Ewan Murray

The Scottish Football Association has appointed Belgian manager Sébastien Pocognoli to replace Steve Clarke, making him Scotland’s first non-Scottish manager since Berti Vogts. Pocognoli, who recently led Union Saint-Gilloise to its first title in 90 years before a brief spell at Monaco, is expected to introduce a more aggressive, front-foot style. Former Belgium and Everton winger Kevin Mirallas is expected to join his staff. Pocognoli’s first matches will be Nations League fixtures against Slovenia and Switzerland in September.

Guardian journalist Ewan Murray meets Sky Sports golf commentator Ewen Murray to discuss 15 years of mistaken identity, including abusive social-media messages intended for Ewen that were sent to Ewan. Their humorous exchanges with confused fans became a running joke involving players and colleagues, though one episode prompted a threat. Ewen recalls criticizing Tiger Woods for spitting on a green, explains how the mix-up began after both joined Twitter in 2010, and reflects on his career as a former professional golfer who moved into broadcasting in 1990. Now 71, he remains active in the commentary booth and values constructive criticism despite the online abuse.

LIV Golf has secured an undisclosed lead investor expected to fund the tour through 2030, following the withdrawal of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund. CEO Scott O’Neil says details of the deal and the 2027 player lineup should emerge by the end of August. LIV is expected to reduce its schedule from 14 tournaments with $30m purses to roughly 10 events worth $10m each, while giving players most of the business’s equity. The restructuring could prompt prominent players—including Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm, Cameron Smith, Tyrrell Hatton and Dustin Johnson—to leave, with potential returns to the PGA Tour.

Leona Maguire was selected as one of Europe’s four Solheim Cup wildcards despite a disappointing 2026 season, including four missed major cuts and controversy over limited playing time at the 2024 event. Captain Anna Nordqvist emphasized Maguire’s strong matchplay record, team value and experience. Rookies Julia López Ramirez, Nastasia Nadaud and Mimi Rhodes joined her, completing Europe’s team for next month’s event in the Netherlands. Esther Henseleit also enters the competition in good form after narrowly losing the Women’s Open in a playoff, while the United States will name three captain’s picks later in August.

Shiho Kuwaki won the AIG Women’s Open at Royal Lytham & St Annes, claiming her first major title after defeating Esther Henseleit in a playoff. Henseleit had forced extra holes with a 45-foot birdie, but her tee shot in the playoff ricocheted off a marshal’s leg and finished in gorse, effectively handing Kuwaki the advantage. Yealimi Noh finished one shot outside the playoff after surrendering an early lead, while Nelly Korda climbed to fourth and Charley Hull and Lottie Woad tied for sixth. Anna Nordqvist also discussed the strain of combining her playing duties with preparations for the European Solheim Cup team.

Yealimi Noh leads the Women’s Open at Royal Lytham and St Annes after a 69, recovering from a difficult start with strong putting and a superb back nine. Ryu Hae-ran, who is pursuing an unprecedented third consecutive major victory, surrendered an early four-shot advantage through a run of bogeys and now trails Noh. Jeeno Thitikul, Lucy Li, Esther Henseleit and Shiho Kuwaki are the nearest challengers, while England’s Lottie Woad and Charley Hull remain in contention. Nelly Korda’s double bogey on the 18th left her eight shots behind, severely weakening her chances.

Charley Hull defended a prank in which she tricked her caddie Adam Woodward into believing he had won £100,000, dismissing criticism from figures including Laura Davies and saying Woodward enjoyed the joke. She shot a resilient 71 in the second round of the Women’s Open at Royal Lytham & St Annes, leaving her five shots behind halfway leader Ryu Hae-ran. Shiho Kuwaki was one shot behind Ryu, while Spanish amateur Paula Martín Sampedro remained in contention. Georgia Hall and defending champion Miyu Yamashita missed the cut.

The Scottish Premiership begins amid widespread frustration over Scotland’s World Cup failure, weak football governance and contentious disciplinary decisions. Celtic remain title favourites despite supporter dissatisfaction, while Rangers hope Derek McInnes can end years of costly underachievement and intensify the Old Firm rivalry. Hearts face upheaval after their near-title miss and McInnes’s departure, whereas Motherwell’s attractive football, youth development and profitable transfers are presented as a model for smaller clubs. St Mirren, Kilmarnock and Aberdeen are also identified as teams with grounds for optimism.

Charley Hull defended tricking her caddie Adam Woodward with a fake £100,000 scratchcard, telling critics to lighten up and saying she would repeat the prank. Hull opened the Women's Open at Royal Lytham with a two-under-par 69. Atthaya Thitikul led after a record 64, while Ryu Hae-ran shot 66 as she pursued a third consecutive major victory. Lottie Woad also made a strong start, while several prominent players, including Nelly Korda and Minjee Lee, struggled.

Charley Hull enters the Women’s Open at Royal Lytham & St Annes seeking to convert five major-championship runner-up finishes into a first victory. Nelly Korda is regarded as the likeliest winner after claiming two majors in 2026, but she praised Hull’s ability and popularity among home fans. Hull’s recent near misses, including runner-up finishes to Miyu Yamashita and Korda, are framed as evidence that she remains consistently in contention rather than a source of discouragement. Korda also discussed managing fatigue, family support and frustration on the course. Lydia Ko, the 2024 champion, is among the other notable players at the event and described her emotional reaction to fellow New Zealander Ryan Fox’s recent Open triumph.

Jenny Lee Smith reflects on winning the inaugural Women’s British Open at Fulford in 1976 despite illness, receiving only a wooden trophy and being unable to claim the prize money because she was an amateur. She recalls her friendship with Kevin Keegan, her Newcastle roots and the hardships of founding the Ladies European Tour, when players faced inadequate facilities and minimal earnings. Smith also discusses discovering at age 55 that she had an identical twin, Helen, after learning she had been adopted, and writing the book My Secret Sister about their experience. Now unable to play because of arthritis, the 77-year-old is returning to Royal Lytham as an R&A guest to mark the 50th anniversary of her victory and present the leading amateur’s prize.

Ryan Fox reflects on winning his first major at Royal Birkdale, where a composed finish and a decisive final-hole putt secured the Open Championship by one shot over Cameron Young. The victory has helped him step out of the shadow of his father, Grant Fox, the celebrated All Black, and establish his own sporting legacy in New Zealand. Fox discusses his family’s sporting history, the psychological challenges of the tournament, the surreal aftermath of victory, and his hopes of competing for another major while remaining proud even if the Open proves to be his only major title.

Bryson DeChambeau’s petulant response to a justified two-stroke Open penalty overshadowed Ryan Fox’s emphatic maiden major victory and intensified debate about golf’s appetite for controversy. The R&A was criticized for overexplaining the incident as accidental, while Rory McIlroy condemned DeChambeau’s posturing and Scottie Scheffler defended his character. DeChambeau remains a major attention-generating asset for LIV Golf, but the circuit’s uncertain future could force him back toward the PGA Tour, where his rivalry with McIlroy would create substantial drama. The column argues that DeChambeau’s value as a spectacle is inseparable from the disruption he brings to the sport.

Bryson DeChambeau allegedly threatened to call Donald Trump while disputing a two‑stroke penalty issued during the second round of the Open at Royal Birkdale. The R&A rejected his appeals after revisiting the incident site, and CEO Mark Darbon later declined DeChambeau’s request to access his scorecard. Rory McIlroy said the penalty was correct. DeChambeau remained in the UK to compete in a LIV Golf event after finishing tied‑14th.

Ryan Fox secured his first major title with a winning birdie putt on the final hole of the 154th Open Championship, becoming the first New Zealander since 1963 to win the tournament. He described the decisive moment as surreal, saying he struggled to feel his hands under pressure. His strong finish, including two late birdies, allowed him to edge out Cameron Young by one stroke. Fox highlighted the significance of the victory for New Zealand and expressed gratitude for support from home.

Ryan Fox won the 2026 Open Championship at Royal Birkdale with a decisive birdie on the final hole, edging Cameron Young by one shot. Several contenders, including Sam Burns, Tommy Fleetwood and Scottie Scheffler, faltered under pressure during a challenging final round. Bryson DeChambeau, penalised earlier in the tournament, slipped to a tie for 14th, while Rory McIlroy finished at one under after a difficult week. The event concluded with Fox securing a landmark victory that shifted attention away from earlier controversy involving DeChambeau.

Rory McIlroy sharply criticised Bryson DeChambeau for behaviour he described as performative after a two‑stroke penalty for improving his lie triggered delays to third‑round tee times at the Open. DeChambeau’s dispute with officials and uncertainty over whether he would continue in the tournament pushed scheduling announcements to nearly 11pm, prompting frustration among several players. McIlroy backed the ruling and questioned DeChambeau’s actions, while Max Homa defended his compatriot. DeChambeau completed his third round four shots behind leader Sam Burns but continued to avoid media engagement.

Bryson DeChambeau received a two‑stroke penalty for improving the area of his intended swing during the Open Championship at Royal Birkdale, dropping him from second to a tie for fifth and prompting anger and initial doubts about whether he would continue. After late‑night discussions with R&A officials and a return to the scene, the ruling stood despite acknowledging the action was accidental. DeChambeau later confirmed he would play on, continuing practice into the night. Lucas Herbert led after 36 holes, with several notable players missing the cut amid a contentious and eventful second round.

Lucas Herbert narrowly missed a putt that would have given him the first 61 in men’s major championship history, settling for a record-equalling 62 to lead The Open at eight under par. Despite disappointment, he expressed pride in joining the small group of players who have achieved the score. Sam Burns later matched the 62 with a bunker hole‑out on the 18th. Herbert’s round featured a run of early birdies, a front-nine 28, and signs of nerves late, ultimately leaving him one shot short of history.

Bryson DeChambeau shot a 67 at the 154th Open Championship but avoided engaging with the media amid criticism from Nick Faldo, who said he lacks strategic understanding. DeChambeau later emphasized his strategic approach, appearing to respond indirectly to Faldo. Jackson Suber led the first round with an impressive inward 31 on his debut visit to Europe. Several top players, including Tyrrell Hatton, Scottie Scheffler, and Rory McIlroy, experienced mixed rounds, while Justin Rose struggled with a 75. A tightly packed leaderboard sets up a competitive second day.

Dan Brown posted a strong opening-round 66 at Royal Birkdale despite concerns over fire risks caused by his smoking habit in the scorched conditions. Previously tied for 10th at the 2024 Open, he expressed confidence gained from past major experience and hopes to remain competitive through Sunday. Jackson Suber later moved ahead on the leaderboard, but Brown remains optimistic about maintaining his form as the tournament progresses.

Royal Birkdale’s heat‑scorched conditions are expected to make this Open Championship unpredictable, favouring precise control on firm, fiery fairways. Rory McIlroy enters with strong motivation to win on such a demanding setup, while contenders including Scottie Scheffler, Jon Rahm and others face challenges posed by unpredictable bounces and a difficult new par‑three. The R&A has cautioned fans about conduct as large crowds and intense conditions raise concerns. Historic winners and local favourite Tommy Fleetwood add to the tournament’s intrigue as competitors navigate one of the toughest recent Open setups.

Leading golfers including Rory McIlroy and Jon Rahm argue that the tightly compressed 14‑week major championship season limits the sport’s global reach and audience engagement. Rahm supports exploring international venues beyond the United States, while McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler suggest that a more spaced‑out schedule would benefit fans and reduce season fatigue. Structural complications in golf governance and scheduling, including the PGA Tour’s calendar and global tournaments, make changes difficult. The debate reflects broader concerns about maintaining interest and maximizing the sport’s competitive and commercial potential.

Joe Dean secured the final Open Championship berth by winning a new 18‑hole last‑chance qualifier at Royal Birkdale by one shot, holding off Andrew Wilson and Aldrich Potgieter. The format, introduced by the R&A, drew strong galleries and delivered high tension as Dean overcame late mistakes to finish with a 68. The former delivery driver, now established on the DP World Tour, continues an upward career trajectory and will marry his caddie and fiancée Emily next week.

Steve Clarke stepped down as Scotland head coach after the team failed to progress from the World Cup group stage, calling it the right moment to leave. Live coverage highlighted buildup to the Brazil v Japan knockout match, ongoing managerial changes including Enzo Maresca’s move to Manchester City, transfer activity involving clubs such as Chelsea, PSG and Gotham FC, and a mix of off‑field news ranging from personal tragedies affecting players to administrative shifts in football federations. The blog covered multiple World Cup storylines, upcoming fixtures and wider reactions across teams, managers and supporters.

The Scottish Football Association faces criticism for poor decision‑making and a narrow, insular approach as it seeks a successor to Steve Clarke, whose resignation followed Scotland’s disappointing World Cup performance despite his past success guiding the team to multiple major tournaments. Limited domestic coaching options and declining player output highlight the need to consider international candidates, with the article arguing that fresh perspectives from abroad are essential to modernize Scotland’s football model and raise standards ahead of upcoming competitions.

The final day of the World Cup group stage confirmed the last‑32 lineup, highlighted by England’s progression to a knockout match against DR Congo and the resignation of Scotland head coach Steve Clarke after elimination. South Korea’s exit triggered harsh criticism from president Lee Jae Myung, who blamed leadership failures within the national setup. Updates covered team performances, standout players, transfer news, and global reaction as the tournament enters the knockout phase, with England reviewing their mixed displays and major nations preparing for a challenging bracket split unevenly by world rankings.

Colombia dominated a scoreless World Cup group match against Portugal, creating the better chances and having a late Davinson Sánchez goal ruled out for offside. Cristiano Ronaldo struggled to make an impact as Colombia’s energetic performance secured them the top spot in Group K, while Portugal’s coach Roberto Martínez acknowledged his side’s lack of control. Colombia advance to face Ghana, and Portugal will meet Croatia in the round of 32.

Steve Clarke resigned as Scotland’s head coach shortly after the team’s elimination from the 2026 World Cup, ending his seven‑year tenure marked by returns to major tournaments. Despite signing a new four‑year contract before the competition, criticism over tactics and results contributed to his departure. Clarke praised players in a farewell letter, while the Scottish FA faced scrutiny for extending his contract pre‑tournament. The search for his successor is complicated by limited domestic candidates, with potential consideration of overseas options ahead of a likely home Euro 2028.

Scotland were eliminated from the 2026 World Cup after finishing outside the top eight third‑placed teams, with results in Group L confirming their exit. Steve Clarke’s squad managed only one win and one goal across three matches, ending hopes of reaching the knockout stage for the first time. A heavy defeat to Brazil and Croatia’s win over Ghana sealed their fate. Clarke remains in position under a recently extended contract, though the exit may signal the end for several veteran players. Scotland will resume competition in the Nations League in September.

England prepared for their decisive group match against Panama amid expected lineup changes, while Scotland awaited other results to keep faint qualification hopes alive. Spain faced major setbacks after injuries to Yéremy Pino and Nico Williams, and contention grew across multiple groups as teams secured knockout-stage places or confronted elimination. Coaches and players across nations reflected on form, fitness and tactical challenges, while global fan engagement and host city reactions highlighted the tournament’s broader social atmosphere.

Tournament developments ranged from a vehicle striking fans in Cabo San Lucas to shifting round‑of‑32 ticket prices following unexpected results for South Korea and Canada. Scotland’s World Cup hopes remained slim after poor performances, while various national teams addressed selection decisions, injuries and internal issues. Transfer news, tax action against Newcastle United and administrative turmoil in Tunisian football also featured, alongside squad updates for major contenders including Argentina, Portugal and Senegal.

Scotland’s World Cup campaign is portrayed as a failure on the pitch despite widespread praise for the travelling fans. Steve Clarke faces mounting criticism for poor results, tactical missteps and an underperforming squad, while senior Scottish FA officials are faulted for questionable decisions and lack of accountability. Key players struggled to replicate club-level standards, exposing deeper structural issues in Scottish football. The article calls for significant reforms, including stronger development pathways and governance changes, warning that without decisive action Scotland risks another long absence from major tournaments.

Scotland’s World Cup hopes dim after a decisive defeat to Brazil marked by early errors and limited attacking threat. Mexico top their group with a perfect defensive record, South Africa stun South Korea to progress, and Bosnia and Herzegovina reach knockout stages for the first time. Other group outcomes include Canada missing out on home‑advantage seeding and Switzerland advancing as group winners, accompanied by previews of upcoming matches and listener questions.