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• Sidney Wolf to be inducted into Caribbean Golf Association's Hall of Fame

  The Caribbean Golf Association (CGA)has announced the induction of Sidney Wolf into the CGA Hall of Fame. The ceremony recognizing Wolf’s decades-long dedication and significant contributions to the sport of golf in the Caribbean will take place prior to the PRGA’s 70th anniversary celebration gala on December 13 at 6pm at the Hilton Garden Inn Hotel in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

  Sidney Wolf has been a cornerstone of Caribbean golf since his first appearance at the Hoerman Cup in Jamaica in 1989. Serving as president of the CGA intermittently since 1995 and leading the Puerto Rico Golf Association (PRGA) for nearly three decades, Wolf has played a pivotal role in promoting and developing golf throughout the region.

  
  Wolf's involvement with the CGA began as Vice President in 1995, supporting various presidents before stepping into the leadership role himself. Notably, in 2009, he initiated the process to establish the CGA Hall of Fame, further demonstrating his commitment to recognizing and celebrating excellence in Caribbean golf. His unwavering commitment has seen him attend nearly all CGA Championships and assist in conducting these events. His leadership has been instrumental in chairing and hosting numerous significant tournaments, including four Caribbean Amateur Golf Championships (CAGCs), five Caribbean Junior Golf Championships (CAJGCs) in Puerto Rico, several CGA Classics in Puerto Rico, the United States, and the Dominican Republic, as well as two Caribbean Cups.

  Beyond organizing events, Wolf has been crucial in securing attractive rates and packages, significantly reducing costs, and ensuring the CGA's financial stability. His fundraising efforts, particularly through securing raffle prizes, have bolstered the association’s financial health. Wolf has emphasized the importance of developing local talent in tournament administration and rules.

  In recognition of his extensive contributions, Wolf's induction into the CGA Hall of Fame is a testament to his dedication to the sport. His achievements also include induction into the Puerto Rico Sports Hall of Fame and the PRGA Hall of Fame. He is a respected member of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews and has served on the USGA Regional Affairs committee since 1996.

  Internationally, Wolf has made significant impacts as well. He chaired the World Amateur Team Championships in 2004, worked with the PGA TOUR Latin America and the PGA TOUR, and played a pivotal role in hosting the first USGA Championship outside the US mainland in 2022 and the Latin American Amateur Championship in 2023. He co-founded the Americas Golf Association and the Copa de las Americas and currently serves as Chairman of the Future Sites Committee for the International Golf Federation (IGF).

  Reflecting on his career, Wolf credits the collaborative efforts of past CGA presidents and dedicated regional leaders for the association’s success. Despite the sacrifices and long hours, Wolf's service has always been about giving back to the sport he loves. His legacy is marked by relentless dedication, visionary leadership, and a profound impact on golf in the Caribbean and beyond.

   

• Young delighted to 'feel like himself' after Hero World Challenge opening round

  Cameron Young holds a two-shot lead after the first round of the Hero World Challenge, which is being hosted by Tiger Woods in the Bahamas.

  The 27-year-old shot eight under par with no bogeys on Thursday, which gave him a lead over Justin Thomas, who birdied four of the last five holes.

  Young is number 38 in the world rankings and was named the 2022 PGA Tour Rookie of the Year, but has not yet won a PGA title.

  The American was understandably pleased with his start to the tournament.

  "It's a nice thing to come out and just feel like yourself," he said.

  "Really happy with it. I feel like with the driver I was just really comfortable and that's a huge key out here.

  "I'm sure I missed a fairway or two, but for the most part I was really well in position. Then I made a couple putts early, which was nice."

  Elsewhere, defending champion and world number one Scottie Scheffler is on five under through the first round, three shots back on Young.

  Scheffler is tied with Ludvig Aberg, Sahith Theegala, Patrick Cantlay and Akshay Bhatia.

  Woods, who is the host and a 15-time major winner, was forced to miss the tournament having been originally expected to take an exemption spot – the tournament itself features 20 of the world's top players.

  While there was no official reason given for Woods' absence, a lengthy injury history has ensured a limited competition schedule in recent years.

• Dealing with 'unfair expectations' just 'part of the gig' for McIlroy

  Rory McIlroy knows dealing with "unfair expectations" comes with the territory as one of golf's star names.

  The four-time major winner was close to ending his long wait for a fifth such title at the U.S. Open earlier this year, but suffered a heartbreaking near-miss.

  Bryson DeChambeau capitalised on McIlroy's wobble, and the Northern Irishman has now not won a major for a decade, with his last triumph arriving at the 2014 PGA Championship. 

  McIlroy had previously won the 2011 U.S. Open, the PGA Championship in 2023 and The Open two years later. 

  "I'm hard on myself, but at the same time, I try very hard to focus on the positives and move forward," McIlroy told Sky Sports.

  "I learn from my mistakes and then move on, because that's all you can do in any walk of life.

  "I think what the hard thing is in my position is your disappointments and your mistakes keep getting brought up to you every time that you get in front of a camera or you're in a press conference or answering questions. That's the tough part of this gig.

  "At the same time, I am in a very fortunate position that this is what I get to do for a living. If I have to deal with what people deem are unfair expectations or are held to a higher standard than others, then so be it.

  "I'd much rather have it this way than if people didn't really care about what I was doing on the golf course."

  The 35-year-old has been nominated for the 2024 PGA Tour Player of the Year award and won his sixth Race to Dubai last month.

  But McIlroy knows his slip-up at the U.S. Open is what will stand out from his campaign. 

  He had a comfortable lead at eight-under, but three bogeys allowed DeChambeau to win by a single shot. McIlroy took time away from the sport in the wake of the tournament.

  "It's hard because, on one hand, I sit here, and I'm proud of what I've done this year, but then, on the other hand, I sit here, and I am disappointed because of the ones I've let get away," McIlroy said. 

  "I'd say it was a combination of everything. I wouldn't say it's specifically the putts. I wouldn't say it's specifically the club choices - I think it's a combination.

  "The putt on 16 was probably the one that I'll look back on most that I'll regret. But I think if I had made par on 15, do I miss that putt on 16? Also, with the last few holes and with the way Pinehurst flows, I was waiting for Bryson to hit his shots.

  "You're very aware of what's happening behind you and I needed to do a better job of trying to block that out and I didn't. It's hard enough just having to concentrate on yourself and focus on what you're doing.

  "Whenever your attention is taken away by focusing and looking at what your competitor does, it makes it even more difficult," he added.