Author: lehang

George Strait, the King of Country, is often considered one of the most iconic and influential figures in country music history. With a career spanning over four decades, Strait has amassed an impressive 60 number-one hits, a feat few can match. His songs are the epitome of classic country music, characterized by his smooth voice, simple yet profound lyrics, and an unwavering commitment to his roots. While his music has touched millions, behind the scenes, George Strait’s journey has been marked by personal and professional struggles that would have caused many to quit long ago. He has stepped away from music several times throughout his career, not due to lack of success but because of personal tragedy and emotional exhaustion. Despite these challenges, Strait’s resilience, and the support of his family, ultimately led him back to the stage each time.

George Strait’s early life and entry into the music world were anything but easy. Growing up in Texas, George was always passionate about country music, but the road to success was filled with rejection. When he first moved to Nashville, the industry wasn’t interested in his style of country.

Strait’s sound was too raw and genuine for the polished, pop-influenced style that was dominating the charts at the time. Despite this, he remained determined to stay true to his vision, rejecting the idea of compromising his art for commercial success. However, after facing a string of rejections, he began to lose hope and seriously considered giving up music altogether. In fact, he even took a job designing cattle pens in order to provide for his family.

At this low point in his career, George’s wife, Norma, played a pivotal role in helping him regain his focus. Norma had supported George through the tough times, and she wasn’t about to let him give up on his dreams. She encouraged him to continue trying for just one more year. If nothing happened after that, she assured him they could settle into a quiet life away from the spotlight. It was Norma’s belief in him that convinced George to keep pushing forward.

He reunited with his band, Ace in the Hole, and began playing shows across the country once again. This persistence paid off when, in 1981, Strait secured a record deal, and from there, his career took off in ways he could have never imagined.

Despite finding success, the grind of constant touring began to take a toll on George. After decades of performing at the highest level, he announced in 2012 that he would retire from touring. The decision was partly due to the physical and emotional exhaustion of being on the road constantly. He wanted to spend more time with his family and step away from the demands of being on stage. His farewell tour, aptly named the Cowboy Rides Away Tour, was a massive success, setting records for ticket sales and drawing huge crowds.

Yet, after this tour, George kept his promise to retire from touring. However, this doesn’t mean he disappeared from the music scene entirely. While he no longer spends as much time in the studio, Strait has continued to make music, though at a much slower pace. His most recent release came in 2018 when he put out a promotional song for a tequila brand he was endorsing.

In addition to the professional challenges he faced, George’s life was marked by immense personal tragedy. In 1986, when his daughter Jennifer was just 13 years old, she was killed in a car accident. The pain of losing his daughter was so overwhelming that it almost caused George to walk away from his career for good. Jennifer had been in a car driven by a reckless older boy who lost control of the vehicle, and Jennifer was ejected and killed instantly because she wasn’t wearing a seatbelt.

The loss of his daughter was a devastating blow to George and his family, and it left him questioning everything. Yet, rather than retreating from the world and his music, George chose to keep going. His music became a way to cope with his grief. In the years following Jennifer’s death, Strait released a series of hits that became some of the most beloved in country music history.

During this difficult time, George also found himself involved in a lengthy legal battle over the accident. The driver of the car that killed Jennifer was initially charged with involuntary manslaughter, but the charges were later reduced. The case went through several trials, and the outcome was frustrating for George and his family, as they felt justice was never truly served. Despite this, George refused to let bitterness take hold. Instead of focusing on retribution, he channeled his grief into charity work.

He founded the Jennifer Lynn Strait Foundation in her honor, which supported causes close to his heart. This act of giving back demonstrated the type of person George Strait is—resilient, compassionate, and determined to use his platform for good.

Today, while George Strait no longer tours extensively or releases music as frequently, his impact on the country music genre remains undeniable. His legacy is not just built on the countless number-one hits or the sold-out arenas but also on his dedication to his family, his authenticity as an artist, and his ability to persevere through unimaginable hardships. Strait’s story serves as a reminder that even the most successful people face immense challenges, but with the right support system, it is possible to overcome even the most difficult obstacles.

George Strait’s decision to step back from music may have seemed like an end, but in reality, it is just another chapter in the remarkable story of a man who gave everything to his craft, his family, and his fans.

Strait may not be actively making new music, but his timeless songs continue to resonate with fans around the world. He has earned the right to enjoy a quiet life after decades of hard work, but for those who continue to love his music, it’s clear that George Strait will always remain the King of Country.

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark was named WNBA Rookie of the Year on Thursday, the league announced.

Caitlin Clark (Photo by Joe Buglewicz/Getty Images)

Clark overwhelmingly beat out Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese in a poll of 67 sportswriters and broadcasters.

The 22-year-old Clark saw her rookie campaign come to an end after the Fver were swept out of the playoffs by the Connecticut Sun.

A week after the postseason exit, Clark posted a message on Instagram to thank her fanbase.

“Year one,” the NCAA all-time leading scorer wrote along with a green tick emoji.

“Thank you to the many people who have supported me as I’ve been able to live my childhood dream.

“I’m filled with gratitude as I reflect on this past year of my life.

‘See you all in year two.”

This is the first time Caitlin Clark has spoken out since Seattle Storm forward Gabby Williams chose to play overseas in Europe and brought up her name in the process.

Williams was only under contract through this year, and she chose to return to Europe because of the pay.

While on a flight to Turkey to join Fenerbahçe, Williams took to TikTok and singled out a fan who claimed Caitlin Clark made almost $1 million as a rookie.

“In the video, I’m talking about WNBA salaries and our collective bargaining agreement – I’m not talking about personal endorsements,” Williams began. “I’m not gonna disclose what I make from personal endorsement, I’m talking about specifically what WNBA salaries are and what is written in our CBA, which all of you can Google and it’s all public information.”

“Clark makes $70,000 in the WNBA,” she continued. “So I know all these Caitlin Clark fans, whatever, like ‘Caitlin Clark makes $700,000’ – that’s off of endorsements. I’m not talking about endorsements, I’m talking about the WNBA.”

Caitlin has yet to directly address Williams.

Caitlin Clark averaged 19.2 points, 8.4 assists and 5.7 rebounds per game

What is next for Caitlin Clark?

Clark had been playing basketball since the Iowa Hawkeyes started their exhibition slate against the DePaul Blue Demons on Oct. 15, 2023.

It was a long NCAA season that did not end until the team lost in the National Championship game.

Caitlin Clark would only receive a few days off in between the national championship and the WNBA Draft and then another few days between the draft and her first practice with the Fever.

Her biggest break came during the Olympic break since she was left off Team USA.

She has no plans to play in other leagues such as ‘Unrivaled,’ which is a 3-on-3 league just created.

He will not be among the protagonists who will battle on the court, but Roger Federer was the most anticipated man in Berlin, where the 7th edition of the Laver Cup will be played from tomorrow – an event of which he is one of the founders – which will be played until Sunday 22 September.

Yesterday, Roger, in addition to having trained on the court that from Friday will see the challenges between players from Europe and the Rest of the World, talked about many topics, including the prospects of the event that also intends to explore new territories beyond Europe and North America and also about the future of Novak Djokovic. Roger Federer© @Tennis_Now X account

In addition to telling a very funny anecdote that concerns him and that also concerns Carlos Alcaraz, the journalists asked Federer how he sees the future and the end of the career of the Serbian champion.

Roger pointed out that Nole this year, even if he didn’t win a Slam, still won the much-dreamed-of gold medal at the Olympics.

“Nole, winning the Olympics and playing, let’s say, a whole season, beyond the well-known Roland Garros situation, has not withdrawn from tournaments due to injuries, he has just chosen to play less, which is normal when you get older. I think that in 2025 he has the opportunity to move forward. I can’t wait for Australia in January, which is the next Grand Slam tournament. I think Djokovic will be one of the favorites along with Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. It will also be very interesting for this reason to follow the Australian Open,” Roger analyzed. Roger Federer© @atptour X account

The Laver Cup, despite being basically just an unofficial event, has been able to bring together the best tennis players in the world, who have the opportunity, at least for one week a year, to share the locker room and the playing courts, to the delight of the fans who will be on the court to admire their exploits.

Bjorn Borg, who has been part of this project since day zero, putting his experience and charisma at the service of Team Europe, is one of the pillars of the event. This will be for him, as for John McEnroe, the last mandate of seven, before retiring and being replaced by Yannick Noah and Andre Agassi. The Swede, interviewed by Tennis Magazine, recounted some unforgettable moments for him experienced during the past events.

“Both John and I have done a great job, or at least I think so, and I speak for him too. I can’t imagine a better successor than my good friend Noah for this job, he is a great champion and a better person. Nadal? He has a wonderful personality, he is one of my favorite players, I have been watching him for many years in many matches, it was a pleasure to have him for several years in TeamEurope in this Laver Cup. I remember that at the time many said that no one would beat my record at Roland Garros, but for me it was always clear that records must be broken, that’s sport. We will never see a player as good on clay again,” he said.

Borg talked about perhaps the most iconic moment of recent years, the emotional embrace between Nadal and Roger Federer on the day of the Swiss’ farewell.

“We all knew Roger would end his career, but I was very surprised that Rafa cried so much next to him. At that moment I thought: will Rafa play again? Seeing him cry shows how much Roger meant to him, the two of them shared some amazing matches, they gave us incredible tennis. Rafa was sad to say goodbye to a friend and rival who is leaving the tour, and you could see how Rafa was doing. I feel sorry for both of us because we lose a great rivalry, but it was still a great moment to see, very emotional for me too,” he analyzed.

“It was the best seven years for me, the Laver Cup has always been the most important week of the year for me. I had the opportunity to spend time with the best players in the world, enjoying a great competition where everyone wanted to win. It was a fantastic time, so I am very proud and happy to have been the captain of this team,” added Borg, on the last year he lived as Team Europe Captain.

In the realm of professional tennis, few names shine as brightly as Novak Djokovic. Known for his extraordinary talent, unwavering determination, and countless victories, Djokovic has become a global icon in the sport. However, beyond the courts and the spotlight, lies a heartwarming story of familial bonds, deep connections, and a unique gift shared between Novak and his father, Srdjan Djokovic. This story is not just about a tennis champion but about a son and his father, sharing unforgettable moments and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

From a young age, Novak Djokovic was introduced to tennis by his father, Srdjan. The Djokovic family, hailing from Serbia, faced numerous challenges and adversities. Srdjan, a former professional skier and skiing instructor, recognized his son’s potential and passion for tennis early on. Despite financial constraints and limited resources, he was determined to nurture Novak’s talent.

Srdjan’s dedication to his son’s career was unwavering. He often took on multiple jobs to support Novak’s training and participation in tournaments. This relentless support and belief in his son’s abilities laid the foundation for Novak’s illustrious career. The bond between father and son was strengthened through these shared experiences, creating a deep and unbreakable connection.

As Novak’s career progressed, the sacrifices made by both father and son became more pronounced. Srdjan’s support went beyond financial contributions. He was a constant presence in Novak’s life, providing emotional support and guidance. Whether it was traveling to tournaments, attending training sessions, or offering words of encouragement, Srdjan was always there for his son.

Novak has often spoken about the significant role his father played in his career. In interviews, he credits Srdjan for instilling in him a strong work ethic, resilience, and a never-give-up attitude. These values have been instrumental in Novak’s journey to the top of the tennis world.

One of the most poignant moments in their relationship occurred during the 2021 Wimbledon Championships. Novak Djokovic secured his 20th Grand Slam title, equalling the record held by tennis legends Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. As Novak celebrated his victory, Srdjan was there to witness the historic moment. The sight of father and son embracing on the court, tears of joy in their eyes, was a testament to their deep bond and the culmination of years of hard work and sacrifices.

This victory was not just a personal achievement for Novak but also a shared triumph for the Djokovic family. It was a moment that symbolized their journey together, filled with trials, tribulations, and ultimately, success. The pride in Srdjan’s eyes was evident as he watched his son hold the prestigious Wimbledon trophy, a dream they had both worked tirelessly to achieve.

Beyond the accolades and trophies, the relationship between Novak and Srdjan Djokovic is marked by a unique and special gift – the gift of unwavering support and unconditional love. This bond has been a source of strength for Novak, providing him with the confidence and determination to face the challenges of professional tennis.

In return, Novak has always shown immense gratitude and respect for his father. He often dedicates his victories to his family, acknowledging the crucial role they have played in his success. This mutual admiration and love have created a relationship that goes beyond the typical parent-child dynamic. It is a partnership built on trust, respect, and a shared dream.

The legacy of Srdjan and Novak Djokovic is one that transcends tennis. It is a story of perseverance, dedication, and the unbreakable bond between a father and his son. Their journey serves as an inspiration to many, highlighting the importance of family support and the power of shared dreams.

For Srdjan, watching his son achieve greatness is the ultimate reward for his years of sacrifice and hard work. For Novak, having his father by his side throughout his career has been a source of immense strength and motivation. Together, they have created a legacy that will be remembered for generations to come.

Novak Djokovic’s success on the tennis court is undeniably impressive, but it is the story of his relationship with his father, Srdjan, that truly captures the heart. Their journey together is a testament to the power of family, love, and unwavering support. As Novak continues to break records and achieve new milestones, the bond between father and son remains a constant source of inspiration and strength.

In a world where success is often measured by accolades and titles, the story of Novak and Srdjan Djokovic reminds us of the true essence of achievement – the love and support of family. Their unforgettable moments together and the special gift of their bond are what truly make Novak Djokovic a champion, both on and off the court.

Shaquille O’Neal and his son are no strangers to fan expectations. It’s safe to say that LeBron James and Bronny are sailing in a parallel boat, if not the same one. The Lakers father-son duo has been catching a ton of heat after the Summer league games, and yeah, young Bronny didn’t ball out like his pops, LeBron, but let’s be real — you can’t expect him to dominate just because he’s a James. The kid’s just starting out, and as the 55th pick, he will take time. Cut him some slack. Big Diesel, a brutal hooper in his day and an even more brutal analyst, sympathized and even had the rookie Laker‘s back, after witnessing all the scares in the O’Neal household.

Shaq showed mad love for Bronny, saying, “Lil Bronny is my nephew. Yes. I wish him well. I know his work ethic and there are a lot of storylines good and bad behind that. I just hope everything goes off. I just sat here with Marlon Wayans on my podcast, he said, ‘I’m happy for I want the young fella to be happy,’ and I kind of know what he is going through because you know my son Shareef is still trying. He was a good player, he had the heart attack situation still trying to get in.”

This recent statement from Big Diesel just proves that he got real empathy for Bronny. Shareef also had a heart problem. When he was 18, he had to go through open-heart surgery after being diagnosed with an anomalous coronary artery. Stanford Health describes this diagnosis as a coronary artery that has an abnormality or malformation.

Shaquille O’Neal knows all about the grind that comes with health issues and still chasing your dreams, making his support for Bronny hit differently. “So, you know the only thing for kids like that is they have a lot of pressure because of the last name, like they don’t even really get the opportunity to do what they want, they are always going to be compared to us,” Shaq added on the OG podcast with Udonis Haslem. Being the sons of legends like Shaq and LeBron is a huge plus, but it also means massive expectations.

Bronny and Shareef are always going to be compared to their dad’s greatness. It is a tough gig. Shaq was a beast, one of the most dominant ever, and Bron’s still killing it like he’s in his prime. Trying to live up to that kind of legacy? The pressure is real.
However, the TNT analyst has been quite open with his son and his interest in pursuing the sport. A certain line that Papa Shaq told Shareef stands out…

Shaquille O’Neal’s son Shareef’s hoops journey hasn’t been remotely easy, but Big Diesel has kept an open mind amidst all the hustle

Shareef has spent much of his time living in his father’s shadow, constantly striving to carve out his own place in the basketball world. His game is compared to Shaq’s legendary style—those monster dunks and crazy rebounds that got Big Diesel into the Hall of Fame. Shareef’s got his own vibe, though, and he was determined to carve out his own path, despite the heavy legacy burden. Early on, he was tagged as a bust because he didn’t have a dominating presence on the court.

Even though he was a solid player—ranked 16th in the 2018 class by 247 Sports—he hit some major roadblocks. After undergoing open-heart surgery in 2018 and losing 45 pounds, he struggled to get minutes on his team once he was back. When he entered the 2022 NBA Draft, every team passed on him. But Shareef didn’t throw in the towel, despite his dad openly giving him the option to step away and pursue other avenues.

via Getty

“I tell them all the time we don’t need another basketball player in this family. I just want you to be happy. So my wish for Bronny is to be happy. I hate the storylines and I hate the nepotism. Talking on it doesn’t matter, he’s in. I want him to be happy,” Shaquille O’Neal concluded his analysis of the Shareef-Bronny situation.

After going undrafted, Shareef joined the Lakers for the 2022 Summer League and signed with the NBA G League Ignite in late September 2022. Since then, there’s no real on-court update, however, the youngster has been working with his dad, on a mission to rebrand Reebok’s strategy in the sports realm. On the other hand, Bronny is gearing up for his NBA debut. Thoughts?
Before leaving, do watch the Dual Threat Show hosted by BG12 where Bulldogs’ Asia Avinger details her experience with Kobe Bryant, her WNBA ROTY picks, and more in the video below.

LeBron James expresses his support for former first overall pick Bryce Young.

NBA superstar and sports icon LeBron James didn’t hold back in expressing his support for Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young, who was recently benched following a disappointing 0-2 start to the season.

Veteran Andy Dalton will take over as the starter, as announced by head coach Dave Canales on Monday. Young was selected first overall in the 2023 NFL Draft after an impressive college career at Alabama.

He won the Heisman Trophy in 2021, and supplanted himself as a legendary quarterback in the SEC for the Crimson Tide. However, his transition to the NFL has been rocky.

On Tuesday night, James shared an inspiring message on social media for the 23-year-old who hasn’t had the start to his career many expected or hoped for.

“Bryce Young hold ya head Young [king]!! Rooting for you and know this ain’t on you! Continue to put the work in and it shall prevail!”

If anyone understands the importance of perseverance through tough times, it’s LeBron James. When he speaks, people listen, making his support for a young athlete like Bryce Young especially impactful—particularly for someone who may be struggling with confidence.

Young has faced challenges on the field, with a completion percentage of 55.4, 245 passing yards, zero touchdowns, three interceptions, and a passer rating of 44.1 in the first two games of the season.

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23).

© Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

He ranks near the bottom in all major statistical categories and quarterback analytics since entering the league last season. While the Panthers have not provided him with the necessary support to succeed, Young’s struggles are undeniable, and his future in Carolina may be growing uncertain.

In recent weeks, the WNBA has been at the center of a heated debate, sparked primarily by the performances of two standout players: Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese. While both athletes have made significant contributions to the league, the spotlight seems to shine overwhelmingly on Clark, particularly after her record-breaking performances. This disparity has not gone unnoticed, leading to some fiery exchanges, notably from sports commentator Dan Patrick, who took a strong stance against Reese.

Patrick’s critique was blunt, suggesting that Reese, despite her talents, doesn’t quite measure up to Clark’s on-court dominance. His comments highlighted Clark’s remarkable ability to draw viewers and generate excitement around the WNBA, contrasting it with Reese’s current performance levels. Patrick emphasized that Clark’s skills and charisma have transformed the league into must-watch television, while Reese’s efforts seem to have taken a backseat.

This commentary ignited a fierce response from Reese, who took offense at Patrick’s remarks. In a series of press conferences and social media posts, she expressed frustration over what she perceives as bias and a lack of recognition for her contributions to the game. Reese argued that the narrative shouldn’t be solely about Clark, insisting that her own achievements have also played a role in elevating the WNBA’s profile.

Meanwhile, Clark has maintained her focus, letting her game speak for itself. She has continued to rack up impressive stats, including an astonishing debut that attracted a record 2.1 million viewers, marking it as the most-watched WNBA game on ESPN. Each of her performances seems to set new viewership records, further solidifying her status as a rising star in women’s basketball.

The growing divide between the two players has created a palpable tension within the league. While Clark’s meteoric rise captivates fans and analysts alike, Reese’s struggle to keep pace in the limelight is evident. It raises questions about the nature of popularity and recognition in sports—how much of it is based on talent and how much is influenced by media narratives?

As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how both players respond to this dynamic. Can Reese reclaim some of the spotlight? Will Clark continue to dominate and shape the conversation around the WNBA? This rivalry has the potential to not only impact their careers but also the broader landscape of women’s basketball, bringing attention and debate to the forefront as fans engage in discussions about talent, media representation, and the future of the league.

Ultimately, the WNBA is experiencing a pivotal moment, and the performances of these two players could shape its trajectory for years to come. Fans are left to wonder: who will emerge as the definitive face of the league, and how will their stories unfold amidst this competitive narrative?

PHOENIX — The WM Phoenix Open has its headliner for the opening night of the 2025 Birds Nest and it will be Jelly Roll.

Country singer Jelly Roll will headline the opening night of the 2025 Birds Nest on Feb. 5, 2025. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

The country singer will perform at the annual concert series on Feb. 5, the golf tournament announced on Tuesday.

Texas country rock band Treaty Oak Revival will serve as the special guest.

“We couldn’t ask for a better artist to kick things off as Jelly Roll makes his debut at this year’s Coors Light Birds Nest,” WM Phoenix Open Tournament Chairman Matt Mooney said in a press release.

“Jelly Roll is one of the fastest rising stars in music, and his widely popular songs will make for an unforgettable night and set the perfect tone for a great week of music during WM Phoenix Open week.”

How much are Jelly Roll tickets at Birds Nest?

Tickets to see Jelly Roll start at $125 for general admission.

VIP tickets and other elevated experiences start at $350 and come with exclusive access to a VIP area with complimentary food, drinks and a special viewing area.

Tickets for the show go on sale on Sept. 24 at 10 a.m. Event organizers encourage fans to buy tickets early since prices will jump or be sold out closer to the show.

Who is performing at Birds Nest at WM Phoenix Open?

Fellow country artist Luke Bryan is the only other confirmed headliner and he is set to perform on Feb. 6, the second day of the concert series. Nate Smith, also a country singer, is the special guest on Bryan’s night.

The Birds Nest, located directly across from the main tournament entrance at 82nd Street and Bell Road, will open to the public at 3:30 p.m. daily. The space will feature other live music, games, entertainment and food/drink ahead of the special guest’s performance beginning at 6:30 p.m. Headliners typically take the stage around 8:30 p.m.

The 48,000-square-foot venue is only open to those ages 21 and up and will close nightly at 10:30 p.m.

When is the 2025 WM Phoenix Open?

Across the street, the annual golf tournament known for its spirited environment will run Feb. 6-9.

Expect to see changes to it after a tumultuous 2024 that saw the entrance gates closed and alcohol sales stopped on the Saturday of the tournament due to public safety concerns caused by ongoing rain and rowdy fan behavior.

The Friday of the tournament resulted in a woman hospitalized with injuries that were not considered life-threatening after falling through the bleachers at the famous 16th Hole.

Overall, arrests and ejections were up year-over-year at the WM Phoenix Open in 2024.

Andy Murray has unfinished business in the world of sport.

Andy Murray will return to elite sport and swap his tennis racket for a golf club (Image: GETTY)

Andy Murray has been warned that playing the Celebrity Pro-Am at the BMW PGA will be “intimidating” when he returns to the sporting stage on Wednesday.

The former world No.1 who retired from tennis at the Olympics, has now set his sights on becoming a scratch golfer.

And the Scot, 37, will show his progress when he swaps the Centre Court at Wimbledon for the West Course at Wentworth alongside Ryder Cup player Bob MacIntyre. Also in his star-studded group are England’s record Test wicket-taker Jimmy Anderson and Anton Du Beke – the former Strictly Come Dancing partner of his mum Judy.

A crowd of 20,000 is expected for the Celebrity Pro-Am on Wednesday – and the all pre-tournament talk is about the three-time Grand Slam champion.

Novak Djokovic conquered pre-tee nerves to par the first hole and win his match playing in the pro-am before the Ryder Cup in Rome last September.

And BMW PGA defending champion Ryan Fox said: “I wouldn’t mind seeing Andy Murray. I saw a post on social media that he’s keen to get down to scratch. See how much work he’s got to do. Most of the cricketers are generally pretty good.

“It’s always interesting for them tomorrow. It’s an intimidating setting. There’s a lot of people out there and it’s always kind of funny to see some of those shots off the first tee. There’s generally, if you’re on the putting green, you hear a lot of shouts of “Fore” off that. So kind of expecting to see a little bit of that tomorrow as well which is good fun.”

Justin Rose, who is playing in the group behind his fellow Olympic and US Open champion, added: “Andy is obviously a curious one, and he really seems to have taken to it. He’s obviously put a couple bits on social media about his goals and becoming a scratch golfer and the like, and the swing he put up looked pretty good. I think he’s on a good path.

But we all know, we struggle; the range and the golf course, two totally different things. I might even be worth me getting to the tee on time. I’m normally always scrambling and I’m always late, but maybe I’ll even get there ten minutes early tomorrow just to see him hit one.”

Asked what Murray should expect, world No.36 Rose said: “Autographs! It’s a busy day. I think the celebs obviously create more attention tomorrow than the pros do, so the day is very much about them. Hopefully it’s a scenario where you can enjoy it. You do want to play well enough where you don’t feel like you’re kind of hitting into the crowd and endangering people. You want to be able to feel like you can play free and enjoy the day and keep it inside the ropes.

“But I think there’s no expectation really on these guys that come out, guys and girls that come out and play. Everyone knows how hard the game is. If you’re lighthearted with any bad shot, I think the crowd just laugh with you and it’s all forgotten pretty quickly. I think just come out and enjoy it for what it is, and it’s a bit of chaos out there, and just have a bit of fun with it.”

Rory McIlroy will play with Gareth Bale and Stuart Broad while Tommy Fleetwood partners Tom Holland and the Hollywood star’s two brothers Harry and Sam. Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald will play with England captain Ben Stokes.

And Kiwi Fox, the son of All Black great Grant, recalled his favourite pro-am memory playing with a cricketing legend in 2021.

“My partner for Dunhill Links for a lot of years was Shane Warne,” said Fox. “The last time I played with him was 2021. He turns up, I was coming 60th or something so we were kind of last off 10 on Sunday and Warne turns up and you could see, his eyes are glazed over. I see a photo of them playing cricket in the Old Course hotel with a whiskey bottle and tennis ball at 3.30am.

“Warne is bowling to Michael Vaughan, Kevin Pieterson is wicket keeping. Darren Gough is at cover. It’s a cool photo. But you know at that point, he’s having fun and he’s probably not going to be any good when he plays.

“And he turns up and he drives the 10th green, first shot of the day, two putts for birdie and makes eagle. Pars 11 with a shot. Pars 12 with a shot. He stuffs up 13. And then he birdies 14 with a shot.

So we’re like 6-under after four, and I think I had six birdies for the day. Warne probably had five by himself plus a bunch of net birdies off 10. He beat all the pros in the group unofficially. He shot 70 and we all shot 1-under I think.

“Every time I made a stuff-up, he made a birdie and we shot 56 as a team and lost a count bet based on the pro score. But that was a really cool experience out on the golf course with him.

“It’s a shame he’s not here anymore. He was such a great man. He loved golf and he was a really good friend. That’s probably my last memory of playing with him, and we had a whole lot of fun. And he crashed. He completely crashed. He got off the ninth green and basically fell asleep in the van on the way back to the clubhouse.”

Warne died in March 2022.

Connor McCaffery might just be the former University of Iowa player’s biggest fan.

Caitlin Clark is congratulating her boyfriend, Connor McCaffery, on his new coaching gig.

Butler University in Indiana announced Sept. 16 that McCaffery has been hired as an assistant coach for its men’s basketball team.

Clark reacted to the news with a congratulatory message on her Instagram stories, which McCaffery reshared.

“Yayy!! So happy for you,” the Indiana Fever superstar wrote while sharing a Butler post regarding McCaffery’s new role, adding multiple hearts to her message.

Prior to joining Butler, McCaffery served as a basketball development coordinator for the Indiana Pacers during the most recent NBA season.

Clark previously wrote a loving message for McCaffery in July when he celebrated his birthday.

Clark shared a series of four black-and-white photos, featuring the couple laughing, hugging on the basketball court, taking a mirror picture and posing for a selfie.

“Happy Birthday Con! Celebrating you is easy 🙂 thankful to have someone as selfless and as loving as you in my life,” Clark wrote with a black heart emoji.

“May this be the year you finally find a way to outshoot me 😉 Love you always,” she finished the caption with a teary-eyed and white heart emoji.

McCaffery had an endearing response to the birthday tribute, commenting, “And I’ll keep letting you win those shooting contests!!!!!”

Read on to learn all about the man who’s been by Clark’s side as she makes hoops history.

He has a famous father

Connor McCaffery is the son of Fran McCaffery, who’s worked as the men’s basketball head coach at the University of Iowa since 2010.

The senior McCaffery even coached his son during the younger McCaffery’s Hawkeyes career.

Connor McCaffery of the Iowa Hawkeyes talks to his head coach and father, Fran McCaffery, during the game against the Seton Hall Pirates at Prudential Center on Nov. 16, 2022 in Newark, NJ. Porter Binks / Getty Images

He was a double threat for the Hawkeyes

In addition to playing basketball under his dad, Connor McCaffery also played for the Hawkeyes baseball team, a feat that wasn’t easy to balance with his other passion.

Rick Heller, the University of Iowa’s baseball coach, raved about McCaffery’s potential at the plate, but noted to Hawk Central, “It’s just really hard for a guy to play Power Five basketball in the Big Ten, where it’s physical and you get beat up, then have to show up 20 games into the baseball season and be ready to go.”

A change of Pace(rs)

After graduating from the University of Iowa in 2023, McCaffery took a job with the Indiana Pacers.

“I’ll play dummy defense, run the scout team, help coaches on film stuff, help on video projects if they need, scouting reports if they need,” he told the Des Moines Register of his career move. “It’s kind of all-hands on deck, whatever you’re asked to do, be ready to do it.”

What better way to carve out a path that could lead him to follow in his father’s coaching footsteps.

“It’s a way in,” he continued. “It’s an entry-level job. You’ve got to work hard and work your way up. That’s obviously what I want to do.”

In September 2024, he joined Butler University as an assistant coach.

Instagram official romance

While neither Clark nor McCaffery have publicly discussed how or exactly when they got together, the couple went Instagram official back in August 2023, when Clark shared a set of photos of the pair cuddled up on a boat.

“Best end to summer,” she wrote in the caption.

He waited until Jan. 22, Clark’s birthday, to feature her on his Instagram.

“Happy Birthday 22 🤞🏼🤍,” he wrote, referring both to her age and the number on her jersey. “Wish I was there to celebrate with you — you deserve the best day ❤️ Golden Bday / T Swift year will be the best yet. With all that you’ve already accomplished, there is so much more in store for you and your special self. I admire you in every way and I love you.”

Their height difference

At 6 feet tall, Clark is taller than most women, at least those who don’t play basketball.

But her 26-year-old beau towers over her. McCaffery stands 6 inches taller than his girlfriend.

She’s not the only Hawkeye he’s rooting for

Clark and Iowa defeated UConn on April 5 to punch their ticket to the NCAA women’s championship. Iowa’s faceoff against South Carolina on April 7, however, resulted in a tough 87-75 loss — but McCaffery had Clark’s back as he posted a photo of Clark to his Instagram story with the caption, “My GOAT @caitlinclark22.”

Caitlin Clark poses with WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert after being selected as the first overall pick by the Indiana Fever during the 2024 WNBA Draft.Sarah Stier / Getty Images

McCaffery is still keeping an eye on Iowa sports, as his little brother and former teammate, 24-year-old Patrick McCaffery, is still a part of the Hawkeyes men’s basketball team.

McCaffery was by Clark’s side at the 2024 WNBA draft on April 15, where she was the top draft pick and selected first by the Indiana Fever. He reposted Clark’s Instagram story, which featured two sweet photos of the pair sitting side by side, with Clark’s caption: “my fav person in the world.”

@caitlinclark22 via Instagram

And Clark’s draft pick status wasn’t the only thing McCaffery celebrated. A fan posted on X asking to see McCaffery’s reaction to Clark’s draft day outfit, a matching white Prada double satin skirt and shirt.

Caitlin Clark poses for a portrait after being selected first overall by the Indiana Fever during the 2024 WNBA draft.Brian Babineau / NBAE via Getty Images

McCaffery responded simply, with just three emoji: the shocked face, hand over mouth face and drooling face.

Clark saw his post, which she replied to with a single face holding back tears emoji.

The couple celebrated their 1-year anniversary in April 2024

On April 24, McCaffery celebrated his and Clark’s 1-year anniversary with a sweet post.

“One year w the best. doing life w u has been easy, and you never cease to amaze me,” he wrote on his Instagram. “can’t wait to watch u live out ur dreams in person 🤞🏼 love you.”

Clark also shared her own post on her Instagram.

“one year of the best mems w my fav person 🖤 you make everyday better and I can’t wait for many more adventures together… love you,” she wrote.