper recruitment and the influence of goalkeeping coach Stevie Woods will shape whether Celtic commit to Sinisalo as first choice or enter the market for a new starter, a decision with significant implications for the upcoming season.

Ben Godfrey describes joining Rangers as the ideal move to embrace pressure, develop leadership and contribute to raising team standards under manager Derek McInnes. He emphasises his readiness to guide younger players and apply lessons from past career highs and lows. While committed to succeeding at Rangers, he maintains ambition to return to the England national team, believing strong club performances will create opportunities. McInnes is credited for quickly securing his signing and earning Godfrey’s confidence as a manager.

Ross McCrorie highlights Derek McInnes’ leadership and man‑management as key to shaping a stronger mentality at Rangers, emphasizing unity, high standards and a ruthless mindset. He reflects on their previous time together at Aberdeen, credits McInnes with reigniting his belief, and says he returned to Rangers as a more experienced player driven to help the club win silverware. McCrorie stresses the need for team cohesion and a winning mentality as Rangers prepare for the coming seasons.

Ross McCrorie highlights Derek McInnes’s leadership and man-management as key to reshaping Rangers’ mentality, emphasising standards, unity and a determined “us against the world” approach. Returning to the club as a more experienced player, McCrorie expresses confidence that McInnes can instil the ruthless edge required for success and help restore the winning culture expected at Rangers.

John Souttar’s lack of World Cup minutes contrasts with new opportunities at Rangers following Derek McInnes’ arrival, whose emphasis on a strong Scottish core may favour the defender. With former manager Danny Rohl departed after a late-season defensive collapse, Souttar has a clearer pathway to reclaiming a central role. McInnes’ track record of improving defenders such as Stuart Findlay and Craig Halkett suggests Souttar could revive his form as he enters the prime years of his career.

Jack McDonald secured his place at the 154th Open Championship by winning the 36-hole qualifier at Dundonald, aided by strong second-round scoring and previous qualifying experience. Several other players, including Matthew Baldwin and amateur competitors David Howard, Nevill Ruiter and Marcus Plunkett, also advanced. Sergio Garcia failed to qualify after illness following lunch affected his second-round performance, resulting in a score that left him outside the qualifying positions.

Paulo Bernardo faces pressure to revive his form at Celtic as the club prepares for potential midfield departures, including Arne Engels and Reo Hatate. With significant squad changes expected under Martin O’Neill, Bernardo may be required to step into a larger role despite limited impact last season. Celtic’s need to reinforce key positions and avoid retaining players beyond their peak makes upcoming transfer decisions crucial as they aim to maintain competitiveness.

Callers express strong frustration over Scotland’s World Cup exit, with much of the criticism directed at Steve Clarke’s squad selection, tactics and post-tournament comments. Some argue the team underperformed, while others note the quality of Brazil and Morocco made the defeats more understandable. Broader concerns are raised about Scottish football’s youth development system, with suggestions to overhaul academies and revive junior football. Additional World Cup reactions include praise for Paraguay’s upset over Germany. On the club front, dissatisfaction is voiced over Celtic’s lack of transfer activity and perceived complacency from the board.

Celtic’s appointment of Ross Grant is positioned as a strategic move to strengthen both defensive and attacking set‑piece performance, an area where Martin O’Neill’s early‑2000s teams excelled but where recent squads have fallen behind rivals such as Hearts and Rangers. Arne Engels remains the club’s strongest dead‑ball specialist, though his potential departure poses a challenge. Grant’s background, influenced by set‑piece expert Austin MacPhee, is highlighted as key to modernising Celtic’s approach and recapturing an edge that could prove decisive in a tightly contested season.

Pat Nevin urges Scottish football to avoid small-mindedness as the SFA searches for Steve Clarke’s successor, highlighting the need for unified development and better pathways for young Scottish players. He praises Clarke’s tenure but stresses structural issues, particularly athletic development. Nevin considers potential managerial candidates such as Roberto Martinez and David Moyes but notes the difficulty of attracting top-level coaches. He suggests Scotland may need either a young domestic manager or a rising international coach as the nation faces a crucial period of transition.

Mark McGhee argues Steve Clarke's resignation as Scotland manager was unavoidable following weak World Cup performances, especially a poor showing against Haiti that undermined qualification hopes. Despite praising Clarke for leading the team to the tournament and giving fans a memorable experience, McGhee says the lack of convincing results eroded supporter trust. He highlights strategic failures, including not securing a stronger goal margin early on, and notes that the SFA must now search broadly for a replacement, potentially considering foreign managers to bring new ideas.